Story by Gwendolynn Riddoch
Photo by Cait Mckinzie
FOCO EVENTS TOP STORIES
NEWS: Disability Courtesy Shuttle carries students around campus PAGE 4
L&C: Local cafe Hal’s Coffee opens new location PAGE 7
SPORTS: From receiver to father: CSU tight end Vince Brown II steps up PAGE 11
THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN
Lory Student Center, Suite 118 Fort Collins, CO 80523
SCIENCE: Butterfly Pavilion, CSU join forces for invertebrate conservation PAGE 13
A&E: The Atrium seeks prospective buyer for Old Town music venue PAGE 17
OPINION: Navigating newfound independence in college isn’t easy PAGE 20
GALLERY: Ag Fest kicks off CSU’s Ag Week PAGES 14-15
A Hundred Drums at Aggie Theatre 8:30 p.m. Sept. 6
Endless Fest at The Lyric 7 p.m. Sept. 7
The Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Show at Fort Collins Marriott 6-9 p.m. Sept. 7
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The first day of the Involvement Expo is held in the Lory Student Center Plaza Sept. 3. The Expo was organized by the Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement office as an opportunity for student organizations to display their work and talk to students.
PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN
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LuMin housing program continues to serve students
By Sam Hutton @sam_hut14
Although a perennial problem for college students, finding affordable housing in Fort Collins is uniquely difficult for members of the Colorado State University community.
Despite the average citywide rent decreasing by 0.7% in August, overall rent costs have risen exponentially since 2021, with Fort Collins’ rent growth exceeding both the national and state averages.
In collaboration with CSU’s office of Off-Campus Life, Lutheran Campus Ministry at CSU continues to combat the swelling costs of Fort Collins living and provide affordable housing opportunities for students in need. Through the LuMin Student Housing Security Initiative, a select group of financially challenged CSU students are provided subsidized housing in the Prospect Plaza apartment complex. Twentyone students are enrolled in
the program for the 2024-25 academic year.
Rent costs are subsidized by interdenominational donations and grants, cutting rent costs nearly in half for participating students. LuMin students also receive additional affordability resources, advising opportunities and free laundry services. The program is one of several of its kind in Fort Collins, with its students accounting for only a fraction of the CSU student population faced with housing insecurity.
Campus Pastor Paul Judson is the program’s main organizer and says providing affordable housing is only part of LuMin’s commitment to students.
“Not only do we provide housing, but we provide community,” Judson said. “It’s not very cool to be housing insecure in a community with a lot of affluent people. ... So we get together on Monday nights where (students) can just care for and support one another.”
Judson estimated nearly 2% of students experience housing insecurity at CSU annually, accounting for over 600 students each year.
“Housing insecurity isn’t just the person out on the street,” Judson said. “It’s a large population of the students here.”
Judson also made it clear that the ministry does not proselytize to students as part of the program, meaning church membership and program membership remain separate.
Xenia Guardado Rivera, a firstyear in the housing program, said her time in the LuMin Student Housing Security Initiative has been integral in securing affordable housing near campus, adding that Prospect Plaza’s convenient location makes commuting to class much easier without a vehicle.
“I don’t have to worry about making rent” Guardado Rivera said. “Now I know I can, which is a big relief.”
Guardado Rivera said she also enjoys the community resources offered by the program and believe building community is a valuable aspect of her experience.
“It’s nice to be part of the program and learn from everyone and come together
as a community,” Guardado Rivera said.
However, with the Prospect Plaza apartments set for demolition next year, LuMin has been forced to seek alternatives. Residents have been given the option to move out at the end of their lease in May 2025 or move to another building temporarily until July 31, 2025.
The Off-Campus Life office handles most of the program’s administrative needs and is part of the search process for a new location.
“We’re actively involved with LuMin to try and find a new home for their program,” said Justin Schwendeman-Curtis, assistant director of Off-Campus Life.
Judson said a new home for the program isn’t yet finalized, but the Ram’s Village apartment complex has emerged as a feasible alternative. He said he hopes to finalize arrangements by the end of the year, allowing the program to continue offering student housing without disruption.
Reach Sam Hutton at news @collegian.com.
Lutheran Campus Ministry, located on South Shields Street, offers affordable housing for college students in Fort Collins Aug. 31. For the 2023-24 school year, LuMin is helping 21 students afford housing and is providing additional assistance to support them.
PHOTO BY ARIA PAUL THE COLLEGIAN
ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION
Disability Courtesy Shuttle carries students around campus
By Bear Atwood @csucollegian
The Disability Courtesy Shuttle aids students with temporary and permanent disabilities in getting across campus. Plans for another shuttle to the University Center for the Arts are in the works.
Joe Tiner is the assistant director for access and accommodations within the Colorado State University Student Disability Center.
“Our office does the part of the process where we verify that students have either a permanent or temporary disability that affects their mobility and refer them to parking and transportation services to use the shuttle program,” Tiner said.
Tiner said the program caters to students with a variety of different needs: those who use a wheelchair due to mobility restrictions, students who have broken one of their legs and just need the service until they recover or those with more chronic health conditions like a limited lung capacity, which makes walking long distances difficult.
The shuttle runs from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and picks up students at certain locations on campus, such as designated parking lots, dorms and campus buildings that are not near the Transfort Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant routes. The shuttle does not operate during academic breaks but does run during the summer semester.
An app is currently being developed to streamline the process of scheduling rides.
To access the shuttle’s services, students first must meet with the Student Disability Center about their disability and accessibility needs. Then, after the Student Disability Center collects documentation of the student’s disability, they send approval to Parking and Transportation Services. The student can then schedule pickup times and locations with Parking and Transportation Services.
Outside of the shuttle, the Student Disability Center also works with students to find other means to get them where they need to go, including the Around the Horn bus or Transfort’s Dial-A-Ride Paratransit service.
There is also another shuttle in development that will transport students farther out to the University Center for the Arts. This shuttle would work similarly to the current one, but each trip would need to start or end at the University Center for the Arts.
Because of the train that runs between the main campus and the University Center for the Arts, a shuttle van is needed to cross the track.
“If a bus has to cross the railroad track, it will not be on schedule, and the Around the Horn bus runs every 10 minutes,” said Aaron Fodge, director of active transportation at CSU parking and transportation services. “There’s the potential that we get out two to three buses waiting to cross the tracks, and then we’ve got some pretty unhappy customers who are counting on that route to get them to their destination.”
The shuttle is first come, first served, and Fodge said it has already started to reach capacity as those with permanent disabilities schedule their rides at the start of the semester. This may leave students who suddenly become either
temporary or permanently disabled in the middle of the semester unable to access the shuttle services.
Associated Students of CSU Vice President Braxton Dietz said more funding would be needed for the program to expand.
“As far as expanding the program, that really won’t happen until a year or two — maybe five — down the road, once we see how much ridership this gets,” Dietz said. “From the initial surveys that we put out, this program is really desperately needed, and likely, we’ll get a lot of ridership.”
Currently, the program funding has been allocated from many different organizations on campus, including student fees and the Student Disability Center.
“I know the city of Fort Collins is watching this closely, too, because we’re all wanting to see how ondemand microtransit is going to operate in Fort Collins,” Fodge said.
Microtransit is known as a flexible, on-demand transit that utilizes smaller vehicles than a bus, such as a car or shuttle van.
Reach Bear Atwood at news @collegian.com.
“From the initial surveys that we put out, this program is really desperately needed, and likely, we’ll get a lot of ridership.”
