February 12, 2019
Vol. 31 Issue 21
IN D EP EN D E NT
NEWS
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Proposed bill could offer first responders a way to better cope with mental health issues
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ST U D E NT
V O I CE
OPINION While romantic relationships are important, don’t neglect your friendships this Valentine’s Day arbiteronline.com
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O F
B O I SE
STAT E
CULTURE
S I N C E
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If you’re going to eat your emotions this Valentine’s Day, do it right @arbiteronline
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SPORTS & REC
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Connor Martin, the new president of The Corral, discusses his love for sports
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Editor-In-Chief Jordan Erb editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Online Editor Ximena Bustillo onlineeditor@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Editor Jordan Erb and Ximena Bustillo news@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Reporter Taylor Rico-Pekerol and Jack Briggs news@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Editor Logan Potter culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Reporter David Collie culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Editor Delaney Brassil sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Reporter Autum Robertson sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Copy Editors Christopher Duggan Digital Content Manager Taylor Humby digitalcontent@stumedia.boisestate.edu Digital Content Producer Bailey Nellesen Graphic Design Manager Maddie Ceglecki design@stumedia.boisestate.edu Graphic Designer Isabel Sarhad Illustrator Wyatt Wurtenberger
Distributed Tuesdays during the academic school year The Arbiter is the official independent student newspaper of Boise State University, where student editors make all content decisions and bear responsibility for those decisions. The Arbiter’s budget consists of fees paid by the student body and advertising sales. The first copy is free. Additional copies can be purchased for $1 a piece at The Arbiter offices.
Dancers with Ballet Idaho preform their show (re)Define on Feb. 8 and 9.
Taylor Humby | The Arbiter
ON THE COVER:
There are resources on the Boise State campus that are aimed at helping students have enjoyable, safe and consensual sex. Photo by Taylor Humby. Cover design by Maddie Ceglecki.
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NEWS
FEBRUARY 12, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
FIRST RESPONDERS GAIN HOPE FOR THEIR MENTAL HEALTH
Proposed Idaho bill would make it easier for first responders to seek help for PTSD Celina Van Hyning | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
If passed, the bill would prioritize first responders’ mental health.
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randan Baptista, a former sophomore mechanical engineering major, left Boise State in the fall of 2018 to pursue his dream of becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT). His main passion in life is helping others, and he is looking forward to pursuing a career in which he can help people every day. While he said he feels immense excitement about his chosen line of work, his mental health remains on his priority list. “I do worry about the problems this career could cause for my mental well-being,” Baptista said. “I know that first responders see some pretty terrible things on the job, and I worry a lot about how it might affect me.” House Minority Leader Mat Erpelding shares this concern with Baptista and the other first responders in the Treasure Valley. He wants to see to it that all first responders have access to the mental medical assistance they desperately need. Erpelding is responsible for drafting a bill in the legislature that would bring this
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issue forward. If passed, this law would allow first responders to receive workers’ compensation for missing work due to mental health concerns. It would also make it much easier to receive counseling and medication for serious issues, like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Chief of Boise Fire Dennis Doan first brought this issue to lawmakers’ attention in 1996, but he feels that mental health was not as understood as it is over 20 years later. “I’ve been working on this forever,” Doan said. “(Idaho) tried to pass this law in 1996, and it made it to the Senate before being vetoed. I think it didn’t have success previously because people didn’t understand how important mental health is.” Currently, first responders can only seek mental health assistance using workers’ compensation if a physical injury accompanies a mental injury. Doan said he is constantly worried about his team, and fears what could happen if their symptoms go untreated.
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Bailey Nellesen | The Arbiter “In this line of work, more people die from suicide than (being) in the line of duty,” Doan said. “Firefighters in particular have one of the highest divorce rates among any first responder.” It can sometimes be difficult for men and women who serve the community to let their guard down and reach out for help, and Doan suggested he knows why this is. “As of right now, first responders are required to use their own vacation/sick days and their own health insurance to seek treatment for things like PTSD,” Doan said. “Lawmakers have argued that allowing them to receive workers’ compensation would cost far too much money.” To this claim, Doan argued that it could potentially save money. “When workers do not come into work because of mental health issues, I’m forced to pay another worker overtime to make up for it,” Doan explained. “If this bill passes, we can get our first responders early treatment to get them healthy and back to work.”
