The Lumberjack -- February 4, 2021 by The Lumberjack

THE DEBT DILEMMA PAGE 9

THE LUMBER JACK

FEB. 4, 2021 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FEB. 10, 2021

Online at JackCentral.org

From the Editor

n a random morning some weeks ago, I was perusing social media after waking — the typical, probably-self-destructive routine I keep. My basketball coach from high school posted a quote on his Instagram story by a person whose name I don’t remember: “The happiest people make the best of every situation, always.” Squinting my eyes, I looked away from the phone, staring at nothing. After evaluating the quote’s truth, I nodded my head in confirmation. For the rest of the week, I repeated it to myself whenever it revisited me. In March of last year, I moved in with my family in Phoenix to avoid the highly populated NAU campus for pandemic-related reasons. I was loving my life in Flagstaff. Meeting face-to-face with our editorial team and working closely throughout the week is something I loved and miss dearly. However, I wasn’t upset to go home. I could keep my role with The Lumberjack, just remotely. I looked for the good and I realized I’d be around during my siblings’ coming-of-age years. Besides, I don’t go anywhere anyway because spending money is bad, so NATHAN social distancing has been very doable. MANNI I’m the oldest of three. My brother Andrew is 17, my baby sister Natalia MANAGING is 12 and our trio is skinny-jeans tight. My love for them is bountiful and everEDITOR expanding. Andrew is learning to drive and will graduate high school this year. Natalia wears mascara and has a little boyfriend I’m not sure my mom knows of. She’s likely going to read this, so I guess I’m ratting my sister out. Oh well. On another note, I’m tired. I feel like the exhausted Jimmy Butler meme. My to-do list is longer than DMV lines and due dates are creeping up on me. I forgot it was my week to write a letter from the editor until a few hours ago. It’s probably appalling to read that last sentence coming from a managing editor, but I’m organized — I swear. Traditionally, I’d complain about being swamped with responsibilities. Now, I’m grateful. There’s someone my age out there not fortunate enough to attend college and chase a dream. I acknowledge my luck here, and I’m even more thankful for a forever-solid support system cheering me on.

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Thank you for reading.

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

THE LUMBERJACK VOL. 111 ISSUE 4 Editor-in-Chief Scout Ehrler

Managing Editor Nathan Manni

Copy Chief Nayomi Garcia

Faculty Adviser David Harpster

Print Chief Jacob Meyer

Director of Digital Content Ash Lohmann

Media Innovation Center Editorial Board Director of Social Media Maddie Cohen

Op-Ed Editor Trinity Archie

Culture Editor Katelyn Rodriguez

Sports Adviser Rory Faust

News Editor Camille Sipple

Asst. Op-Ed Editor Kylie Soto

Asst. Culture Editor Kyler Edsitty

Director of Illustration Aleah Green

Asst. News Editor Mark Fabery

Features Editor Olivia Charlson

Sports Editor Cameron Richardson

Asst. Dir. of Illustration Maddie Cohen

Online News Editor Kylie Soto

Asst. Features Editor Emily Gerdes

Asst. Sports Editor Brenden Martin

Senior Photographer Michael Patacsil

Senior Reporter Molly Brown

Director of Photography & Multimedia Shawn Patti

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

Senior Photographer Brian Burke

On the cover Illustration By Aleah Green

Corrections & Clarifications The Lumberjack is committed to factual correctness and accuracy. If you find an error in our publication, please email Scout Ehrler at see86@nau.edu.

PoliceBeat Jan. 25 At 12:34 a.m., a student reported an unknown subject talking through a megaphone. NAUPD responded and checked the area. The subject was found to have left the area prior to officer arrival. At 6:24 a.m., a motorist stuck in snow requested assistance at Hilltop Townhomes. NAUPD responded and provided assistance. At 9:13 a.m., an employee at Campus Heights reported an odor of gas. Flagstaff Fire Department (FFD) and NAUPD responded, but the odor was determined to have been caused by a heater.

At 2:20 p.m., an employee at Old Main reported snowboarders on the north stairs. NAUPD responded and no criminal activity was witnessed. At 8:43 p.m., an employee at Drury Inn & Suites reported the sexual assault of three nonstudents. One nonstudent was arrested and booked into CCDF on two counts of assault and three counts of harassment after being medically cleared by FMC.

Jan. 27 At 8:37 a.m., a nonstudent at Reilly Hall requested a welfare check on a student that had fallen in snow. NAUPD responded and the student was not in any distress and had no At 3:02 p.m., a student injuries. at Cowden Hall reported suspicious communication At 11:00 a.m., a staff over a walkie talkie. NAUPD member at the Student responded and information Academic Services building was provided to Flagstaff Police requested a welfare check on Department (FPD). an intoxicated nonstudent. NAUPD responded and At 5:30 p.m., a student provided a public assist ride. reported their vehicle was stuck in the entry of San Francisco At 6:57 p.m., a subject Parking Garage. NAUPD at Knoles Parking Garage responded and assisted the called to report a car stuck in a student. snowbank. NAUPD responded and the car was moved. At 8:06 p.m., a nonstudent called to report their vehicle Jan. 28 was stuck in lot 66 due to At 8:48 a.m., a student snow. NAUPD responded and called to late report being bitten provided information. by a dog on the intersection of Knoles Drive and Riordan Jan. 26 Road. NAUPD responded and At 6:49 a.m., an employee took a personal injury report. at lot 63 reported a nonstudent had assaulted an employee. Jan. 29 NAUPD, FFD and Guardian At 8:07 p.m., NAUPD Medical Transport (GMT) reported issuing a citation for responded. The victim was no valid license and a stop sign transported to Flagstaff violation at lot 62. The vehicle Medical Center (FMC). The will be impounded for 30 days. nonstudent was arrested and booked into Coconino County Detention Facility (CCDF) for assault and failure to identify themself.

Compiled by CAmille Sipple At 9:09 p.m., staff at Drury Inn & Suites requested medics for a nonstudent having difficulty breathing. FFD, NAUPD and GMT responded and the patient was transported to FMC. Jan. 30 At 12:12 p.m., a supervisory alarm was triggered at McConnell Hall. NAUPD responded and determined the alarm to have been activated by a hair dryer. At 2:11 p.m., a student reported a suspicious vehicle in lot 66. NAUPD responded and one nonstudent was cleared by arrest and summoned for hit and run. Jan. 31 At 10:39 a.m., a student at South Village Apartments reported their car was stuck in the roadway due to snow. NAUPD responded and provided assistance. At 2:59 p.m., a nonstudent reported someone in lot 3 had hit a vehicle and fled the scene. NAUPD responded and took a report.

Coconino County COVID-19 Dashboard data

Community transmission Case rate

Substantial 467.7 per 100,000 pop.

Positivity percentage

15.4%

Cumulative cases

15,290

Flagstaff Medical Center COVID-19 Resources

In-house COVID-19 patients Hospital capacity Critical care capacity

Positive:39 | Pending:15 204/300 39/55

NAU Staff & Student Cases

Cumulative 2021 cases

428

At 8:51 p.m., staff at Allen Hall reported a student having a negative reaction to medication. FFD, NAUPD and GMT responded, but the patient refused transport.