The Institute for Learning and Teaching west entrance, which opens to the Student Disability Center March 9
BRAXTON DIETZ ASCSU VICE PRESIDENT
PHOTO BY CADEN PROULX THE COLLEGIAN
Ryan Chrys and the Rough Cuts
with Ash Redhorse and the Midnight Suns
AG DAY WEEKEND
FRIDAY • SEPTEMBER 6
DOORS AT 5 PM
@ Lory Student Center West Lawn
Planet Fitness opens 1st location in Fort Collins
By Sophie Webb @sophgwebb
Joining several gyms in Northern Colorado, the first Planet Fitness in Fort Collins opened during the summer — and it is more than just a place to work out.
Planet Fitness brands itself as a judgment-free zone — a place where anyone and everyone can work out. And for owner Carla Jamieson, this is exactly what she aimed to create.
“We make them feel like it’s somewhere they belong, (giving) them a little sense of community,” Jamieson said. “I believe it to be a place where people come and they look forward to it.”
This is the fifth Planet Fitness Jamieson owns — the other Colorado locations are in Pueblo, Loveland and Cañon City with an additional location in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Jamieson said a gym owner for Planet Fitness usually owns over 100 locations, but for her, owning five gives her the opportunity to connect with each one.
“I really try to get involved because that’s one of my favorite things,” Jamieson said. “I like to give back and be a part of the community. I think that it brings me more than I could ever give it, really. Each (gym) is just so different.”
It was important to find an ideal space for the new gym, but being from Winnipeg, Canada, Fort Collins was perfect for Jamieson.
As part of her original contract, Jamieson was told to own five Planet Fitnesses. The Fort Collins location finally checked that box for her, as she is now able to concentrate on the gyms instead of planning.
“I’ve been working on (this Planet Fitness) for 10 years, so even just saying it, I start to cry,” Jamieson said. “It’s for me, as an owner, about being comfortable, where everybody can feel welcome. I like to learn everybody’s names.”
Located just 10 minutes from campus, Planet Fitness provides college students with a way to efficiently workout with high-quality machinery in a communitybased environment for an affordable membership price at any time they need, as it is open 24/7.
The Classic membership is $15 per month and gives members full access to the gym’s machinery; however,if members want to take their gym experience to the next level, they can purchase a Black Card membership at $24.99 a month. This option gives members access to any location worldwide and all amenities, including HydroMassage chairs.
“Like every college student, I was just looking to get a workout in, and it was sort of a journey of how I fell in love with the place,” said Omar Abutayeh, a member of Planet Fitness. “I fell in love with the place. It was awesome to come here.”
As members walk in, they are greeted by donation boxes with supplies for
students. Not only does Planet Fitness support members; it also aids local communities. It is not meant to be a place of comparison or stress but rather a place where members walk in and are met with a warm greeting.
“What really makes it special is the people that are here,” Abutayeh said. “They’re good, motivating leaders. They encourage you to be better, (and) they’re really an integral part of this place. They’re like a family here. At the end of the day, when I come here, I enjoy seeing these guys.”
Planet Fitness employees try to create a bond with everybody — another reason for members wanting to come in — on top of the many opportunities the gym offers.
This past summer, Planet Fitness offered a High School Summer Pass that allowed students to come in and work out for free. The team found out in a survey after the passes ended that it not only improved the students’ physical health but also their mental health. They are planning to continue offering the pass in the future.
“It’s an environment that, when people are coming in, they’re coming in to better themselves,” Jamieson said. “They come in here, and it’s kind of like they leave happier than when they came in all the time, and they’re proud.”
Reach Sophie Webb at news @collegian.com.
The first Planet Fitness in Fort Collins held its grand opening Aug. 14. The brand new Planet Fitness is located at 126 W. Troutman Parkway. A classic membership starts at $15 per month. PHOTO BY LAUREN MASCARDO THE COLLEGIAN
DELICIOUS BEVERAGES
Local cafe Hal’s Coffee opens new location
By Katie Fisher @csucollegian
Through a stroke of luck and good timing combined with a leap of faith, Hallie Dantzler became the owner of the newest coffee shop next to Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Hal’s Coffee, which recently opened its first physical location in CSU’s C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute, first began as a mobile coffee truck servicing Northern Colorado and the surrounding areas. The creation of the truck was born from Dantzler’s decision to pivot her career away from health care.
“When I was doing my undergrad, I really enjoyed being a barista, and coffee put me through my undergrad and my grad program,” Dantzler said. “So I thought that, you know, maybe being my own boss was the way to go.”
Dantzler’s goals for the business were clearly defined from the beginning,
with emphasis put on high-grade products and ingredients that lead to an exceptional customer experience.
“We focus on sustainability and keeping things local to support our own economy,” Dantzler said. “We never sacrifice quality for quantity. We try to not get too big for ourselves.”
This dedication to quality shone through in the smallest details when constructing the business, including carefully selecting the coffee beans, said Dantzler’s mother, Tricia Craig.
“Hallie went to the roaster for a couple weeks to get the exact flavor that she wanted,” Craig said. “(She looked for) the exact flavor combinations and darkness or robust flavor.”
Both locations offer a large variety of drink options, with most being espresso-based, along with chai, matcha and tea options. The addition of the physical location has allowed
and lunch options, from waffles to sandwiches and pastries.
One of the most popular menu items combines different ingredients customers might not expect to see together.
“A standout (is) the FoCo, which is Dr. Pepper, a shot of espresso and some vanilla and cold foam,” Craig said.
The cafe location was born out of Dantzler jumping on a sudden stroke of unexpected luck. She attacked the opportunity with the same tenacity she carried through the rest of the business.
“That was a fluke,” Craig said. “We were out in the parking lot with the trailer, and the space came available, and she jumped on it.”
Students have also taken notice of the new coffee option on campus, noting it as a
standout for its proximity to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
“It’s super convenient because we work so much in the hospital that it’s nice to have a place on campus that we can just come and get coffee from,” said Emma Swan, a third-year veterinary student.
The cafe location will be hosting its grand opening today, and all students and the community are invited to attend. Anyone who crosses the counter at Hal’s Coffee is guaranteed to be met with the same customer-first mentality Dantzler emphasizes.
“We connect with everybody that comes to our counter,” Dantzler said. “We try to learn most of their names — try to make sure that everybody that leaves our counter is better than how they were when they got there.”
Reach Katie Fisher at life @collegian.com.
“We connect with everybody that comes to our counter. We try to learn most of their names — try to make sure that everybody that leaves our counter is better than how they were when they got there.”
HALLIE DANTZLER
HAL’S COFFEE OWNER
An iced frosted mint mocha is set upon the counter at Hal’s Coffee truck, parked in the parking lot at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital Aug. 27. “Frosted mint is like regular mint, but it’s softer and sweeter,” barista Mary Dantzler said. She added that it’s a popular addition to hot chocolate.
PHOTO BY SAMANTHA NORDSTROM THE COLLEGIAN
Rams, lambs are here for CSU’s Ag Fest
By Gwendolynn Riddoch @csucollegian
Accompanying September’s long-awaited arrival is one of Colorado State University’s longest-standing traditions: Ag Week.
On Tuesday in the Sutherland Garden outside of the Lory Student Center, CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences kicked off Ag Week with Ag Fest.
The event was an opportunity for all students to learn a little more about agriculture and the technology behind it, interact with some lambs, sample food and pick up some swag.
Each department within the College of Agricultural Sciences was asked to come out and show off their best current endeavors.
Jonathan Cable, a graduate student studying agricultural sciences, was the coordinator for Ag Fest.
“This is kind of a reimagined event this year,” Cable said. “Previously, we have done Ag (Week) on The Plaza. Our departments come out and show off the work that they are doing and their educational programming.”