Barbara Wilson worked as a counselor in Kootenai County for 15 years. She has dealt with numerous PTSD cases, and has seen first-hand the effects it can have on the human mind. “Most people who experience a traumatic event will have reactions that may include shock, anger, nervousness, fear and even guilt,” Wilson said. “These are common reactions, but for a person with PTSD, these feelings become so intense that it is almost like they are out of control of their own bodies.” Wilson believes that the best way to help those affected is to notice symptoms early on and seek treatment. “Many people, especially men, feel that stepping forward and asking for help is a sign of weakness,” Wilson said. “In my experience, people who notice they are struggling and reach out immediately tend to have higher success rates (in treating the disorder).” First responders may not reach out for numerous reasons, but Wilson believes that they should be one of the first to seek medical attention. “It is so sad to think that the ones who risk their lives for us every day are the ones who are suffering the most,” Wilson said.
“It is so sad to think that the ones who risk their lives for us every day are the ones who are suffering the most.” Barbara Wilson, counselor
NEWS
TO GHOST OR NOT TO GHOST?
The effects that ignoring someone can have on their mental health Taylor Rico-Pekerol | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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hosting is the act of completely cutting off communication with someone who you were in a casual or serious relationship with. Most of the time, the person who has been ghosted has no idea why and will never receive an explanation. The act of ghosting can be detrimental to a person’s mental health because people tend to wonder why and come up with worst possible scenarios. B.J. Lewis, fellowship program coordinator, is a counselor at University Health Services. He is not an expert in ghosting but can speak about mental health and exercises to cope. “It is very disorienting, both interpersonal and secondarily intrapersonally as well so, why did I not see this? What is wrong with me? Ghosting inherently creates a void of information,” Lewis said. “Our brains like
information and like things to be linear.” Some of the exercises Lewis recommended are called “grounding exercises” and help people stay in the moment. By focusing on your feet touching the ground or practicing a breathing square, which is when a person inhales for four seconds, holds for four seconds, exhales for four seconds and stays empty for four seconds, you can focus on the present. Lewis quoted a Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu: “If you are depressed you are living in the past, if you are anxious you are living in the future, and if you are at peace you are living in the present.” Sara Valuet is a freshman health science major and recently ghosted someone because she started a new relationship. She worked with a guy who she was talking to and had hung out with a couple times, but he did not want a serious relationship. Valuet started
dating someone else and decided to delete the other person off of Snapchat. “I’m a really good people-pleaser and I don’t like to hurt anyone’s feelings. And the fact that I worked with the guy made it a lot more difficult to tell him what was actually going on,” Valuet said. “I didn’t want to make it a big deal. So I thought if I just do it this way and not be so direct and so forward with it, maybe we would still be friends.” A person’s brain tries to fill in the void that is left when it is lacking the proper information it needs to put together a problem, according to Lewis. He recommends trusting yourself enough to know that something just was not right. “The people that have been ghosted, I encourage them not to take the blame. And for those who have ghosted someone, I would encourage them to ask themselves if they have adequate interpersonal skills and why
they felt that was the best option,” Lewis said. Often, people feel a sense of security knowing there is a screen between them and the other person, which allows for emotions and the repercussions of someone’s actions to be forgotten about. This allows for people to ignore others and “ghost” them. Sarah Stewart, a freshman kinesiology major was ghosted by her ex-boyfriend. They work together and were forced to break up because he became her boss and now he ignores and avoids her. “At first work was hard and gave me anxiety and now I am just used to it and don’t expect us to ever talk again,” Stewart said. “This makes me angry because I thought we agreed to be friends but now he won’t talk to me and I don’t understand why. It just doesn’t make sense.”
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NEWS
WILL YOU (BUMBLE) BE MY VALENTINE?
Students discuss their experiences with dating apps and how they find their valentines
Taylor Rico-Pekerol | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
Riley Bruce, Luke Hentges, Billy Buchta and Delaney Beale are among the students at Boise State who use dating apps.