FEBRUARY 4, 2021 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FEBRUARY 10, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

NEWS

Solar United Neighbors promotes solar energy with local co-op Trevor Skeen

olar United Neighbors (SUN), in partnership with the cities of Flagstaff and Sedona, and Coconino County, announced the launch of the Northern Arizona Solar Co-op to help local residents and businesses in utilizing solar power. “The co-op will enable northern Arizona homeowners and business owners to join the growing community of people saving money by harnessing solar power,” SUN’s Arizona program director Bret Fanshaw said. “Together we’re building a movement to create a more sustainable electricity system that directly benefits … the community.” According to a press release distributed by SUN community consultant Denise Robbins, the co-op’s members are not required to invest in solar power. While participants have the option to purchase panels and electric vehicle chargers at discounted group rates, they can also benefit from a greater education and involvement with this alternative energy source. “This is the best part about joining the solar co-op,” Fanshaw said via email. “We educate members about the entire process of going solar and take some of the legwork out of reviewing installation companies.” Additionally, Fanshaw explained that northern Arizona residents, along with others around the country and world, should educate themselves regarding solar energy, the technology, installation process and overall economic benefits. For those looking to purchase, SUN recommends getting proposals from at least three installers before deciding on a final choice. Coconino County sustainability manager Amanda Acheson said the coop program supports a longstanding commitment to being good stewards of the environment, in addition to providing another resource for the area’s residents. Meanwhile, Mayor Paul Deasy paralleled these remarks in SUN’s press release. “The city of Flagstaff is excited to partner with and welcome Solar

United Neighbors to our region,” Deasy said. “We are confident that the Northern Arizona Solar Co-op will help make the process of owning a rooftop solar system more accessible and affordable for interested homeowners and businesses in our community.” Based on a chart shared by Robbins, the average cost of solar per watt has fallen 23% since 2014. Simultaneously, five kilowatt systems averaged $17,500 nationally — but $14,950 through SUN’s co-ops. In 2020, the same setup cost about $14,200 nationally and $12,050 through SUN, which demonstrates a decrease of 19%. These figures denote the increasing affordability of solar energy, along with the effectiveness of SUN’s co-ops. “Bringing many homeowners together gives installers a strong customer pipeline and creates economies of scale,” Fanshaw said via email. “This allows solar companies to bulk order materials and reduce their marketing expenses to find these customers. Pricing for co-op participants will vary from group to group, depending on the group size, location and bids.” Junior Andrew Foss, who is pursuing a double major in environmental science and chemistry, said residential solar is often unable to benefit from economies of scale. Through SUN’s co-op, however, the pricing becomes more similar to mass orders from utility companies and other large corporations — a benefit for individual consumers. Meanwhile, Foss said solar panels are cheap enough to beat traditional energy sources, but convincing people of this cost-competitive and energy-efficient nature poses bigger problems. Grid storage and demand reduction systems are also needed to address solar’s intermittency, he added, although Flagstaff is an ideal location for harnessing this power. “Flagstaff has a lot of advantages when it comes to solar,” Foss said via email. “The temperatures here are mild enough to not hurt the panels’ longevity significantly, as extreme

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Illustration By Dominic Davies

heat can really cut operational lifetimes down. Our relatively sunny years are obviously a boon as well, as the capacity factor — basically the percentage of time the energy source can actually produce energy and isn’t down for maintenance or whatever else — of solar here is higher than Seattle, for instance.” Additionally, Flagstaff’s elevation provides another benefit over the majority of urban areas, which are usually situated at lower locations. Cities like Phoenix store and harness slightly less solar energy being 6,000 feet closer to sea level, which displays Flagstaff’s efficiency and cost effectiveness. “The city of Flagstaff is a pretty great place for solar all around, though rooftop installations can be difficult due to improper roof angles relative to the sun and obstacles blocking light, but it is a viable and financially sound decision for many people here,” Foss concluded. Another factor to consider is that

despite SUN’s solar co-ops, prices in the United States are still relatively high compared to other countries. Foss mentioned Australia for instance, and an article in G reentech Media reported that the country’s solar systems are nearly one-third the price of installations in the U.S. According to the article, Australia benefited from a sharp decline in installation costs and a sudden rise in electric bills. Originally, the country also used feedin tariffs to accelerate investment in renewable energy technologies, along with federally instituted rebates for finished solar systems. The permitting and regulation process is also less intensive in Australia than the U.S., which could provide further incentive for switching to this source. Greentech Media also showed

that overall, Australia’s renewable energy development is growing 10 times faster than the global average, including four times higher than other fast-developing renewable markets such as China, Japan, Europe and the U.S. Despite these unfavorable comparisons between U.S. citizens and Australians, SUN’s press release stated since 2019, six solar co-ops utilized by 102 Arizonan homes and businesses contributed $1.8 million in local solar spending and 26 million pounds of lifetime carbon offsets. SUN is also hosting free informational webinars to educate community members about solar energy generally and the co-ops specifically. The next event is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 6:00 p.m. and interested parties can RSVP online.

NEWS

Recreational marijuana has a place in Flagstaff Molly brown

ven with state regulations already in place for the legalization of recreational marijuana throughout Arizona, officials in Flagstaff are carefully weighing the option of an additional city ordinance regarding its distribution and use. The passage of Proposition 207, the Smart and Safe Arizona Act, in November 2020 elections signified the majority of Arizona residents wanted marijuana legalized. A recent presentation by Flagstaff City Council illustrated 65% of Coconino County voters approved the referendum for “the responsible adult use of marijuana should be legal for persons 21 years of age or older, subject to state regulation, taxation and local ordinance.” A 16% tax on the sale of recreational marijuana, along with fees for the cultivation, distribution and use of the drug, will be placed in a fund that will help local communities annually with a 33% contribution to community colleges and 31.4% going to local police and fire departments, according to the Arizona state legislature’s fiscal analysis. “The act decriminalizes the use and possession of up to one ounce of recreational marijuana by a person who is at least 21 years of age. Individuals who are at least 21 years of age can also legally grow and possess up to six marijuana plants, but no more than 12 plants can be grown at a single residence and cultivation must take place in an enclosed, secure area not visible from public view,” according to the Jan. 12 city council meeting executive summary. There is currently a backlog of cases at the prosecutor’s office in Flagstaff, and further regulation of recreational marijuana use in the city would undoubtedly add to the caseload stretching thin the already overwhelmed court system, councilmember Adam Shimoni said. “My hope is to see the city of Flagstaff move forward in a way that doesn’t add unnecessarily to this backlog when addressing recreational marijuana use,” Shimoni said. “Arizona voters passed this proposition with the intent to use recreational marijuana and not punish people for taking part. Adding unnecessary fines and penalties will move us in the wrong direction. We have the benefit of not being the first in the nation to pass recreational use, and looking to states that already have has shown that many of the fears expressed were never realized.” The act does prohibit use of marijuana in public spaces, but Shimoni said the question is whether this implies to all places accessible by

the public, which seems excessive. However, councilmember Jim McCarthy explained in a phone interview that the reasoning behind a city ordinance is necessary, even with laws already in place. “A lot of times these things that are written by citizen initiative aren’t gone over with a finetooth comb by lawyers and stuff, so there’s little things missing,” McCarthy said. “So, the city will put those in our code just so we can enforce the existing rule, not to make new rules, but just to enforce the things that are already in the initiative.” There are currently 86 licenses for the distribution of recreational marijuana throughout the state with three of those locations in Flagstaff, according to a list from the Arizona Department of Health Services. Aside from local and state governments gaining financially from the taxation of recreational marijuana, Shimoni also talked about the possibility of establishing testing labs in Flagstaff and described it as a potentially great means of economic growth for the local economy. Both McCarthy and Shimoni said they are not opposed to the establishment of

such facilities and additional points of sale. Sgt. Charles Hernandez II, public relations officer for the Flagstaff Police Department (FPD), spoke via Zoom about the illegal sale of marijuana by private growers and how violations of that law could impact the proposed tax revenue. “I think the homegrown people who may be distributing at the street level may be of concern because it disincentivizes the tax revenue that the law or the proposition was predicated on,” Hernandez said. “It was sold on generating tons