Cable is excited about the change in venue, as it will allow them a touch more space for the event.
“What the Ag Fest is all about is showing off the innovations in modern agriculture, not
only with our departments but also across the state in the field of agriculture,” Cable said.
“This gives the entrepreneurs and newest inventions a voice and an opportunity to be on campus.”
The 21st Century Equipment booth attracted a sizable crowd with their John Deere tractor.
Neil Motley, small equipment sales manager for 21st Century Equipment throughout Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska, ran the 21st Century Equipment booth along with Isabel Drobny and Colin Feeney.
“John Deere doesn’t build themselves anymore as a tractor company; they build themselves as a technology company that builds tractors,” Motley said.
Drobny and Feeney are both CSU alumni.
“Twenty-first Century (Equipment) supplies a lot of the equipment for the athletics department,” Drobny said. “So we wanted to showcase a tractor and some precision ag technology.”
The technology they showcased is used to help people make educated, databased decisions on what to do with their fields. A setup from 21st Century Equipment also allows people’s tractors to run on autopilot. The focus is to provide more information so farm and field owners can save time and money.
“My grandparents grew up farming, and so I got to spend some time on their farms, but my parents moved away from it and were both technology driven,” Feeney said. “I tried to find the intermittent place between those two different things, and an agricultural business major from (CSU) sounded like the way to go.”
There is a plethora of different majors within the College of Agricultural Sciences at CSU. Sarah Wilhelm is a CSU alumna and a professor of horticulture and landscape architecture. She helped run the horticulture and landscape architecture booth at the Fest.
Wilhelm began her academic career studying natural resources but found it wasn’t the right fit for her. After taking her first horticulture class, she found herself studying for hours.
“We are an awesome department,” Wilhelm said. “We have students and awesome instructors; it’s just a really friendly department, and we have a bunch of opportunities.”
Wilhelm knows not everyone can choose a major in the department of horticulture and landscape architecture; they also offer minors in both fields of study.
“We are out here at Ag Fest getting the word out about the College of Agriculture,” Wilhelm said.
Reach Gwendolynn Riddoch at life@collegian.com.
Students reach in to pet lambs brought by the College of Agricultural Sciences during Ag Fest Sept. 3. “We work with sheep and cattle — my primary research program is in sheep,” animal sciences professor Caitlin Cadaret said. “But we collaborate with other folks in the department and the college to work in both cattle and a little bit of the equine space as well.”
PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Compost Queen is revolutionizing sustainability in Northern Colorado
By Sophia Masia @csucollegian
Composting is a biological process that breaks down organic materials into a soillike substance that can be used as fertilizer instead of the waste going to a landfill. However, not everyone has the space or resources for composting, which is why Compost Queen is making sustainability more accessible by offering curbside food waste composting.
“I realized that my backyard composting wasn’t working as I hoped,” said Jamie Blanchard-Poling, Compost Queen founder and owner. “One household typically doesn’t generate enough waste to compost effectively year-round. That’s when I learned about community composting and developed the business plan to gather different people’s household organic waste and process it in one spot.”
Founded in 2018, Compost Queen is the only permitted and licensed facility to haul and compost organic material in Northern Colorado. Customers fill their 4-gallon bucket with food scraps, which Compost Queen collects, empties, cleans and composts for them.
Personalized monthly service reports provide customers with insights into their climate impact, including the weight of food scraps diverted from the landfill. Twice a year, in spring and fall, customers are invited to collect finished compost for their own use.
“When we were small, we only offered compost once a year because that’s how much we could produce,” BlanchardPoling said. “Now, with the growth of our customer base and commercial programs, we can offer it twice a year.”
Despite their growth, Compost Queen remains dedicated to environmental stewardship as a public benefit corporation. Their mission is to empower communities to embrace composting while making a positive impact.
“Being a PBC means we have to prioritize the environment and our community in every decision we make, whether financial, structural or environmental,” Blanchard-Poling said. “That was very important to me as a composting company.”
This commitment is reflected in every aspect of the business as they continue to strive for a sustainable future, regardless of the challenges, including finances and being woman owned in the maledominated waste industry.
“The difficulties are definitely financial,” Blanchard-Poling said. “This past year, I secured a grant for our first electric vehicle for deliveries. I’m excited to step in that direction, but it’s still a financial hurdle to choose what’s best for the environment
even if it’s not the best for the business.”
Compost Queen’s innovative approach to composting and dedication to environmental stewardship has set it apart as a leader in sustainable waste management. But after a state regulator told BlanchardPoling her single-location composting was too large, she began partnerships with local businesses and farms.
“Composting makes our team feel super proud about what we do,” said Holly Hynes, general manager of Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, which partners with Compost Queen. “We are all so psyched to be able to say that we divert that much waste per week from the landfill.”
Whether providing dropoff locations for compostable materials like local coffee chain The Human Bean or using their services to create a more sustainable business like Snooze, community and mutually beneficial relationships are a cornerstone of Compost Queen’s success.
“We don’t really advertise that we do this — we do it because it’s the right thing to do,” Hynes said. “Our founders, Jon and Adam Schlegel, believe in doing what is right for the community and leaving the world just a little better than it was the day before. As one of very few restaurants able to make this happen in the area, we are definitely proud and take it seriously.”
Compost Queen believes one of the main issues with promoting composting is a lack of education. Beyond curbside composting, environmental efforts and community involvement, they offer classes and consulting and have a blog to teach individuals about the benefits of composting.
“That is one of my main focuses — just to educate the community on what composting is, why you should do it and how to do it yourself because that’s where it all starts,” Blanchard-Poling said. “When I do a consulting client, I give them all the nuts and bolts of composting, and then I’ll check in on them to make sure it’s going well and give them any tips and tricks they need.”
As Compost Queen continues to grow, Blanchard-Poling remains committed to her mission of driving Fort Collins and the surrounding areas toward a zero-
waste future. They offer tours of their facility and Composting 101 classes every other month, and they plan to expand their services and partnerships.
Compost Queen is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come and is currently hiring operators and market representatives to support their growth.
“Whether you want to sit in a truck all day and do pickups or go out to the farmers markets and talk to people, we have opportunities for different personalities,” Blanchard-Poling said.
Compost Queen isn’t just a business; it’s a movement that redefines waste
management in Fort Collins. As Jamie Blanchard-Poling and her team continue to lead the charge in redefining waste as a valuable resource, Compost Queen is not just composting for Northern Colorado — it’s cultivating a legacy of environmental sustainability.
“If you’re an entrepreneur or in college wanting to start a business, just don’t give up,” Blanchard-Poling said. “There were so many times I wanted to give up and just say, ‘Screw it.’ It can get so frustrating and upsetting, but if you quit, you’ll never know what you could have become.”
Reach Sophia Masia at life @collegian.com.
Jamie Blanchard-Poling, the Compost Queen, stands next to her company’s waste-delivery truck Aug 23. PHOTO BY SAMANTHA NORDSTROM THE COLLEGIAN
After 6 years, 7 surgeries, Michael Mooney returns in full stride
By Adam Gross @agrose_22
While the rest of the Colorado State cross country team spent practice running side by side, Michael Mooney trained alone without the use of his legs.
As an assistant coach the summer before the 2022 season, Kelly Hart received a brief from former coach Andrew Epperson on each runner at CSU. She saw Mooney’s profile on the roster and knew his course was longer than the other runners.
“He said Michael has had an incredible journey back from his surgeries, and he’s incredibly talented,” Hart said. “If we can just keep him healthy for a short period of time, he’ll help us.”
When Hart met Mooney for the first time, he was working a summer job in the equipment room. They met as he carried out a stack of boxes. Mooney said hello, but Hart’s response was a little different.