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elaney Beale, a freshman history major, was laying in bed one night over winter break texting her friends about how they were all single and ready to mingle. On impulse, she decided to download Bumble at 2 a.m. and make her account, then spent the next three hours swiping through people’s profiles. Bumble is a dating app made with women in mind, as they are the ones who have to message first when they match with someone of the opposite sex. If two people of the same sex match, either one is free to message first. It is similar to Tinder, another dating app, that allows people to swipe left if they do not like a person or swipe right if they are interested. If two people swipe right on each other, they “match” and are able to start a conversation if they want to. Both Bumble and Tinder have sections
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for people to put a short biography about themselves and share some interests and hobbies. Every person is different when creating a profile. “It took me actually a really long time to write my bio because I was really stressed about it,” Beale said. “My friends were asleep by the time I had made it, so I screenshotted it and sent it to them to ask if it was okay in the morning.” People often want a date for Valentine’s Day and dating apps can be a way to find that special someone. “I would find a valentine on Bumble and I kind of have. I matched with this guy and we chatted a bunch. He did a pickup line for his first message and it kind of freaked me out a little bit. He said, ‘what’s cooking good looking?’ and I kind of panicked and did not respond for two days and finally said ‘nothing much lol,’” Beale said.
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Billy Buchta is a freshman criminal justice major and has Bumble and Tinder. He prefers using conversation starters in his profiles, such as two truths and a lie, which is a game where people say three things about themselves but one is a lie and others have to guess what the lie is. His options are that he ran a marathon, he jumped off a 40-foot cliff and he can play the guitar. Buchta cannot play the guitar and many people have guessed this as he said it is too easy of an option. Riley Bruce is a freshman business major who met her boyfriend through Tinder at the beginning of last semester. She has yet to tell her family how they met and has only told a couple of her close friends because she feels there is a negative connotation towards meeting someone through the app. “When you tell people you met on Tinder they think you just want to hook up
Taylor Humby | The Arbiter but that’s not everybody,” Bruce said. Luke Hentges, a freshman psychology major, is fairly new to both Bumble and Tinder and has only had both apps for about two weeks. Dating apps and websites have a stigma around them, because people believe it is bad to meet your significant other over the internet. “I feel like it (meeting someone on the app) doesn’t really matter because it is just one way of showing that you are interested in actually dating. Whereas out in the world you might be interested in someone but they might be completely uninterested in dating anyone at all,” Hentges said.
NEWS
THE MINIMUM WAGE PROPOSAL THAT KEEPS ON GIVING If passed, the proposal could bring Idaho a $12 minimum wage by 2021 Emma Freitas | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
“I
’m surviving, not thriving,” said Katelyn Schuettke, a full time physics major at Boise State with three part-time jobs. This is the reality for college students, single-income households and many others who are struggling to make ends meet. However, that may change soon with a bill introduced by Representative Sue Chew. House Bill 55 of the 2019 legislative session would raise Idaho’s minimum wage to $8.75 by July 1 of this year. Following that would be an increase to $10.50 by July 2020 and $12 by July 2021. Chew argues the demand for higher wages is loud and clear. “If you’re a full-time worker, that’s an extra $3,000 per year. That helps a lot in terms of being able to replace an appliance or fix a car,” Chew said. Not everyone has extra money for emergencies, savings, or basic needs, making that a large reason why Chew believes now is the time for Idaho to raise the minimum wage. “I’m very lucky that my parents have been helping with rent right now,” Schuettke said, but a large portion of her check goes towards utilities and groceries. “Financials are something that I struggle with personally — being safe and comfortable is stressful.” Schuettke was shocked when she moved from Oregon to attend Boise State, and wishes she had more time to study, complete internships and spend time with her friends rather than work three jobs. Students like Katelyn Schuettke aren’t alone. There are many in Boise that are worried about what their living situation will be like in upcoming years, and they will become more desperate for a raise as time goes on. “When you have more competition for housing, which is really tight right now, the prices and rent have gone up a lot. As well as gentrification in neighborhoods, and tearing down affordable housing