“My hope is to see the city of Flagstaff move forward in a way that doesn’t add unnecessarily to this backlog when addressing recreational marijuana use” – Councilmember Adam Shimoni

of revenue being legal from a tax base, and if now we have individual growers distributing it, evading those tax revenues, we see some sort of disincentive from the distribution and enactment of the law.” Another concern is people driving after using marijuana legally, even though the same principles apply as with driving under the influence of alcohol. Steps are being taken on the part of FPD to improve training for officers in the detection and testing of marijuana usage. “We have changed our process as far as DUI enforcement in training officers to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug impairment,” Hernandez said. “We do ARIDE, which is the Advanced Roadside Impairment Detection Expert, and then we have DRE’s, which are the Drug Recognition Experts. Those two classes will help the officers become better aware in recognizing what possible drugs are apparent leading to the impairment of the individual.” Answers to frequently asked questions about growing, purchasing and consuming recreational marijuana can be found here.

Photo Illustration By Bailey Helton

FEBRUARY 4, 2021 – FEBRUARY 10, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

NEWS

Families advocate for the return to in-person learning Lauren Beckel

s COVID-19 cases in Arizona rise, virtual learning has become the new normal. However, some parents are voicing their concerns on whether virtual learning is in the best interest of the children who attend schools in Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD). A private Facebook group aptly named “Flagstaff In Person Education is Essential,” currently has over 570 members, which includes parents and students who have voiced their thoughts about returning to school. One parent from the group, Brielle Kennington, expressed her concerns regarding her childrens’ mental health, in large part because of virtual learning. “During virtual learning I started to see an emotional decline,” Kennington wrote on the page. “My children dreaded school. They cried every day ... When I pulled them out of FUSD and enrolled them in a Prenda microschool, it felt like I got my children back.” A Prenda microschool is a charter school hosted by facilitators out of their home. Coconino High School senior Emma Thom discussed how she has been feeling about online learning and the effects that it has had not only on her mental health, but also her last year in high school. “Having that instruction in person, being able to call a teacher over and talk to them one-on-one without having to request a breakout room, having classmates to talk to and joke around with and become friends with are all among the things I

miss most,” Thom said. “You can’t become friends with a black, muted screen.” According to the Arizona Daily Sun, many parents with children attending schools in FUSD are now seeking legal action against the district in order to get students back to in-person learning as soon as possible. Zachery Fountain, FUSD director of communication and public relations, said in a statement that the district has

“Having that instruction in person, being able to call a teacher over and talk to them one on one without having to request a breakout room, having classmates to talk to and joke around with and become friends with are all among the things I miss most” – Coconino High School senior emma thom

been following health benchmarks to measure the feasibility of returning to in-person learning. “[FUSD] has received a copy of the letter from Alford Law and will continue to make decisions regarding a return to inperson learning based on health metrics to ensure the safety of students, families, team members and the community,” Fountain said in a message to FUSD families. “[The district] has adopted health benchmarks for the return to school and unfortunately, the numbers in our community continue to rise far beyond these thresholds.” Although current COVID-19 case metrics have made inperson learning impossible for the students of FUSD, Fountain said it would not have been possible for the district to navigate through the uncertainty of the pandemic without the help of the community. “FUSD is fortunate that we have been able to navigate remote learning because of the support of the Flagstaff community,” Fountain said. “Each and every student receives an iPad as part of our community-supported bond and override, and over 800 hot spots have been issued to support remote learning, helping provide equitable access to educational resources. We could not have supported remote learning without this generous community support.” There may be no definitive answer to when FUSD students can be expected to return to in-person learning. What is known, though, is the district is planning a safe reopening for when that is possible.

Left: The sun sets on the headquarters of Flagstaff Unified School District Jan. 30, 2021. (Right) A lawsuit has been filed against Flagstaff Unified School District demanding all classrooms be reopened. Michael Patacsil | The Lumberjack

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ARTIST FEATURE

Maddie Cohen

ARTIST FEATURE

have worked for The Lumberjack since the beginning of my junior year! I started as Director of Illustration, where I was able to learn a lot about how The Lumberjack works from the inside while creating awesome digital content for the paper. I worked alongside current Director of Illustration Aleah Green, and we led an incredibly talented team of illustrators. They were not only my illustrative team, but my inspiration and friends. Together, they taught me how to lead and I taught them how to keep growing as individual artists. This was my first opportunity with The Lumberjack and I am forever grateful for getting involved with the paper. I have been drawing ever since I was a kid! I think it’s very important to encourage your children to continue their creative passions into adulthood. Don’t stop providing them with as many artistic opportunities as possible. In middle school, I started getting really serious about my drawing by practicing portraits. They weren’t amazing, but I kept going. That continued into high school, where I learned to draw bodies from Stan Lee’s ‘How to Draw Comics’ book. I recommend that book to everyone I know who is trying to learn how to draw! If it weren’t for me continuing to draw every year of my life, I wouldn’t be where I am now. My last year of high school I chose to use watercolor as my medium for my AP art portfolio. This was my greatest year of growth yet, as I had to create 12 pieces that represented a single topic and create them all with that same medium. I did a series of portraits for my portfolio, and to this day people are my favorite subjects to paint. Although I am now the Director of Social Media for The Lumberjack, I still am helping the illustration team in providing content and artwork. Quarantine has been straining my artistic inspiration and hobbies but I will be creating art for the rest of my life. It’s never too late to pick up a pencil!