“I was like, ‘Oh, you must be the guy with all the hip surgeries,’” Hart said.
Mooney joined the Rams in 2018 when he redshirted the fall outdoor season. At the start of 2019, his redshirt was pulled by the team after scoring at the first indoor conference meet of the year. Mooney had a small amount of pain his first year, which he described as a “pinching in the hip drive.”
Spring 2019 was the first time his lingering hip pain worsened.
“I remember standing at the starting line at a meet in Greeley at (University of Northern Colorado), and my dad was right of the track,” Mooney said. “I was talking to him saying, ‘My hips feel really tight.’”
Completing the spring season, Mooney received a clear MRI at the start of fall 2019, which convinced him to push through that outdoor season. Mooney then underwent another MRI that concluded he tore the labrum in both of his hips.
“It was kind of like a sigh of relief because I had been running so long through the hip pain,” Mooney said. “So that’s when I knew everything was going to be turned upside down.”
Mooney’s initial surgeries in March 2020 repaired the torn labra. A week later he received a periacetabular osteotomy on both hips. The operations amounted to his first four of seven.
“They break your hip in three spots, twist it around (and) screw it together just to fix the angle of the ball and socket joint so the tearing wouldn’t happen again,” Mooney said.
When Mooney was unable to use his legs, him and Hart designed training routines to maintain his cardio. Mooney tied pool floats around his legs and thrashed his arms in the pool until reaching exhaustion.
“I’m probably the worst swimmer of all time, so just arms made it 10 times worse,” Mooney said.
The times spent training alone were some of the most challenging moments in Mooney’s life. He played soccer growing up, which developed his desire for competitiveness within a team. Training alone left Mooney with nothing but himself for motivation.
Coincidentally, not having his cross country teammates around during his training became his motivation to push forward.
“Just seeing how hard we fight for each other during a race — that’s got to be the same mindset for when I’m hurt, doing stuff behind the scenes while everybody else is outside,” Mooney said. “I’m swimming in the pool, and it’s just me and one lifeguard.”
Lars Mitchel chose to run at CSU because of a Mooney-led campus tour when Mitchel was deciding on a program. Mitchel joined the team in 2019, one year after Mooney. Mitchel said they embody an older-younger brother-style relationship.
RAMS...
For the most part, Mitchel has never competed or trained without Mooney alongside him, except for the 2021 season. Regardless of Mooney’s physical state, he involves himself in the program in any way possible.
“The guy would crutch around practice trying to take splits with his really bad handwriting that nobody can read,” Mitchel said.
Mooney competed through the 2022 calendar year by receiving steroid injections and dry needling to his hips. The injections masked the pain — without them, the injury was apparent.
In March 2022, Mooney ran a 1,500-meter race at Colorado State University Pueblo, which he thought would mark the declining end to his career.
“I was shot out the back,” Mooney said. “It just felt like I didn’t have any speed under my legs, and I couldn’t keep up with the pack. I remember finishing the race and just thinking how unfair this sport was to me and going and sitting next to my dad for an hour.”
Later that season, both sides of Mooney’s hips tore again. He decided to run through fall 2022 on his torn labra. He received his final three surgeries — two to repair the labra and one to remove the screws — in May and August 2023.
Mooney finished AllMountain West in 2022.
“By the end of it, I was racing with Lars Mitchell and Mason Brown,” Mooney said. “It felt like I was back and part of the team again with those guys that I know that I can train with and race with.”
Read the full version of this article at collegian.com.
Reach Adam Gross at sports @collegian.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF OLIVIA ALLEN, COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
FAMILY FIRST
From receiver to father: CSU tight end Vince Brown II steps up
By Michael Hovey @michaelfhovey
Family, focus, football.
Colorado State football’s Vince Brown II emerged as a clear contender for the starting tight end position just a week before the Rams’ season opener. The other potential main contributor at the position, Jaxxon Warren, is scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery and won’t play in the 2024 football season.
Since the departure of star Dallin Holker, a door has opened for a new leading man in a growing list of competent tight ends from CSU.
A transfer from College of DuPage, Brown was tasked with transitioning from wide receiver to tight end in just his second season with CSU. Such a transformation required serious physical and mental adaptations. On top of that, he was recently met with the opportunity of a lifetime: becoming a father.
“Now it’s like, football is bigger than just me,” Brown said. “I have to provide for my family and then all my family members who helped me
to get up to this point. I want to be great for them.”
For Brown, football and family go hand in hand. Coaches and peers have helped him develop as an athlete and a person, but his fiancee and family made everything worth it.
CSU’s tight end coach, James Finley, witnessed Brown’s devotion to his people throughout his dynamic time with the team.
“He loves his fiancee,” Finley said. “He’s excited about his daughter that’s on the way, but that’s the biggest thing with Vince — his fiancee and his mom. He loves his dad, too, but his mom — she’s everything to him, and he’s a mama’s boy.”
With his loved ones at his back, Brown now juggles two big tasks in the coming months — most immediately, the first of his regular season games as a tight end.
The 6-foot-6 pass-catcher put on close to 35 pounds in the offseason — something his coaches requested from him. During training camp, Brown adjusted to the physicality of his
“He loves his fiancee. He’s excited about his daughter that’s on the way, but that’s the biggest thing with Vince — his fiancee and his mom. He loves his dad, too, but his mom — she’s everything to him, and he’s a mama’s boy.”
JAMES FINLEY TIGHT END COACH
new role. Tight ends are often described as a hybrid between a wide receiver and an offensive lineman, so it’s almost like learning half of a new position.
“The biggest transition from wide receiver to tight end is definitely the blocking part,” Brown said. “When it comes to getting in there with the big boys and blocking the (defensive ends), you got to have that effort, that dog in you, to actually go in there and get your clothes dirty a little bit.”
Brown isn’t alone in his metamorphosis. Warren and fellow tight end Mason Muaau both came into the program with different roles but ultimately ended up competing in the same group.
“I feel like we’re not selfish,” Muaau said. “We care about each other — care about each other’s dreams. Everybody wants to go to the league.”
As one of the most experienced players in his position group, Brown has naturally evolved as a leader. His two years in a junior college program allowed him to develop physically and gain starting experience.
“He’s taken a leadership role — him and Pete Montini,” Finley said. “Like, today, practice wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t where we wanted to be. Then Vince stepped in and said something to the tight ends — just a little something after practice — which was good.”
Being a role model is something Brown will likely keep on his mind, especially with a baby on the way.
However, becoming a leader requires help along the way. Brown relied on his religion to help him through recent dynamic times. As a result, coping with adversity now comes naturally.
“I feel like everything happens for a reason,” Brown said. “Just staying locked in and just always focusing. Even though it is a lot of weight on my shoulders, I don’t feel the pressure.”
For Brown, there’s nothing to worry about. Along with his mental strength, his dedicated preparation and hard work have yielded confidence in himself and his abilities in football.
“Other people say pressure is not knowing what you’re going to eat
the next day or how you’re going to provide for your family,” Brown said. “This just is a sport we play.”
As CSU football kicks off, the team will finally have an opportunity to demonstrate the cohesion they’ve been working on all offseason. Players will be tested individually and also as a complete unit. The Rams will have to lean on each other and trust without hesitation.
“I learned a lot from Vince, you know,” Muaau said. “So looking forward, this is an older guy to me. I look up to him a lot because he (has) been here. He (has) done everything.” Brown currently sits atop the depth chart for the Rams. Barring any setbacks, the senior will have many more opportunities than he did last season.
It’s time to see what he can do.
“It’s really bigger than just me,” Brown said. “And I tell myself that every day, like, this football game is bigger than just me. I have to go out and provide for everybody.”