The minimum wage could be $8.75 in July, $10.50 by 2020 and $12 by 2021. around Boise State and replacing them with big structures that students are paying $800 a month (for),” Chew said. Schuettke, who is originally from Portland, Oregon, recalls when she was working jobs that paid well above $10.75, which is the minimum wage for the state. However, in the Portland-Metropolitan area, cities have worked on their own to gradually raise their wages to $15 an hour. “I saw an increase in my paycheck, and I didn’t see hours drop” Schuettke said. Though wage increases can stimulate consumer spending, there are also fears about job loss, effects on small business and inflation. Boise State political science professor Jaclyn Kettler described how there are certainly fears amongst young adults and being able to afford housing, and it’s no longer a partisan issue. “Especially in Boise, housing is in high demand and it’s increasingly expensive. And we haven’t seen wages increase to quite the same degree and that makes it challenging for people,” Kettler said. “But there are concerns about price increases, and in a conservative state we are less likely to see a bill like this get passed. We’ve seen Republican voters to raise the minimum wage but we haven’t necessarily seen the
same activity come through the legislative side.” But amongst the legislature in both Idaho and the federal government, there’s also a generational gap that comes along with
“If you’re a full-time worker, that’s an extra $3,000 per year. That helps a lot in terms of being able to replace an appliance or fix a car.” Sue Chew, representative
raising the wages and how our economy isn’t what it used to be. “When we hear people talking about $14, $15 per hour, there’s people who get worried because it sounds like a lot of money. There are challenges with a big increase, and proposals like this one try to increase it over time to help mitigate those
Isabel Sarhad | The Arbiter
effects,” Kettler said. “There are fundamental differences from years ago. You can’t pay college tuition by working in the summer anymore, and what might have been a livable wage 40 years ago doesn’t cut it now.” Generations that are older than most college students, including in the legislature, have valid concerns about the stability of the economy as a whole, but Kettler pointed out that demands from the citizens are only going to grow stronger the longer a wage increase waits. “Eventually if the population is struggling enough, they could go around the state government and pass a ballot measure,” Kettler said. Even if House Bill 55 does not pass, there are still options for Idahoans who are struggling to support themselves. But, as Chew points out, Idaho is certainly behind when it comes to raising wages and the ever-increasing cost of living. “We are (behind the curve) because if we look at the border towns, we found that people drive over the state lines for work,” Chew said.
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OPINION FEBRUARY 12, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
ONE BELT ONE ROAD WILL CONSOLIDATE POWER – FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE
Xi Jinping’s $1 trillion trade project will have significant ramifications on Eurasian relationships Zach Hill | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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n 2012, Xi Jinping began campaigning on the promise of establishing a brand new Silk Road — trade routes that spanned the continents of Asia and Europe, maritime pathways that stretched across the South China Sea and Indian Ocean, and the movement of 30 percent of the world’s GDP through a single connected network. Shortly after, Jinping was chosen to be his party’s leader, and One Belt One Road was suddenly more than just an economic pipe dream — it was a legitimate platform, meant to consolidate Jinping’s power. One Belt One Road has yet to come to fruition, but its effects are already being felt. Investment into the project has increased significantly, most prominently among developing nations. Developing countries stand to benefit the most from the policy, through benefits to energy infrastructure, transportation, and of course, economic stimulus. Chinese expansionism has been a hot button issue since 2015, when the revelation over their island-building projects came to public attention. Island-building was meant to establish Chinese dominance in the South China Sea, and it was fairly successful — until other countries got in the way. In 2015, Filipino and Chinese interests came to a head in the Scarborough Shoal standoff, an international event in which Chinese fishing boats were apprehended by Philippine naval vessels. Filipino officials contended to international courts that the Chinese boats were infringing on international maritime laws. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Seas eventually determined that China couldn’t lay claim to the territory; a ruling that’s promptly been ignored by Chinese forces.