FEBRUARY 4, 2021 – FEBRUARY 10, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

OPINION-EDITORIAL

The real goal of anti-abortion advocates Hayley Bostian

Navalny protests: A freedom fight for Russia

housands of Russian citizens braved subzero temperatures to make their voices heard Jan. 23. From the frozen streets of Moscow and St. Petersburg to the snowy cities of Siberia, crowds flooded plazas and roads in defiance of President Vladimir Putin and the Russian state’s efforts to suppress Russia’s political opposition leader, Alexei Navalny. Snowballs were hurled at Federal Security Service (FSB) vehicles by frustrated Russian citizens as chants of “freedom!” echoed through the streets. RYAN The powerful show of protesters DIXON paints the picture of a Russian populace FORMER OPINION nearing a breaking point under Putin’s EDITOR decades-long presidency. Critics of the Kremlin have been protesting, but the events of Jan. 23 are the largest manifestation of dissent Russia has seen in years. The arrest of Navalny seems to be the tipping point for Russians. A new beginning for the cold country could be closer than one would expect. The explosive show of frustration by the Russian people is hardly surprising, though. In August, Navalny was poisoned with the lethal nerve agent Novichok by a Russian FSB officer. Navalny recovered in Germany for five months, but once he left Berlin and landed in Moscow, he was arrested at the airport. The cause for the arrest itself has made many skeptical. Authorities say Navalny violated the terms of a now-suspended 2014 money laundering conviction because of the flight. However, Navalny denies the legitimacy of those charges. Navalny has been a steady pain to Putin over the years. As an outspoken critic of the president and prominent campaigner against the United Russia party, Navalny has made himself a target. With the poisoning of the political leader and his recent arrest, the people seem to have had enough with Putin’s duplicitous dealings. They understandably want freedom, and their president allegedly beating down his largest political opponent in an effort to retain power, while denying involvement, has pushed them to protest. You can only push people so far, and Putin is holding them near the edge. “If Putin thinks the most frightening things are behind him, he is very sorely and naively mistaken,” Leonid Volkov, a top aide to Navalny, said on a Jan. 23 livestream on YouTube. The events of the past week are merely the beginning of a new dawn for Russia. The fight for freedom will forge onward.

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bortion has been a highly debated topic for years now. Some feel it is only right to have the child no matter the circumstances. Others believe in preserving the choice to decide what is best for everyone involved. Everyone is valid in their opinion, but I have noticed there is one flaw in the anti-abortion agenda that is not pro-life. Anti-abortion supporters preach there is a human life that should be saved and all children should be given a chance to live. Yet, this group rarely cares about what happens after this child is born. Regardless of which side is right in terms of science and when life truly begins, what confuses me about their goal is there is so much care for an unborn child and so little care for the future that child will have. One of the biggest aspects is the foster care system. Although there are times when a child is placed in a good foster care home, a lot of the time they are placed into distressing situations and left with trauma. According to Psychiatric Times, a study determined that almost 50% of children in foster care aged 2 to 14 identified with clinically significant mental health problems. In a similar study of teenagers, 42% had at least one mental health disorder. There is also the issue of foster parents who take in children to receive government pay and don’t treat them well, or abuse them. Now, of course, there are many loving foster parents, but a Psychology Today article suggests there are also an overwhelming amount of bad ones. The article cites that existing information underestimates the number of children who are abused in foster homes. Children often end up in foster care to later reunite with their parents or another family member. However, if the child’s mother was originally in a position where she could not care for the child for any reason, it is unlikely that the mother would regain custody. A lot of abuse often gets past social workers. For example, the Hazel family had more than 70 kids passed through

their foster home, according to USA Today. The family was viewed as an amazing placement for foster children, all while Rick Hazel was sexually abusing his foster daughter. Another aspect of the anti-abortion stance that does not quite make sense to me is the standpoint on adoption. Many conservatives who are anti-abortion are simultaneously against gay marriage and adoption. For example, according to NBC, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced he will sign into law a measure that would enforce taxpayer funding of faithbased foster care and adoption agencies, including those that exclude LGBTQ+ families and others based on religious beliefs. Anti-abortion supporters who oppose the adoption of children by gay parents only make the situation worse for those who opt for adoption over abortion. If anti-abortion supporters want more children to be born, there needs to be better placement for them. Eliminating gay couples as potential adoptive parents only takes away many loving and safe

homes. In the end, giving a child a chance at life should mean fully committing to giving that child a happy and safe one. Although a child is born, they cannot truly have a good life if they are subjected to bad living situations, a lack of consistent education and suffering from the trauma the system can give to them. It is amazing to care for children and want them to live. That is essentially what everyone wants. When you claim to be anti-abortion, consider whether you just want kids to be born, or if you want them to live a safe and fulfilling life. To a certain extent, the anti-abortion agenda makes sense. However, I feel it would have a more valid argument if there were more focus on what happens to the children who will not go to safe or stable homes. If women are going to be forced to give birth to children they cannot support, there needs to be help and a plan for how that child is going to live. Pro-life advocates need to put more focus on children’s lives after birth, because without that, they are truly only pro-birth.

Illustration By Tonesha Yazzie

OPINION-EDITORIAL

Biden’s student debt plan is already overdue Trinity Archie

ccording to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, student loan debt in the United States reached a staggering $1.51 trillion in 2020. This crisis, coupled with the economic impact of the pandemic, is cause for immediate action against the ongoing increase in U.S. student loan debt. President Joe Biden’s recent transition into office raised concerns for his plan to tackle the national student loan crisis. The U.S. government spent far too long ignoring this issue. Biden needs to propose a plan sooner rather than later. Student loan borrowers spend years paying off loans. In a 2019 poll from New York Life, participants reported it took an average of 18.5 years to completely pay off their student loans. These educational expenses follow borrowers for a significant period of adulthood and impact every financial milestone. Monthly student loan payments have too much control over borrowers’ lives. These costly payments often stand in the way of home ownership and other potential investments. Citizens should not be financially punished for pursuing higher education. People are already pushing to hear Biden’s plan because student loan debt is at an all-time high. Additionally, many middle-skill jobs that required no more than a high school diploma now insist that applicants have a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to a study by Harvard Business School, Accenture and Grads of Life. In a CNBC article, Chief Economist at Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce Nicole Smith spoke on the ongoing crisis. Smith explained student loan debt is now an urgent and widespread issue, in contrast to past years. Higher education costs were far more practical in the past. “People who went to school in the ’70s and the ’60s, they actually paid for college while working,” Smith said. “They would take a summer job and they would pay their tuition. And by the time they graduated, they would be debt-free or just, a couple hundred dollars, a couple thousand dollars to get by, they pay that off in a couple of years and move on with their lives.” What Smith described is almost unheard of today. In fact, a University of South Carolina study found the price of higher education in the U.S. increased by 250% in the past three

Illustration By Aleah Green

decades, taking inflation into account. As a result, student loan borrowing increased over the years and debt skyrocketed. Sadly, today’s loan borrowers cannot take the ’70s summer job approach to funding their education. With a new administration in office, U.S. citizens are demanding to hear Biden’s plan. These demands are justified. Our government has shown little to no interest in addressing the student loan crisis in previous years. With financial burdens brought on by the pandemic, people need solutions now more than ever. According to CNBC, Biden plans to ask Congress to cancel $10,000 of all borrowers’ student loan debt as part of the next pandemic aid package. This package would also include an extension of the previously implemented pause on monthly payments. These proposals are a step in the right

direction as they offer temporary solutions to a more urgent issue. However, we need a plan that addresses the past, present and future of student loan debt in the U.S. Miguel Cardona, U.S. Department of Education secretary nominee, provided a glimpse of hope when speaking on the possibility of student loan forgiveness. According to CBS News, Cardona spoke in support of a student debt relief plan during an interview with Connecticut Public Radio. “College is the pathway to continued success, and we have to make sure that our students still have access to it and that they’re supported in this process,” Cardona said. While Cardona’s and Biden’s ideas for the future sound promising, the U.S. still lacks a formal plan to address student debt. In order to address the issue, our government needs to determine the causes of the student loan crisis. A Harvard Business Review article suggests

the incredibly high cost of higher education is the primary reason for the steady increase in student debt. This is certainly an area of concern. Biden’s eventual long-term plan will likely need to tackle the source of the problem first. Simply put, higher education needs to be more affordable. We should not have to take out thousands of dollars in loans to receive an education. The Biden administration will need to draft a plan that reverses the damages of that 250% price increase. Unfortunately, this will be a difficult feat and likely a lengthier process than most anticipate. It will take years to undo the $1.51 trillion crisis. However, the issue needs to be addressed no matter how difficult. Officials cannot procrastinate on student loan relief any further. A degree should expand financial freedom, not destroy it.