Reach Michael Hovey at sports @collegian.com.
Senior Vince Brown II (10) runs through the end zone during a spring football practice April 6
BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN
PHOTO
HOLE-IN-ONE HIRE
CSU men’s golf welcomes new coach for upcoming season
By Sophie Webb @sophgwebb
After Colorado State coach Michael Wilson returned to his alma mater to continue his coaching career, the men’s golf team welcomed Jack Kennedy.
Throughout his past eight seasons coaching at San Francisco, Kennedy led his team to the NCAA championship twice, helping them make 12 All-West Coast Conference selections.
“College athletics are always changing — it’s always fluid,”Kennedy said. “I was not really looking to leave USF but got called by CSU. It was too good of an opportunity to pass up.”
Although the team just had their first meeting Aug. 26, Kennedy has not had much time to settle in before their first match in just a few short weeks on Sept. 17.
Despite having limited time, Kennedy is not rushing the training process but is instead allowing players to have the typical college experience while also being athletes.
“For me, college athletics is a really special time,” Kennedy said. “These kids are going to have four years to have the most fun, to get the most
experience, to see the world (and) to compete at the highest level. It’s my job as a coach to provide them that experience in every facet.”
Kennedy brought a fresh philosophy to the field: Focus on coaching while helping his players become the best version of themselves.
Instead of rushing into training for the NCAA championship, Kennedy plans to take a step back and make sure the players have what is needed to be successful, fulfilling that wellrounded college experience.
“I’m a player’s coach,” Kennedy said. “I was a three-sport athlete myself. I know what it takes to be a college athlete and go to school and all the time constraints. We’re just trying to work with them on what has worked in the past and what I think works and combine the two together.”
Instead of trying to replace Wilson, Kennedy is focused on being his own person and coach, bringing what he knows to the team while “not trying to reinvent the wheel,” he said.
Kennedy said he hopes to make a positive impact on the team, connecting with the players and creating the sense of community he has experienced in his new home of Fort Collins over the past few weeks.
“I’m going to be the most positive,
uplifting, joyous coach they can have here at CSU, and we’re going to enjoy the process of going through and winning championships,” Kennedy said.
CSU men’s golf has experienced a high turnover of coaches in recent years, and for players like Christoph Bleier, this will be their third coach in four years.
“(Christian) Newton was a great coach, setting up a great schedule for us,” Bleier said. “Michael Wilson had a great impact on our team, putting the team closer together. Now with our new coach, Jack, I think I see it trending in the same way, where we still compete inside the team and try to be a national championship team.”
Despite golf being a more independent sport, it is a coach’s job to aid them in their journey and push them to be the best they can be — and that is exactly what Bleier expects.
Bleier’s goal for his final season is to compete in the Professional Golfers’ Association of America Tour, specifically the Korn Ferry Tour, with the help of Kennedy.
“With coach Kennedy, we’re going to have a great season ahead of us,” Bleier said. “He’s going to prepare us well for tournaments.
He’s going to keep competition high within the team. We’re all here to get better individually, and the coach helps us.”
For Matthew Wilkinson, this is his second coaching change while on the team, and he is already bonding with Kennedy over their shared love for the Denver Broncos.
“I know some people when they first come are skeptical of what could happen, but I think it’ll be a positive change,” Wilkinson said.
Over the summer, Wilkinson practiced to compete in the PGA Tour, too, and after winning a few tournaments, he said he feels confident he can make it there with Kennedy’s help.
Kennedy isn’t the only new person on CSU’s fields; he is joined by several other new athletes on the team.
“This year, we have five new people, which is more than half (of the team),” Wilkinson said. “It is kind of a new dynamic in its own.”
Although new to each other, the team is ready to begin the season and prepare for the games ahead.
“We want to enjoy the competition, but we want to beat everybody, and we want to win (at) the highest level,” Kennedy said. “We want to push to the next level, ... on the golf course, ... in the community, in the classroom — we want to be great.”
Reach Sophie Webb at sports @collegian.com.
Ptarmigan Country Club hosted the Ram Classic Sept. 26, 2023.
PHOTO BY PAIGE MOLENKAMP THE COLLEGIAN
BUG BUDDIES
Butterfly Pavilion, CSU join forces for invertebrate conservation
By Lizzy Rylance @csucollegian
When thinking about the city of Westminster, Colorado, the phrase “tropical oasis” is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Yet tucked away in a nondescript commercial district on Westminster Boulevard, Butterfly Pavilion is exactly that: a tropical conservatory brimming with lush foliage and exotic creatures of all kinds.
Butterfly Pavilion is the first Association of Zoos and Aquariumsaccredited nonprofit invertebrate zoo in the world. Through a dynamic array of exhibits and research projects, they offer a unique opportunity for people to learn about a world of often-overlooked animals.
One interactive exhibit is dedicated to underwater organisms, while another highlights crawling critters like local celebrity Rosie the Tarantula. Rotating exhibits feature funky invertebrates from around the world, offering a rare glimpse into their diverse ecosystems.
The crown jewel is the Wings of the Tropics exhibit, where butterflies fly freely and visitors shed their jackets in the humid heat. The walkways are lined with carefully curated greenery, tall palms and sweetly scented flowers create the distinct impression of strolling through a rainforest.
Behind this vibrant display is a mission with ever-increasing importance: to solve the invertebrate crisis that is threatening the health
and survival of the Earth. Earlier this year, Butterfly Pavilion officially joined forces with Colorado State University in an effort to tackle this issue head-on.
Little things that run the world
Renowned biologist Edward Wilson once described invertebrates as “the little things that run the world,” and this was no exaggeration. Around 97% of all animal species fall into this category, ranging from microscopic plankton and tiny insects to giant squid.
These critters shape the world in countless ways. Some are more obvious; pollinators like bees and butterflies play a critical role in supporting global food systems. Around one-third of all the world’s crops are pollinated by these industrious workers.
Other ways they impact the world are more frequently overlooked. Detritivores and decomposers like worms and termites are essential for breaking down dead organic matter and recycling it into nutrient-rich soil. It may not be the most glamorous job, but without them, the planet would be littered with decay.
Invertebrates are also an indispensable part of the food chain for many animals. Birds, fish and frogs are just a few of the animals that depend on them for survival.
“Insects and invertebrates in general are vital to life as we know it,” said Richard Reading,
vice president of science and conservation at Butterfly Pavilion. “They do everything from pollinate our food to create our soil (and) filter our water. They do all kinds of stuff that make this planet livable.”
Issues like climate change, pesticide overuse and habitat loss are increasingly jeopardizing invertebrate biodiversity, Reading said. Scientists are concerned that the ongoing decline in invertebrate populations could cause cascading effects that will upend life as we know it.
One major challenge is that most invertebrate species remain understudied or entirely undiscovered. It is difficult to find solutions when so much remains unknown, Reading said.
Through conservation and education efforts, organizations like Butterfly Pavilion hope to raise awareness and discover new approaches to solving the invertebrate crisis.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty about what is going to happen, and I don’t want to be too doom and gloom because I do have hope,” Reading said.
The collaboration with CSU will open up many exciting new opportunities for research and education, with a particular focus on practical conservation projects and student engagement.
“We’re really excited to be working with CSU in the future,” Reading said. “I think it’s going
to be an amazing partnership. I’m really thrilled to see where it goes.”
New opportunities for education and outreach
Jackie Billotte is a Ph.D. student at CSU who works closely with Butterfly Pavilion on her graduate research. She said she initially reached out to the organization while searching for a facility capable of raising tarantulas.