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The South China Sea isn’t the only area where China has expanded their influence. Indian foreign policy analysts have claimed for years that Chinese insertion into trade ports in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and other Indian Ocean countries constitutes what they call a “string of pearls.” The “string of pearls” theory argues that establishment of Chinese trade ports in other countries is a pretext for military development. These bases would encircle India, creating a “string of pearls” surrounding them. So what does One Belt One Road mean for Chinese expansion movements? Chinese officials are, at the very least, under intense international scrutiny for their movements in the South China Sea. This has lead to a lot of hesitation over investment into the Belt and Road Initiative, which will cost roughly $1 trillion. However, Xi Jinping seems to have a plan to combat that problem: incentives for investment. China is reported to have offered tax deductions and credits to multinational companies and bordering countries in an effort to spark interest in the project. Plans like these help spark relationships on an international scale, and overall enhance China’s soft power. One Belt One Road is not definitively good or bad. There are too many variables to consider that might make it outright one or the other, and too little of the project is actually underway. For developing countries, the investment into their local
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Maddie Ceglecki | The Arbiter economies as a result of increased traffic will be good. For China, it’s a massive gamble, assuming that the amount of trade running through the area will offset the cost of developing infrastructure. For Europe, it’s a question of the values the involved countries hold. It’s a question of whether Chinese officials have overcome their expansionist ways and truly believe in a more altruistic outlook on the world.
Make no mistake — One Belt One Road will be an extremely impactful project. The ramifications of this massive economic undertaking will be felt worldwide. It’ll shift the balance of the trade war between the United States and China. The rest, time will have to tell.
OPINION
PLATONIC LOVE IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS ROMANTIC LOVE
You need to love and support your friends in the same way you would your romantic partner Zach Hill | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu
Though talked about less frequently, platonic relationships are equally as important as romantic ones.
Photo by Vonecia Carswell on Unsplash
re you tired of hearing about sex and romantic couples around Valentine’s Day? Do you hate the thought of being single on the holiday, or just don’t want couples to rub it in your face that they found someone and you haven’t? Do you just hate card companies capitalizing on a meaningless holiday in an effort to promote relentless spending on their products? Frankly, it can sometimes be tiresome watching all that wholesome activity every year, but you shouldn’t have to feel left out just because you don’t have a romantic partner. Instead, find ways to enjoy the company of your loving friends on Valentine’s Day, and create your own wholesome slate of activities to engage in. Sure, campus life can hard. Odds are, you’re far away from home and family. Living on your own can often be lonely, and it can be hard to find people to talk
best practices for loving ourselves. Love shouldn’t just be about intimacy. Love shouldn’t just be about sex. So why does Valentine’s Day do its best to focus on just those things? Valentine’s Day should be about love of all kinds, platonic or romantic. This isn’t meant to demean or belittle people who enjoy Valentine’s Day as a part of their romantic love. This year, consider the friends you have who truly love and uplift you, the friends who give their all to you in everything you do. Their love should be just as important and fulfilling as any romantic love in your life.
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about life with. Roommates have to work while you’re at home, or you have to work while your roommates are home, which can make things overwhelming. There are reasons to have hope though. Even on a holiday traditionally positioned as a celebration of romantic love, it’s important to recognize the power of platonic, friendly love. Loving your friends often produces similar benefits as romantic love, establishes solid relationships with people who care about you, and is overall just as fulfilling. I don’t just mean supporting them, platonic love relationships are about truly loving the people close to you, regardless of if they’re just friends to you or not. Valentine’s Day should be more inclusive of platonic love and celebrations, as they provide similar benefits to romantic relationships. Platonic relationships are shown to increase honesty and openness between friends, making it easier to get things off
your chest, talk about problems you would normally be scared to talk about with other people, and still maintain a healthy level of disclosure with someone. Additionally, there’s less risk of retaliation in the event you disclose something potentially too personal, as platonic love relationships are also shown to enhance levels of unconditional love between two friends. Platonic love can even be one of the secrets to unlocking a better concept of self-love. There are many instances in which we spend time only looking at negative aspects of ourselves, and it can become an extremely degrading experience. Platonic relationships can help relieve the disconnect, creating an outside, trusted source of positivity. Sometimes, the people around us can help us better see the parts of ourselves that are good and worthy of love. We like to spend a lot of time preaching self-love, but we have to find avenues through which we can identify
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Let’s talk about sex, baby! F E AT U R E
Boise State students and services seek to open a dialogue surrounding sex education
Logan Potter | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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daho’s sexual education statute has not been updated since it was adopted as law in 1970, and the current status of the sex ed programs in the state reflect the outdated nature of the regulation. Because there is no regulation of sexual health education in Idaho, students may come to Boise State unaware of the fundamentals of safe sex, contraception, STD testing and consent, making them vulnerable to the dangers that come with a lack of knowledge. Groups like the Gender Equity Center, Wellness Services and Generation Action are seeking to change the way students are educated on campus, but their efforts can only go as far as their campus reach. While efforts have been made to update the law, they have thus far been to no avail. Section 33-1608 of the Idaho Statutes states that, “The legislature of the state of Idaho believes that the primary responsibility for family life and sex education, including moral responsibility, rests upon the home and the church and the schools can only complement and supplement those standards which are established in the family.” While this statute may seem
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broad, it emphasizes that it is the responsibility of parents and churches to instill sexual education in students, whether in high school or beyond, leaving room for potentially biased or inaccurate learning environments. The statute, however, doesn’t necessarily dictate what kind of discussions parents can have with their children. Crystal Egbert, a freshman business major and mother, described the importance of giving her children comprehensive sexual education, despite the fact that both of her children are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. “To be honest with you, I personally think there should be a place in every school where kids can get, at least, condoms,” Egbert said. “I’ve already had the sex talk with (my children), and if my kids are going to college somewhere close to home, I would make sure they’re setting appointments for birth control and STD testing. I’ll even buy the condoms to make sure they are protected. Keeping them well-educated (is crucial), and if they can’t come to me, then I hope they’ll go to a doctor.”