FEBRUARY 4, 2021 – FEBRUARY 10, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

FEATURES

Students for Justice in Palestine: B Sonia Leyva

AU is home to over 375 clubs and organizations, each with their own unique qualities and objectives. Clubs give people a chance to socialize, discuss and share a common interest. Students can have many different reasons for starting a club at NAU, but for one freshman, the reason was to bring advocacy for Palestine and educating others on what was happening on a global scale. Freshman Paris Moore is the founder and president of NAU Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). Her passion was ignited as a 16-year-old in a high school ceramics class when she was casually listening to a radio station called Democracy Now. According to Democracy Now, the station provides daily global and international news on pressing issues the world faces. Moore said the radio station focused on international issues at the time like the Great March of Return. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Great March of Return happened March 30, 2018 when Palestinian demonstrators

attempted to lift the Blockade of Gaza imposed by Israel. The protest started peacefully until it turned violent. Israeli military troops opened fire on Palestinian demonstrators and civilians. According to reporting by Al Jazeera, more than 250 Palestinian people were killed during the event and subsequent weeks, while the OCHA reported 29,187 injuries in Gaza from March 2018 to March 2019. “[The radio program] went into detail on Israel’s government and military forces and how they were targeting paramedics,” Moore said. “That’s how I got Palestine on my radar.” After that day, Moore said she was inspired to join the Arizona Palestine Solidarity Alliance (APSA), which is a group that endorses Palestinian liberation, while opposing the military partnership between the United States and Israel. According to the APSA official website, the organization advocates for antimilitarization of Israel so that Palestinians can regain their fundamental human rights and land. Moore said as she graduated from high school she wanted to keep advocating for Palestine and what she was passionate about, so

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she looked for a similar club at NAU. However, to her surprise, there was not a justice for Palestine club here, so she created her own. “When I applied to NAU I was looking for an SJP or anti-imperialist club, but couldn’t find it,” Moore said. “I figured I would just start it myself.” Moore created and founded the NAU SJP club early October 2020, but it was not easy. Moore said she found herself struggling to gain members to meet NAU’s club policy. It is required that each club has a minimum of five enrolled student members, according to NAU’s Dean of Students, for it to be an official club. She said another obstacle she faced was getting an adviser for her club, until she met Diana Coleman. Coleman is a lecturer for NAU’s Department of Comparative Cultural Studies. She began advising for NAU SJP mid-October 2020. Coleman’s responsibilities as an adviser consist mainly of being an official point of contact for the club and supporting student-led discussions. She said she helped in promoting and shaping the direction of the club, while

working with members to create new goals for it. She also assists members with any conflicts that may arise. She said during SJP meetings, the organization focuses on various topics including raising awareness for Indigenous Peoples’ Day

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Bringing awareness to global issues and conversing about Palestine’s involvement with other regions such as Kashmir, Artsakh and Puerto Rico. When discussing these topics, Moore said they are usually introduced by a documentary film about the issue, then followed by a

discussion between members. Coleman said the reason why she loves being the club’s adviser is because students exert passion and concern for social justice issues and seek to educate themselves on such topics and raise advocacy. “As someone who has long worked on issues of social justice, I appreciate their approach which recognizes the ways in which injustices are connected across time and geographies,” Coleman said. “Even while particular circumstances and sufferings are uniquely situated.” NAU SJP held its first meeting of the spring 2021 semester through Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions. Moore has met with club members virtually to provide a safer environment for them to discuss their upcoming agenda and ideas moving forward. While it’s a relatively new club, members are always welcoming and inviting people that are interested in joining the organization. “As you can see, we are quite small,” Moore said. “However, I started this club three months ago, and it is nice to see the steady growth of our followers on our social platform.”

Moore said new members are always accepted and she wants them to know they are not required to be well-versed in issues that are happening in Palestine, but they are invited to join the meetings to get informed. Since its first meeting of the semester, the club has already started on a good note by gaining a brand-new member. Freshman Alaina Wrigley joined SJP this year. She said she decided to join because she had a personal connection to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, therefore she felt compelled to join a club reflecting that. “I have known various individuals who were physically injured or killed in the IsraeliPalestinian conflict,” Wrigley said. “This is part of the reason why I think there needs to be a more supportive environment within academic institutions for students who are critical of Israel.” Wrigley said she wants to be part of an inclusive organization that fights for its beliefs and challenges oppression. Moore said the mission statement for SJP is to bring awareness to this issue, and for students to have the opportunity to learn more about

struggles against imperialism and for sovereignty. She said she realizes the big risk of having a SJP club because of the repercussions members may face, but she said there are students around the globe that face punishment or risk of arrest because they make the choice to demonstrate for a cause. Moore said she realizes the risk, but continues to fight passionately for issues Palestine faces. “[NAU SJP] can be a little pebble in the history of NAU hopefully, I’m not sure,” Moore said. “I would like it to turn into something big, but I know the demographics of this campus, which is predominantly white, but I am hopeful.” NAU SJP is looking to gain more Palestinian students and allies for the club to gain momentum and to advocate for Palestine. Even if SJP started out small, the club is fighting for something huge. If any individuals are interested in joining the club to bring advocacy for their cause or just get informed on issues involving Palestine, they can reach out through True Blue Connects or NAU SJP’s Instagram account.

Illustration By Christian Ayala

FEBRUARY 4, 2021 – FEBRUARY 10, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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Exploring the competitiveness of NAU’s nursing program Eleana Assimacopoulos

ry eyes from studying, racing hearts from exams and aching hands from essays are some of college students’ common afflictions. Nursing students are all too familiar with these problems, but they can prescribe solutions to help one balance the workload. Nursing has become a popular field, especially with the given current pandemic. The nursing program at NAU is challenging, rewarding and competitive, but it is also a demanding and selective program. Dawn Rivas, associate director of the NAU School of Nursing, said the nursing program gets over 100 applicants per semester, but only admits 30 students each time. She also said it is essential to complete all liberal studies and prerequisites before applying to the nursing program. Rivas said the nursing program at NAU has three different locations. The primary site is at the Flagstaff Mountain campus, but the program also operates at the Yuma and Tucson campuses. “I think it’s difficult because it’s very competitive,” Rivas said. “The thing that is kind of surprising to me is that if I had my mindset to become a nurse, I would become a nurse wherever they accepted me. And so, what we see a lot is people apply to our nursing program and only want to come to Flagstaff.” Rivas said if people were more flexible and willing to travel to a different location, they could get into the NAU nursing program sooner. The application is longer than most of NAU’s other degree program applications, and also includes a Kaplan admission exam and the newly added CASPer test. Junior nursing major Carlos Pampara got accepted to the program in fall 2020 and started this spring. Pampara said it is a good idea to be open to complete the program in either Tucson or Yuma, not only in Flagstaff. Pampara said he was rejected once before he was accepted into the program. He said when he took the Kaplan test it was hard because only about 20 questions cover three semesters of sciences, but he found it most helpful to study anatomy. He said the CASPer test was more like a personality test than an exam with actual questions. Junior Calli Ketterer majors in nursing and she got accepted into the program in spring 2020 and started the following fall. She said she believes the process of the application needs to be adjusted slightly.