Billote’s work now incorporates education and outreach components, including how interacting with spiders like Rosie can help change people’s perceptions of them.
Billotte said working with Butterfly Pavilion has given her the freedom to branch out and do interdisciplinary work beyond what is usually available to graduate students.
“It really allows for a more diverse research opportunity,” Billotte said.
Now that Butterfly Pavilion has formally partnered with CSU, there will be even more opportunities for students to get involved in conservation and research.
“This partnership will prepare the future workforce, enhance conservation efforts and elevate our research abilities, which is more important than ever given the critical impact of invertebrates on the food web, agriculture and the environment,” CSU President Amy Parsons said in a statement.
The partnership will also allow for more of what Butterfly Pavilion already excels at: community outreach.
“It’s an all-around community resource here,” said Michael Abante, senior marketing and communications manager at Butterfly Pavilion. “Behind our doors, globally and throughout the state as well, there’s just a lot that’s going on.”
This includes opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get involved in invertebrate education and conservation. Kids can engage in interactive learning through summer camps and school field trips, while adults and seniors can participate in community science initiatives or hands-on workshops like the pollinator garden boot camp offered over the summer.
“I really commend the education team because they make it so accessible,” Abante said.
Beyond local efforts, Butterfly Pavilion is also involved in global research and conservation initiatives, making it a hub for environmental education and action. Reading said the partnership with CSU will expand these opportunities even further.
“There’s really no end to what we can do potentially,” Reading said. “I think it’s two great organizations coming together and synergistically becoming better than the sum of the parts.”
Reach Lizzy Rylance at science @collegian.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BUTTERFLY PAVILION
Ag Fest kicks off CSU’s Ag Week
Romero smiles and takes a photo of a lamb brought by the College of Agricultural Sciences to Colorado State University’s Ag Fest at the Sutherland Garden outside the Lory Student Center Sept. 3. Representatives from the college allowed students to pet the lambs and answered questions about them. “I would encourage people to come on by for all the different events this week,” said Caitlin Cadaret, an animal sciences professor. “There’s going to be some really cool showcases of all the different types of industry and production that goes into animal agriculture and crop production.”
Kaylee
PHOTO BY
CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN
Agricultural data scientist A.J. Brown talks to interested students about CSU’s Agricultural Water Quality Program. Brown’s group focuses on making and using low-cost technology to help protect state surface and groundwater from contamination. “Before you can make change, you have to be able to measure what you care about,” Brown said. PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN
The College of Agricultural Sciences brought three lambs to Ag Fest. The college has a research flock of sheep these lambs are a part of. “It gives us an opportunity to have docile animals that we can bring to campus,” Cadaret said. “They can interact with the greater community and give them a sense of how we handle and raise our animals ethically and humanely with their welfare at the forefront.” PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN
Shaun Wood, a representative of Wickham Tractor Corporation, sits in a Magnum tractor. Wickham hosted a booth at Ag Fest to show their tractors and the technology that goes into them. “There’s a huge place for young people in this industry,” Wood said. “We’re not eyeballing it anymore. There’s a lot of technology involved, and we need people like them to keep this industry moving forward.” PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN
that people
get
about
this
“There (are) a lot of families saying we don’t want to farm anymore, but it doesn’t have to be that way.”
Sarah Hinkley, co-founder of Barn Owl Precision Agriculture, shows CSU students how drone mechanisms work. “I hope
can
excited
using this tech and
innovation on the farm,” Hinkley said.
PHOTO BY SAMANTHA NORDSTROM
THE COLLEGIAN
Julianna Messina, a grad student studying animal sciences, sits in the pen with the sheep at the College of Agricultural Sciences animal science booth. “Our research looks at how the environment that we raise pregnant animals in affects their own health as well as their babies’ health,” Cadaret said. PHOTO BY SAMANTHA NORDSTROM THE COLLEGIAN
Erica Giesenhagen tables with sustainable solutions for agriculture. “We do research to try and mitigate the impacts of animal agriculture on the environment while promoting the profitability of producers and making sure communities are fed and happy,” Giesenhagen said. PHOTO BY SAMANTHA NORDSTROM THE COLLEGIAN
Representatives Samantha Bradley and Joey Long from CSU’s landscape design and contracting program talk to passing students. Their booth was there to talk about opportunities students have access to in the industry and their goal of sustainable water management. “The slogan is, ‘Promoting the intelligent use of water,’” Long said. PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN
The Atrium seeks prospective buyer for Old Town music venue
By Katie Fisher @csucollegian
Nestled under the Alley Cat Coffeehouse, The Atrium At The Alleycat has provided solace for rookie and veteran musicians and artists alike for the past three years. Now it is searching for a new owner.
Originally announcing the change on Instagram July 12, coowner Connor Williams informed the community that The Atrium was being listed for sale, a choice spurred by the effort and time demanded of running three businesses. However, Williams’ decision was made with the bar’s core community in mind.
“People really want to keep it a music venue, which is why I am trying to transfer it to someone,” Williams said.
The bar adjusted its operation hours to 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Shows scheduled through the end of September will stick to their prescheduled dates,
with Williams also explaining that he will continue to book shows until the venue is sold out. He said he is “down to keep (shows) rolling for the moment.”
While Williams said, “It’ll be sad to see it go,” he also reflected fondly on the community built within the walls of the establishment over the past three years it has been operating.
“It’s a really fun, creative space that tends to draw a slightly older crowd than some of the younger, rambunctious college student bars downtown,” Williams said.
The tight-knit community formed between the paneled walls and ambient lighting reacted strongly to the news, Atrium doorman Richard Leckie said.
“I’ve seen people cry knowing that it is going,” Williams said. “(At) the last open mic night, people (were) bawling that it’s happening, that it’s closing down.”
The venue has played a critical role in shaping Fort Collins’ music scene and culture from the
moment it first opened its doors. Seeing international bands from Amsterdam and Colombia to the first one-stage performances of local legends, every performer and audience member to grace the establishment was touched in their own way.
“I got turned on to all kinds of local music,” Leckie said. “Lowkey, like, funk music — funky stuff that you’d never see anywhere (else) because it was just a couple of artists from other bands that got together and tried something funky here one night.”
Others mirrored similar views of The Atrium’s impact on the local music scene.
“It kind of feels like this place is almost, like, the heart of the music scene,” bartender Ilana Held said. “Like, it’s right downtown, right near The Music District.”
No official buyer has been set yet, but as Leckie said, securing the community culture of the venue is a top priority.
“Anytime I catch a buyer, I get right in their ear and talk about that culture of the place and, like, (how) hopefully we can keep that alive,” Leckie said.
When he looks back over the years of ownership, Williams is pensive over his time at the helm.
“I really enjoyed hosting a space and seeing everyone be excited to be there, and I hope it continues to be productive in a successful, artistic way,” Williams said.
Williams is also looking toward the direction the new owner will take the business in and the dedication they will have to The Atrium.
“Whoever buys it would have to put their own spin on it because it needs a spin,” Willams said. “It needs care and love, and you can’t just take someone else’s vision and be passionate about it. You (have) got to morph it a little to your (own) passion vision.”
Reach Katie Fisher at entertainment@collegian.com.
GIRLBOSS
It’s a femininomenon! Woman-dominated music tops charts
By Janaya Stafford @csucollegian
People no longer have to rely on CDs or vinyls to listen to music. All types of artists and genres are available at the click of a button. Streaming services allow people to have quick access to music. It can be on the go, anytime, anywhere.
As of recently, there has been a notable wave of support for woman artists. Even those who don’t listen to their music have likely heard their names.