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Fortunately for Egbert, along with many others, there are currently resources on campus and beyond where students are able to get free condoms, lubricant and other tools to aid them in having safe, enjoyable sex. The Gender Equity Center, led by Adriane Bang, is one place where students have these tools available to them, as well as an opportunity for education about healthy relationships, sexual or not. “We do cosponsor events with various organizations (as a way to help promote each other’s services),” Bang wrote in an email. “We often partner with Wellness on the condom carnival and other programs, and we also provide resources and referrals in support services meetings if folks are looking for resources where they can access testing, prophylactics or education.” That said, it is important to note that staff at the Gender Equity Center are not medically trained employees, and Bang wants students to recognize that if there is a problem beyond the scope of education or physical resources, they ought to contact a medical professional. “While we participated in a sexual health workshop with Wellness staff as a
part of our staff onboarding, the staff in our center do not specifically gain expertise (as a part of their role here) in topics historically presented by folks in the health or medical fields, such as types of STIs,
“...Above all, the importance of having all sexual encounters be consensual and enjoyable is key.” Hannah Campbell, co-president of Generation Action
various types of prophylactic methods, ways STIs spread, recognizing symptoms, etc.,” Bang wrote. “We refer folks to Wellness Services or Planned Parenthood for trainings that
F E AT U R E are up to date with this sort of information.” Although the Gender Equity Center and Wellness Services are the two professional services that students have the option of turning to, Generation Action is a student-led group that seeks to provide education and resources to individuals on campus, especially those who are interesting in learning from their peers. Hannah Campbell, co-president of Generation Action, described the group’s sexual health workshops that are run multiple times each semester and led by a Planned Parenthood health educator. “The topics of the sexual health workshops vary but, usually, we do a basic introduction to sexual health,” Campbell said. “We do a lot of work around consent, and then a lot of work around STIs and STDs and, really, just general autonomy. In the past, we’ve had one specifically focusing on LGBT sexual health and microaggressions, which was a very successful workshop. The attendance does range, but we’ve had about 30 participants at each one.” Campbell also explained that there is a stigma surrounding conversations about sexual health, but she urged students to push past their own barriers around the discourse and open themselves up to sexual health education. “I want (students) to know that it’s okay to have questions about these topics, and it’s normally a very fun and positive environment (at the workshops),” Campbell said. The stereotypes don’t end at a lack of knowledge about sexual health. There are a multitude of resources within the Boise community, such as Allies Linked for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS (a.l.p.h.a.), Central District Health Department and Planned Parenthood, that are available for free and discounted STD testing, but advertising to the student population has still proved necessary. Campbell described the stigma she sees surrounding STIs and STDs, preventing students campus-wide
from taking the initiative to be tested, or screened, for preventable diseases like gonorrhea and herpes. “In terms of safer sex, the importance of getting screened for STIs and STDs is for everyone, and knowing when you should be doing it or getting tested more is so important,” Campbell said. “One thing we like to talk about is fighting the stigma that you’re either dirty or clean. That’s adding a lot of value to that, and you’re not a worse or bad person if you have an STI, and there are several that are either
“Unwanted pregnancy is just one drop in the bucket, we’re talking about some very dangerous, life-threatening STDs and STIs going around, and it’s about protecting themselves and their partners.” Emily Gravel, health education specialist for Wellness Services
treatable or curable. Above all, the importance of having all sexual encounters be consensual and enjoyable is key.” Beyond the stigma, there can be a general lack of knowledge amongst college students regarding their own sexual health. That’s where Boise State Wellness Services comes in, and Emily Gravel, health education specialist, explained her wish for students to seek out resources and education to prevent the STIs and STDs from occurring in the first place. “I wish people had a better understanding of barrier methods, and also what protection even means,” Gravel said. “Unwanted pregnancy is just one drop in the bucket, we’re talking about some very dangerous, life-threatening STDs and STIs