“I think the process needs improvement because it is based on GPA and one test score, and to me, that doesn’t accurately show the candidate applying for the position,” Ketterer said through text. “I feel as though there should be multiple interviews, so the program can get to know the applicants and see if they would be fit for the job.” She also said it is a popular major, making it more intense, especially with only 30 spots available per semester. Rivas said the nursing program is strict when it comes to completing everything, which can take about three semesters. Once a student is accepted into the program, it takes about five semesters to finalize all the requirements to graduate with a nursing degree. However, Rivas said NAU also has an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing, which can be taken if a student has already earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college. The nursing program’s accelerated option aims to prepare a student for the registered nurse’s exam, a test for entrylevel nurses to take to become a registered nurse within one year. Pampara said he found it hard to balance studying for the Kaplan test with classes. Depending on the date that one signed up for, it can line up with the first or

second exams given in actual classes. He said it is vital to be organized and to start studying for the exams early as opposed to waiting until the last minute. “It was hard trying to balance between [studying] for the Kaplan and also focusing on classes that you’re taking right now,” Pampara said. “It can cause some stress if you don’t manage or organize yourself well. It is kind of hard to prioritize what you want to focus on.” He said the benefit of not getting in the first time was that he knew what to expect when reapplying and retaking the Kaplan exam, which helped him study more efficiently. Rivas advised prospective students to keep trying if they are not accepted right away. However, it is essential to step out of one’s comfort zone and consider not being set on the Flagstaff campus. “[Students should] be

willing to think outside of the box or outside of their comfort zone and maybe not stay in Flagstaff,” Rivas said. “And don’t give up if you didn’t get in this time, even if you didn’t get in next time because there are people that are really good nurses that tried two or three times before they got in.” Ketterer said the nursing program is intense, but it is great to get involved with if nursing is a field of interest. “I think that it is a very well-put-together program with amazing instructors and a great platform to learn,” Ketterer said. “I encourage people to look into a career in nursing and NAU in particular. Just know that it is going to require a lot of time and dedication, but it is possible if you put your mind to it!”

“Just know that [Nursing] is going to require a lot of time and dedication, but it is possible if you put your mind to it!” – Junior Nursing Student Calli Ketterer

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Illustration By Madison Cohen

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FEBRUARY 4, 2021 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FEBRUARY 10, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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oBSERVING iNTERNATIO Jacob Rimmer

‘Euphoria’ is better than ever

BO’s “Euphoria” has quickly become one of my favorite shows. The dreamy, glittery imagery and phenomenal acting had me hooked from the start. The soundtrack is a roller coaster ride of trap and sad-girl music that matches the show perfectly, and the latest installments are no different. HBO released a two-part special that looks at the aftermath of the opening season’s finale, while also filling holes that complete each character’s arc. Part one centers on Rue (Zendaya) dealing with her drug relapse and the absence of her love interest Jules (Hunter Schafer). This special strips the show of its editorial makeup looks and enhances how vulnerable KYLER EDSITTY these characters can be. On Christmas Eve, Rue talks to her Narcotics ASSISTANT Anonymous sponsor Ali about her relapse and how CULTURE EDITOR to cope with all the loss she experienced. During this conversation, Rue ponders what is really important to her: love or sobriety. The pair also talk about how addiction is a lifelong struggle, the Black Lives Matter movement and religion. Part two begins with one of the most beautiful scenes in the show. Events from the first season are reflected in Jules’ eye while “Liability” by Lorde plays in the background. This chapter also features Billie Eilish and Rosalía’s angelic collaboration “Lo Vas A Olvidar” on the soundtrack. Now from her own perspective, Jules talks to a therapist about her new outlook on her gender and sexuality. She wonders if she has molded her gender expression off what men find desirable, rather than her own creation. We also find out that Jules’ family has a past with substance abuse. Jules struggles with being a person Rue relies on to be sober, similar to how she was treated by her mother who struggles with alcohol addiction. “Euphoria” is a truly unique show because it throws the typical teen drama out the window. This gritty reality is contrasted with beautiful cinematography and fashion. These teenagers have conflicts with real-life situations, rather than stereotypical ones portrayed everywhere else. Looking at mental health, gender, body image and abuse without rose-colored lenses allows authentic commentary that media is in desperate need of. After months of teasers, these new chapters make the wait worthwhile. Although the pandemic required a limited amount of people for shooting, this minimal production works in the show’s favor. Focusing on one character per episode allows the audience to truly understand the person and relate to their struggle. Although both episodes made me tear up, I can’t wait for Season 2, which is expected to drop in late 2021 or early 2022.

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n certain occasions, it becomes necessary to reflect on the weight of history and its relationship with the modern community. International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a memorial day held each year on Jan. 27, a date which commemorates the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp by Allied powers in 1945. Over one million prisoners were killed in Auschwitz alone — the genocide in its entirety culminated in the deaths of over 17 million people. In 2021, 76 years later, this date remains a testament to a disturbing image of humanity and a moment to mourn those who fell victim to the Nazi regime. Resolution 60/7, the United Nations proposition that created International Holocaust Remembrance Day, was adopted Nov. 1, 2005 and officially designated Jan. 27 as a day of memorial. Besides commemorating the memory of victims, the proposition also rejects and condemns any form of denial of the Holocaust. According to the U.S. Holocaust Museum website the resolution also aims to preserve sites, such as concentration camps and killing centers, that were utilized by the Nazi regime during the ‘Final Solution.’ “Drawing from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the resolution condemns all forms of ‘religious intolerance, incitement, harassment or violence against persons or communities based on ethnic origin or religious belief throughout the world,’” the U.S. Holocaust Museum website states. The existence of such doctrines maintains the notion that it is equally necessary to preserve as it is to teach. The tangible aspects, memories and emotions must be sustained in order to shed light on the truth of such atrocities, especially in the context of present-day crises. This is one of the central objectives of the MartinSpringer Institute, an NAU institution that intends to examine the causes and conditions that allowed the Holocaust to occur and utilize these insights to address modern instances of bigotry, violence and genocide. The institution offers a range of diverse educational programs including commemorative events, public speakers, research opportunities and Holocaust exhibits that are intended to enhance awareness and reconcile the past with a compassionate future. This year, the Martin-Springer Institute commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a panel of guest speakers, all of whom hold the matter close to heart and derive a personal relationship to the issues covered in the discussion. Martin-Springer Institute director Björn

A candle honoring those affected by the Holocaust was lit at the closing of the Martin-Springer Institute International Holocaust Remembrance Day event Jan. 27. Madison Easton | The Lumberjack