One of these artists is Chappell Roan. Long-time fans might recall her opening for Olivia Rodrigo in 2022 during the Sour Tour, while others discovered her much more recently. At the beginning of 2024, she had around 160,000 Spotify followers. As of September 2024, she has over 2.75 million followers on Spotify. Her growth was incredibly fast and took the world by storm.
Then there’s Charli xcx,who released her latest album “Brat” in June. She has a current playlist reach of 478 million on Spotify.
Sabrina Carpenter, former Disney star, has gained around 5 million Spotify followers this year alone, currently sitting at 11.9 million.
Billie Eilish, another woman artist recognized for her unique style and alluring energy, released her album “Hit Me Hard and Soft” this year. She later collaborated with Chari xcx on her single “Guess.”
Eilish has gained 8 million Spotify followers in 2024, totaling over 98.5 million.
These are just a few examples, and there are plenty more woman artists climbing their way up.
The women of the music industry are in their prime, but why? What is making these woman artists so popular? Can we credit social media, or is it truly just a femininominon?
Social media can be highly responsible for creating and spreading trends.
“The reason some female pop stars are getting popular is TikTok,” Colorado State University student
Jada Askew said. “Their sound gets used, and then people go to music streaming services and start listening.”
The internet connects diverse groups and can expose them to
new artists. Jill McMillan, who is also a student at CSU, she said she discovered Roan through X, formerly known as Twitter, while Askew looks for new artists through other people’s followings or playing the pop genre folder on Apple Music.
Many people praise the freshness of what these artists are bringing to the music world. They present themselves with confidence and own their sexuality through their lyrics and performances.
“It’s different from older pop stars like Britney Spears,” McMillan said. “It’s more independent. ... It’s their own brand; they got their own movement.”
Their confidence seems to rub off on the listeners, empowering their audience.
“The Brat aesthetic is what draws people to Charli xcx,” McMillan said. “It’s her girlboss energy.”
These artists’ ability to make such a unique name for themselves likely plays a part in keeping such a loyal fanbase. Fans can fully immerse themselves in the energy the music brings.
“It is very feminine, and a lot of these new artists’
aesthetic is poppy pop,” Askew said.
These artists attract fans not just for their music but for the persona they share online. CSU student Sareen Boulgourjian said she was drawn to Chappell Roan by her “I don’t care — I’ll do what I want” personality.
These women are exaggerated versions of the self-assuredness many aspire to have. They present themselves in very bold ways.
“People think of (Chappell Roan) as a female idol,” McMillan said. “She’s breaking norms.”
Similarly, they give a sense of relatability. They express raw feelings, and everything doesn’t feel so polished. A lot of these new music artists show how complex they are. They are confident, vulnerable, emotional and shameless. It allows listeners to view them as real people. Regardless of the reason for this growth, woman artists are having an eventful year. There are many new albums, artists and tour dates to keep an eye out for. Get ready for the femininomenon.
Reach Janaya Stafford at entertainment@collegian.com.
PERSONAL AUTONOMY
Navigating newfound independence in college isn’t easy
By Ava Naiditch @csucollegian
Editor’s Note: This content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.
When many of us graduated from high school and made the decision to go away for college, we all likely heard the same phrase thrown at us: “You are going to find newfound independence when you get to school.” To some who heard it, I imagine they thought it meant that they were going to go to all the parties, be curfew free, eat anything and everything that want, maybe not clean their room and maybe not even go to class every day. And they may not be wrong.
There’s no doubt that plenty of students were raised by overbearing parents who made every decision for their children and intervened when even the tiniest problem arose at school, with friends, in sports and more. They essentially prevented any sort of failure they could encounter.
At the other end of the parentingstyle spectrum, some were raised by what’s commonly now known as tiger parents. These are the parents who, as characterized by Amy Chua
in her book “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother,” believe that children who are raised with very strict rules, an extreme focus on achieving high grades and high expectations for getting into the best colleges are more prepared for success and adulthood. In this case, failure is not necessarily prevented because it’s not even an option.
Then there are those who, like myself, grew up somewhere in the middle. Strict rules were not imposed, and there may have been more realistic ideas of what being a typical teenager means. This meant plenty of conversations about trust, being responsible and making good decisions.
Interventions with friends, other parents, teachers or bosses when problems arose were kept to a minimum. We weren’t just taught independence but also accountability. Good grades were expected, but the notion that college is a privilege and not a right and that not getting good grades would impact where and if we went to college was explained more than once.
We were encouraged to find jobs on our own and make our own money. We weren’t forced into any extracurriculars but still encouraged to stay active and explore our passions.
We did not have limits on television or social media, although my mother has admitted she wished she had been a bit more tiger about that.
All of this is to say that many of us who lived with the in-between parents were raised to be rather independent, but for me, it wasn’t until my parents left for the airport ugly crying that I fully grasped what newfound independence means.
It’s not just deciding how late to stay out, how to balance my diet, how to spend money — both earned and allowanced — or whether to do laundry or just wear those sweatpants just one more day. I realized rather quickly that it’s about navigating new relationships.
It’s learning how to share a small living space with a total stranger and resolve conflicts when they arise. It’s figuring out how to make friends when you don’t know a soul and allowing yourself the freedom to be different or try something outside of your comfort zone to make new connections.
It’s also about learning to be OK with being alone at times but knowing that my parents are still just a phone call away. Ironically, my newfound independence may have made them more codependent. It’s about managing
my health — both physical and mental — and staying on top of routines that were once more closely managed by my parents and knowing myself enough to know when to seek additional help.
And finally, it’s about allowing myself to fail and, more so, fail forward. It’s knowing that it’s sometimes OK to make mistakes or take risks and learning from these decisions in order to make better, more informed decisions in the future.
The anticipation of leaving for college is a combination of
excitement and hesitation. We all know that there will be newfound independence, and the rebellion that comes with it that can be liberating. But if we also know that achieving independence is not an overnight process but one that involves self-management, self-love and forgiveness, selfawareness and accountability, then maybe it won’t feel like a punch in the face.
Reach Ava Naiditch at letters @collegian.com.
Living in the dorms should not be required
By Hayley Bisant @csucollegian
Editor’s Note: This content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board. Having a first-year roommate is an infamous part of the college experience. I heard a story from almost
every adult in my life about who they got saddled with the summer before I left to attend Colorado State University. While I did hear a fair share of sweet or funny stories, others were downright horrifying. And in the end, I was left wondering why students are made to endure such bizarre living conditions.
There are undoubtedly benefits to staying in the dorms. For starters, there is the obvious convenience of their proximity to classes. Who wouldn’t appreciate the option to hit snooze five times and still make it to their lecture with a few minutes to spare?
In addition, resident halls are an excellent transitional space for young adults who aren’t used to living on their own. There’s a comfort to being surrounded by others going through similar experiences, and the added support provided by resident assistants and other staff members can do a lot to ease the transition.
This being said, CSU’s student body is incredibly diverse, and it is impossible for the dorms to meet the needs of everyone. Some students may have already reached the point where they want to take on more responsibility in terms of their living situation, while others still need more time before they’re ready to fly solo. Similarly, everyone requires a different level of privacy. One person may not spare a thought about living in such proximity to someone else, but for others, it could feel like the end
of the world. Despite the numerous apprehensions I had at the start of the semester, I’ve enjoyed living on campus so far. But this hasn’t been the case for everyone in my hall.
It can be said that students will learn vital skills from experiencing dorm life.
It’s like fighting with a sibling — the conflicts that roommates experience will help them with interpersonal problem-solving going forward. However, many students have never cohabitated with a stranger for a long period of time. And the day-to-day friction that can arise from these living situations can add a lot of stress to an already difficult transition.