going around, and it’s about protecting themselves and their partners. I (also) wish more students knew we were a resource; we’re always willing to give people barrier methods for free. We’re happy to give people options.” Echoing Gravel’s statement, students may struggle with access to sexual health products across campus, especially when needing assistance outside of University Health Services’ business hours. Although it doesn’t yet exist on campus, senior economics major Haydn Bryan has pioneered a vending machine concept, originally seen in a Snapchat story from UC Davis, consisting of infant care, health care and sexual health products that will be readily available to students in the Student Union Building once the machine is erected. “There’s something metaphorical about student health being central in the Student Union Building,” Bryan said. “I just want to take goods that are already available on Boise State’s campus to another setting for accessibility and comfort in a safe and private environment with more flexible hours.” Bryan has also taken an all-inclusive approach to the project, and he explained that by providing easy and equal access to those marginalized students who face even more obstacles in finding health care products, those with privilege above them are inherently benefited with that same access, especially in regard to sexual health. It remains important that students on campus have a plan A, B and C to prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Whether they create their own safe sex kits, consisting of barrier methods and lubricant, implement a birth control method into their lives, prepare with emergency contraception or all of the above, having both safe and pleasurable sex is a reasonable and easily achievable goal.
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C U LT U R E FEBRUARY 12, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
HOW TO DO EMOTIONAL EATING RIGHT THIS VALENTINE’S DAY
There are better options than trying to solo a gallon of Ben & Jerry’s David Collie | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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hether it’s a heart-shaped box of chocolates or a breakup-fueled Ben & Jerry’s binge, spending Valentine’s Day alone might be a reason for some to seek comfort in the sweet, enveloping arms of processed sugar. But there are important things to know about using food as a coping mechanism, and there’s nothing wrong with spending Valentine’s Day alone. Psychology professor Mary Pritchard, who studies and teaches the psychology of eating, talked about the societal expectations of the holiday. “Society has told us that there is something special about Feb. 14 and, culturally speaking, sometimes we are made to feel bad about ourselves if we don’t have someone to spend it with,” Pritchard said. “Emotional eating (comes from) a variety of emotions, and one of them is loneliness. Oftentimes Valentine’s Day, if you are unpaired, can lead to feelings of loneliness.” What makes things worse is the fact that food is a central component of the holiday. With heart-shaped this and strawberry that, it can be almost impossible to escape the mountain of sugar that accompanies the weeks leading up to it. “It makes it doubly worse, because now not only are we sad, but we’re sad and we’re going to the grocery store down the Valentine’s aisle, and we are surrounded by heartshaped Reese’s, because heaven forbid you might not buy a Reese’s on Valentine’s Day,” Pritchard said. As important as the role of the holiday is, emotional eating is not unique to the month of February. Pritchard explained that it is, however, more common in the United States than in any other country in the world. Among other factors, one reason is the way children are taught to view food. “Pretty early on in life, we begin to learn that eating food is a way to cope,” Pritchard said. “Between (ages) three and five … parents usually start getting this idea that
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they need to teach their children how to eat healthily, so they start to teach them rules around food, when you can eat, what you can eat (and) why you should eat certain things. And what we’ve come to discover is that we also are sending our children the message that … one way to deal with emotions is to eat. Once that starts from such a young age, it doesn’t really go away, so it becomes ingrained in us.” Interestingly, there is also a gender difference when it comes to emotional eating. Although there is no difference in the amount of emotional eating done by men and women, Pritchard explained that the types of foods craved varies, with men favoring carbs and proteins, and women favoring sugar. While there is no current explanation for this in the field, it might be influenced by social or biological factors. Beyond the social aspect, there are