Krondorfer began the seminar by quoting President Joe Biden’s statement released just hours beforehand. “Today, we join together with people from nations around the world to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day by remembering the six million Jews, as well as the Roma and Sinti, Slavs, disabled persons, LGBTQ+ individuals and many others who were murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators during the Shoah,” Biden said. An important note is made here regarding the multitude of demographics that were persecuted and systematically annihilated, not just those belonging to Jewish ethnicity. Biden’s statement continued: “We must never forget

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ONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBERANCE DAY

Kim Klett, a Holocaust educator in Mesa, Arizona, gave a personal anecdote on how students in her classes have learned to be understanding of each other’s beliefs and feelings Jan. 27. Madison Easton | The Lumberjack

the truth of what happened across Europe or brush aside the horrors inflicted on our fellow humans because of the doctrines of hatred and division.” With this sentiment in mind, the panel proceeded with sincerity and solemnity. Each guest related a variety of personal experiences that differed in content almost entirely from the previous. The differences in personal background were clear, but the speakers still managed to maintain a connection among themselves that was cultivated by their shared stance on bigotry, as well as a unanimous desire for truth and education. Shannon Allison, a teacher at Shonto Preparatory Technology High School located in Navajo County, touched on her own perspective and the importance of legacy by examining the connection with her own ancestors who were victimized by the 1864 mass deportation of the Navajo people.

“We are all products of the sacrifices of those who came before us,” Allison said. “Transferring that to being a teacher on the Navajo reservation, I’m taking this time to really develop and write curriculum that will leave a lasting impression, to facilitate and develop skills so that students can take on advocacy when they see injustice happening in the world.” Eddie Chavez Calderon, a social justice advocate, spoke about his correspondence with a Holocaust survivor. “Whether it is helping our homeless community, bridging communities together, addressing anti-Semitism on both sides, I carry these words that he said to me: ‘I learned to live when I let go of my hate. I stopped hating and I started living,’” Calderon said. Regardless of opposing backgrounds, all speakers involved in the Martin-Springer Institute discussion utilized their relationship with the past, whether concrete or inherited, to encourage

themselves and others to nourish and educate the community. At the seminar’s conclusion, Krondorfer commended the speakers and encouraged participants and observers alike to ruminate on the content of the seminar, as well as the personal emotions the topic evokes. A question seemed to remain: On a day such as Jan. 27, what should be considered, especially in regards to our own community? Rabbi Shneur Wolfman, a member of the Rohr Chabad Jewish Center in Flagstaff, said the prospect of upholding justice is not simply a self-evident inclination, rather, it is a task that must be taken up concurrently with all considerations and judgments. “The other person is just as important, and we have to keep this in mind,” Wolfman said. “That’s the only way we fight social injustice.”

FEBRUARY 4, 2021 – FEBRUARY 10, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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The three best destinations for Deshaun Watson

ouston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has made it clear he wants out of the franchise. The lack of playoff success has seemed to frustrate Watson. NFL insiders say it is inevitable that Watson will be traded to a team with hopes of being an instant playoff contender. Watson is easily one of the best young quarterbacks in the league due to his athleticism, playmaking ability and leadership qualities. This season, Watson led the league with 4,823 passing yards and was tied for seventh with 33 passing touchdowns. On top of this, Watson is only 25 years old and appears to have a long career ahead of him despite some minor injury concerns. Watson will have control over where he goes due to a no-trade clause in his CONOR contract. With all this in mind, let’s take SJOERDSMA a look at the three best landing spots for WRITER Watson. Denver Broncos Denver started eight different quarterbacks over the last five years and none of them had much success. Their current starting quarterback is 24-year-old Drew Lock, but he may not live up to expectations, as he led the team to a 5-11 record in 2020 with 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. The Broncos have an extensive list of offensive threats. They spent their 2020 first-round pick on speedy wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to join with tight end Noah Fant, as well as wide receivers Courtland Sutton and KJ Hamler. San Francisco 49ers Head coach Kyle Shanahan is one of the best offensiveminded coaches in the NFL, as well as being one of the youngest. His offensive playbook is very aggressive with lots of play-action passes, reverses and trick plays. For this reason, I think Watson fits perfectly into this offensive scheme because of his versatility. The 49ers would most likely give up their 12th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, a second-round pick and their 2022 first-round pick. Is Watson worth two first-round picks? Absolutely. Jacksonville Jaguars I know what you’re thinking. The Jaguars are going to take quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the first pick in the upcoming draft. What if I said you are wrong? In a perfect world, the Jaguars would trade their first-overall pick as well as a second-round pick in order to acquire Watson. Additionally, Watson is a proven commodity where you know exactly what you are getting. The same cannot be said about the so-called generational talent in Lawrence. With the most cap space going into the 2021 offseason, the Jaguars can acquire a plethora of talent to put around Watson. There will be quality wide receivers and running backs in free agency, allowing the Jaguars to potentially build a powerhouse offense that could score at will.

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Freshman Gina Dittmann (left) and sophomore Elinor Beazley (right) celebrate with a fist bump in a 7-0 win over Dixie State, Jan. 23. Photo courtesy of NAU Athletics.

Food and family: How NAU international athletes transition to new surroundings Will Hopkins

omesickness is a common symptom among students who move to attend college. Some experience it worse than others, but everyone eventually misses something about home. It could be the cooking, spending time with family or even just petting their dog. All of this is left behind while having to adjust to an unfamiliar environment. For some students, however, this adjustment is dialed up to 11. Students come from far and wide to attend universities in the United States, especially student-athletes. One of the sports where this is becoming increasingly normal is tennis. In 2008, NAU women’s tennis head coach Ewa Bogusz made the trip from her home nation of Poland to Oklahoma to attend the University of Tulsa, where she starred for the tennis team. “I feel like because I went through it myself, I can help these ladies tackle some of these challenges,” Bogusz said. “I try to be available for them 24/7 if I need to.” Bogusz had a successful college career where she ended with the third-most doubles victories in school history. Following her playing days, she coached at the University of Wyoming before

finding her way to Flagstaff where she earned the head coaching role at NAU in 2018. In her time at NAU, Bogusz has relied heavily on international recruiting. “For me, there are a lot of good international players that want to come play for universities like NAU,” Bogusz said. “The top U.S. players want to play for the powerhouses. It’s just easier to recruit the good players from abroad.” While it does ease the recruiting process, recruiting overseas can also present a number of unique problems. Players coming from other countries may have never learned English, forcing them to learn a different language to prepare for school. Some struggle from such a culture shock and it can hurt their transition. Even national rivalries could get in the way of team chemistry. However, the NAU coaches never had an issue arise from the different cultures on the roster. In fact, Bogusz said it can add to the experience for the players. “It just opens their mind and later on, they are more open to learning new things or traveling to new countries because they learn from each other so much,” Bogusz said. “It’s only a benefit, never a challenge.” While coaching is a huge part of making players comfortable,