Many students have not yet developed the communication skills that would allow them reach constructive resolutions to conflicts with roommates, and not everyone is mature enough to begin advancing in that area. Additionally, the dorms aren’t the only way for individuals to work on collaboration throughout college.
There is an abundance of opportunities for students to learn about conflict resolution, such as disagreements on group projects.
These situations grant experience much closer to real-life scenarios in the professional world without compromising the comfort of a student’s personal space.
As incoming class sizes continue to increase, having all first-year rooms on campus may not be sustainable for universities either. In the fall 2022 semester, 400-500 CSU students started out temporarily housed in a hotel due to a lack of space in residence halls. This negatively affects upperclassmen and transfer students as well. For those who were not able to fill out the designated returning student housing application, a spot in a residence hall is not guaranteed. In the end, it’s a lose-lose situation. There are many of factors that go into a successful transition to college, and balancing the combination can be overwhelming. Each individual will thrive in a set of circumstances specific to them. Students should be able to pick the living environment that will allow them to be most successful while they undertake such a challenge. Reach Hayley Bisant at letters @collegian.com.
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY CADEN PROULX THE COLLEGIAN
Aspen Hall from the west side Jan. 29.
PHOTO BY LAUREN MASCARDO THE COLLEGIAN
TikTok lowers talent standards
By Emma Souza @_emmasouza
Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.
I’m all for a good doomscroll, and I love bed rotting as much as the next girl. In the rotation of apps I use to waste my time, TikTok is a constant and a staple.
I used to predominantly consume what I deemed genuine content: cooking videos or cute animals or even brain rot that was admittedly stupid yet deeply captivating.
Though, for the past couple of years, it didn’t matter how stupid TikTok content became. To me and many others, that was always the expectation; TikTok provided mindless content that distracted from the stress of daily life. It also remained relatively self-contained back before our parents discovered old trends on Instagram Reels, so who cares if the app has some brain rot now and then?
But as the platform develops, TikTok continues to integrate itself more deeply into mainstream popular culture. Many creators who gained fame on TikTok have
transitioned off the app and into a job in their chosen field. They have movies, autobiographies and perfume lines. They’re making guest appearances on cable TV, speaking on famous podcasts and debuting makeup brands.
In part, this is a large success. TikTok is an accessible platform where — unlike in Hollywood
— money and nepotism are not needed to initially gain a following. However, the issue starts when becoming viral on TikTok is held to the same talent standard as rising to stardom in real life.
The level of skill it takes to go viral on TikTok is undeniably much lower than what talent acquisition looks for in real life. An author might
have decades of experience writing books, but a girl pumps out one viral hockey smut novella on TikTok and is suddenly signed to a legitimate publisher. A professionally trained ballerina downloads the app to promote herself, but a tutorial on how to throw it in a circle earns triple the payout.
Because the TikTok algorithm does not inherently value experience or professionalism over sheer popularity, a professional and a novice can end up equally famous on the same platform. This wouldn’t be an issue if it were contained to TikTok, but as mentioned earlier, many TikTok influencers transition out of the app and into Hollywood, thus reaching similar destinations by
very different means. So suddenly, Addison Rae and Patrick Dempsey are starring in a blockbuster movie together.
If all TikTok creators with recognizable names and large followings share the same spaces as professionals in their respective fields, it devalues the time, specialization and possibly even a degree that most need to reach respectability. In other words, a TikTok creator — say Charli D’Amelio — can go viral overnight and become famous in a week, but it might take a Juilliard dancer decades to reach the same popularity. It’s not as though TikTok lacks talent entirely — to reiterate, some incredible creators have received deserved recognition on the app and wouldn’t have gained fame otherwise. But when an algorithm with entirely random virality becomes mixed into real life, a mixing pot of skill levels all become equally labeled as talented. In reality, there is much more nuance required to analyze the varying degrees of talent.
Reach Emma Souza at letters @collegian.com.
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY TRIN BONNER THE COLLEGIAN
Sudoku
WEEKLY HOROSCOPE
By Sophia Masia
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (09/05/24)
ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)
It’s hardly your fault if you’re trying — and failing — to convince yourself not to skip class in the third week. If you’re feeling homesick, take time to tend to your home life. This is a great time to reevaluate your daily routines, habits and work-life balance. Self-care is productive, Aries.
TAURUS (APRIL 20 - MAY 20)
What do you want more of in your life? Whatever it may be, take this as an opportunity to break free from old patterns. Get creative about how you’re going to change your life this week. Welcome to your personal revolution, Taurus.
GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 20)
Blessings come in abundance for you this week. The new moon is adding sweetness to your work life while Jupiter continues to boost your confidence and draw focus to expanding your horizons. Stay curious, Gemini, and never stop asking questions.
CANCER (JUNE 21 - JULY 22)
This week, making big waves will feel smooth and effortless. You’ll feel a surge of energy and motivation to pursue personal goals. Meanwhile, Venus is bringing harmony to your home and family life; not only will your loved ones have your back, the cosmos will as well.
LEO (JULY 23 - AUG. 22)
The new moon is asking you to rethink your finances and values this week, while Mars brings a desire to focus on your inner world or address hidden issues. As if that isn’t fun enough, sudden changes in your career or public image are possible as Mercury squares Uranus later this week.
VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEPT. 22)
The new moon in your sign marks the start of a new personal cycle. You’ll feel inspired to take control of your life and gain insight into what truly matters to you, making this an ideal time to set intentions for the year ahead. However, be cautious of forgetting interpersonal responsibilities while chasing your dreams
LIBRA (SEPT. 23 - OCT. 22)
This week, Venus, your planetary ruler, in your sign brings a positive boost to your appearance, sense of self and interpersonal dealings. You’re more than just a pretty face. With Mars energizing your work and public life, use your extra charm to take bold steps toward your professional goals.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)
Mars in your sector of expansion is igniting your desire for adventure and knowledge, while the new moon highlights your friendships and romantic partnerships. There’s a possibility for shake-ups,
positive or negative, offering a fresh start in your social life, hobbies, romances and even aspirations.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)
There’s a point in every hero’s journey when the main character refuses their call to action just for the universe to redirect them into the journey anyway. This week, you’re the hero. Mars is urging you to address hidden or unresolved issues in your life, while the moon and Uranus are offering you fresh starts and unexpected changes.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)
This week, you will be focused on broadening your horizons; Mars is energizing your social circles and romantic partnerships, while the new moon fills you with curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. New information and experiences will influence the way you see the world.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)
If you feel like you’re going through a larger transformation than most, it’s because you are. Unexpected changes in your family and home life, daily routines, and intimate relationships are trying to teach you about yourself. Pay attention to your reaction when the world feels like it’s crumbling, Aquarius.
PISCES (FEB. 19 - MARCH 20)
This is a beautiful week for you. Your creativity is igniting, there is a spark in your romances, and a new leaf is turning over in your social circles. Prioritize the people and things that bring you pleasure right now. Even the problem areas of your life will feel easier to face. Bask in the warmth of a good life, Pisces.
Last edition’s crossword solution
Last edition’s sudoku solution
OVERHEARD AROUND CAMPUS
“Catch me throwing it back at the audience for good luck.”
“He was in a cult. It was super sexy.”
“Is it cool if I mansplain handshakes to you?”
“You’re sacrificing your morals for Mark Cuban?”
Have you overheard something funny on campus? Put your eavesdropping to good use. Tweet us @CSUCollegian and your submissions could be featured in our next paper!
Inflation
Household maintenance
Loiterers
Campus parking lots
Forced group projects
Ben & Jerry’s strawberry cheesecake ice cream
Sparkly rocks
Camping
The Cache la Poudre River Red pandas