SPORTS each player on the roster also plays their part in helping one another make the transition smoother. This year, NAU’s roster only has two U.S. citizens, while the other six members of the roster hail from four different countries. Among them is senior Ellie Millard, who comes from Southampton, England. Millard is one of two seniors on the roster, but the lone international graduating student. In addition to making sure she is playing her best day in and day out, Millard assumes the role of helping her younger teammates feel more comfortable during their transition in the U.S. “I try to stay positive and show what our culture is both on and off the court,” Millard said. “We also go out for meals. I’ve tried to make sure that it is a prominent part of our team.” Freshman Gina Dittmann comes from Essen, Germany and was a key member of the Lumberjacks’ first win of the season, topping Dixie State University 7-0 during a doubleheader. Dittmann played on court No. 2 for both singles and doubles matches in the Jan. 23 meeting. It may seem Dittmann would have an additional obstacle to overcome with the language barrier, but she spent three months studying English in Australia when she was younger. When she arrived in Flagstaff, she found plenty of ways to make her transition smoother. “In the first weeks, I started watching some English movies and having more conversations with my American roommate, and that helped me get used to it,” Dittmann said. While being a member of a team can help players adjust, they still encounter many obstacles that other students do, such as separating from their families, just like a typical college student. Family is a hard thing to simulate, but Bogusz makes sure her team gets the opportunity to enjoy home-cooked meals together. “In past years, we have done team cooking,” Bogusz said. “It’s always fun to see what everyone’s home country serves for breakfast or dinner.” While the journey may have its costs, it is a unique opportunity for student-athletes. It can be hard to be away from family, friends and even food, but it is also a massive benefit for the players who make the move. Players get to experience a different culture and continue their athletic career. Bogusz was very clear about her experience. “It was the best decision in my life,” Bogusz said. “I recommend it to everyone faced with that choice.”

Top: Dittman (left) and Beazley (right) debrief between matches against ASU, Jan. 31. Bottom: Senior Ellie Millard (left) and sophomore Mimi Bland (right) at a home match against Dixie State, Jan. 23. Photos courtesy of NAU Athletics & ASU Athletics

FEBRUARY 4, 2021 – FEBRUARY 10, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

SPORTS

TAKING A LOOK Back AT The Most E

Arthur Meyer

uper Bowl Sunday is almost here. On Feb. 7, the Kansas City Chiefs will battle the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for NFL supremacy. Before the big game, let’s take a look at the 10 best Super Bowls from the previous 54 editions. 10. Super Bowl XXXVI: Rams vs. Patriots Tom Brady’s first Super Bowl win was one of the best. The New England Patriots had a 17-3 lead by the end of the third quarter, but the Rams tied the game with 1:30 left in the fourth quarter. Brady led the Patriots into field goal range. As time was running down, many thought the Patriots would just take a knee and go to overtime. However, Patriots coach Bill Belichick had other ideas as he sent kicker Adam

Vinatieri out to attempt a game-winning 48yard field goal. He made the field goal and the New England dynasty was born. 9. Super Bowl XXIII: Bengals vs. 49ers This game had one of the most exciting finishes in NFL history. The game was a lowscoring affair as it was only 3-3 heading into halftime. In the fourth quarter, while trailing 16-13, quarterback Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers had a chance to win the game. They were able to get down to the 10-yard line. Montana found wide receiver John Taylor open in the end zone to take a 20-16 lead and win the game. The dramatic nature of this game was what made it special. 8. Super Bowl XXV: Bills vs. Giants Wide right. These two words define this

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remarkable game. With eight seconds left, kicker Scott Norwood lined up to attempt a 47yard field goal to win the game for the Buffalo Bills. However, he shanked the kick right of the field goal posts and the New York Giants won the game. The missed kick began a Super Bowl losing streak for the Bills as they lost the next three. 7. Super Bowl XXXIV: Titans vs. Rams The game known as “The Longest Yard” was another thriller. The St. Louis Rams were known as “The Greatest Show on Turf ” due to their amazing offensive display. The Tennessee Titans were down 16-0 at one point but scored 16 unanswered points in the second half to tie the game. With 2:12 left, quarterback Kurt Warner found wide receiver Isaac Bruce for a 73-yard

touchdown to put the Rams back in the lead 2316. However, the Titans drove inside the 10 with just seconds left. Quarterback Steve McNair hit wide receiver Kevin Dyson on a slant route, but Dyson was ruled short of the goal line after extending the ball as far as he could, resulting in a heartbreaking loss. 6. Super Bowl XXXII: Packers vs. Broncos “This one’s for John,” former Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said. The Broncos’ win was not only their first Super Bowl, but it ended the NFC’s streak of 13 Super Bowl wins in a row. The game was impactful and exciting throughout. With the game tied 24-24 and just 1:45 left, running back Terrell Davis scored a touchdown to give the Broncos a 31-24 lead. Quarterback Brett Favre tried to lead the Green Bay Packers down the field to tie the game, but

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Exciting Super Bowls of all time

Logos courtesy of the National Football League

the Broncos’ defense was able to stop them and win the game. Quarterback John Elway got the Super Bowl victory he’d been seeking his entire career. 5. Super Bowl XLII: Patriots vs. Giants The end to a perfect 2007 season for the Patriots all came down to one of the greatest plays of all time — the helmet catch. The undefeated Patriots were leading 14-10 with 2:39 left when the Giants got the ball back. On a third down, quarterback Eli Manning evaded a sack and heaved a pass to wide receiver David Tyree. He jumped up and caught a highly contested ball against his helmet. This set up a touchdown for wide receiver Plaxico Burress to take the lead and upset the Patriots. Not only did the Giants ruin the Patriots’ perfect season, but they did it in dramatic fashion.

4. Super Bowl XLIX: Seahawks vs. Patriots With less than a minute left, the Patriots led 28-24 against the Seattle Seahawks. After wide receiver Jermaine Kearse made one of the greatest catches in football history, all the Seahawks needed to do was punch the ball into the end zone with overpowering running back Marshawn Lynch. Instead, quarterback Russell Wilson threw the ball and was intercepted at the goal line by cornerback Malcolm Butler. Ultimately, it was the Patriots who were able to hang on to secure a victory. 3. Super Bowl XLIII: Cardinals vs. Steelers The Arizona Cardinals trailed the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-7 at the start of the fourth quarter. However, the Cardinals rattled off 16 unanswered points, highlighted by a

64-yard touchdown from wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald to take the lead. With 2:37 left, the Steelers drove down the field and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw one of the most improbable passes to wide receiver Santonio Holmes for a game-winning touchdown in the back of the end zone. This was one of the best finishes in NFL history. 2. Super Bowl XIII: Cowboys vs. Steelers The best way to describe this Super Bowl is one play. The Dallas Cowboys trailed the Steelers late. Quarterback Roger Staubach threw a pass to the end zone where tight end Jackie Smith was wide open and dropped it. The Steelers went on to win the game and it’s all thanks to the dropped pass. Pittsburgh went on to win the Super Bowl a year later, and Dallas didn’t return for another 14 years.

1. Super Bowl LI: Falcons vs. Patriots The Atlanta Falcons blew a 28-3 lead. Midway through the third quarter, the Falcons had a comfortable 25-point lead over the Patriots. Then, quarterback Tom Brady flipped the switch and the Falcons played conservative. The Patriots stormed back and tied the game 2828 late in the fourth quarter that was highlighted by an amazing catch from wide receiver Julian Edelman. This caused the game to be the first and only Super Bowl to go into overtime. Brady led the Patriots to a touchdown on the first drive of overtime to win. This was the greatest comeback and game in Super Bowl history.

FEBRUARY 4, 2021 – FEBRUARY 10, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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