also biological reasons to turn to food for comfort. According to Pritchard, certain foods like sugar tend to activate the pleasure centers in the brain, releasing dopamine. Laura Matthiesen, junior social work major and Project HEAL co-leader, talked about her experience battling an eating disorder and the factors that influenced her. “A lot of people will turn to food to numb, to kind of have that positive release the body naturally does when we eat,” Matthiessen said. “Whether it was restricting and not eating or it was more on the bingeing side, it just numbed me from any emotion I was feeling. So it made it, at the time, much easier to deal with life.” Although food as an exclusive coping mechanism can be dangerous, there are certainly benefits to using it from time to time, and creating that healthy balance is a valuable skill. Matthiessen explained what this balance looks like to her. “If I can acknowledge and honor the feelings like, ‘This is a really hard day because X, Y, Z. I’m feeling awful, I’m going to eat a chocolate bar.’ I feel like that is healthy
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You can’t eat away your sadness, but you can sure as hell try! Wyatt Wurtenberger | The Arbiter and reasonable,” Matthiessen said. “For me, it gets rocky when I’m no longer able to acknowledge that I’m having those feelings or those thoughts.” MarLee Harris, registered dietitian nutritionist with University Health Services, supported this importance of balance and echoed the value of self-awareness. “What I usually like to encourage people (to do) is to practice awareness first. It’s just knowing, ‘Hey, why am I eating?’ And if they can create that awareness, then I also encourage them to develop and expand on
their toolkit.” It can be important to find coping mechanisms that do not revolve around food. Harris said that another strategy is to find healthier alternatives and to consume smaller portions. This could mean choosing a cup of yogurt instead of a carton of ice cream, for example. A nice summary comes from Pritchard’s advice to her students around the holiday. “Have your chocolate,” Pritchard said. “But have it because you want it, not because it’s Valentine’s Day.”
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ABSTAINING FROM SEXUAL PEER PRESSURE
How some Boise State students balance the college experience with vows of celibacy Logan Potter | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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ex, alcohol and frequent partying are staples of the college experience — if you only watch it on television. While social circles and the excitement surrounding one’s college years can create sexually liberated lifestyles for many students, including those on the Boise State campus, the Online College Social Life Survey reported that, from a study of over 24,000 college students, 20 percent of them graduate as self-identified virgins. One of the most universally known and commonly cited reasons for maintaining virginity is religion, and junior rhetoric and composition major Celine McMonigal is no stranger to the sentiment. Raised Christian, McMonigal has fulfilled her promise to herself to remain celibate, but not without some internal struggle. “I’m not gonna lie, it has been relatively easy until about a month and a half ago when I met the love of my life,” McMonigal said. “It has made things a little more difficult, because when you have such strong feelings for someone emotionally, it’s natural to feel the same physically. He and I are on the same page about waiting until marriage, so we’re supporting each other through, and because we feel the same way, there’s no conflict. It’s internal, there’s not an issue in the relationship.” While she was quick to recognize that celiba-
cy doesn’t always have a deep impact on a relationship between two individuals with the same belief systems, McMonigal also explained that a Christian lifestyle doesn’t mean sexual feelings disappear entirely. While abstaining from sex is part of McMonigal’s religious lifestyle, her belief is based on personal decision, as well. “Yes, I do get horny. Being Christian doesn’t mean the feeling disappears, and it’s very obvious that the answer is yes, and people know that,” McMonigal said. “Also, a lot of people assume that because I’m waiting until marriage that I think it’s bad when everyone else doesn’t. Yes, it’s a religious belief, but also it’s a personal choice and not everything is centered around my idea of love.” Although sexuality is of human nature, not every student believes the feelings are wholly physical. Sydney Skidmore, a senior political science major, considers sex to be incredibly emotional, and has treated her own sexuality as such, waiting until she was married in 2017 to lose her virginity, and believes her decision to stay abstinent is one that most relationships should echo. “I’ve had so many friends who aren’t religious whose hearts are broken when a relationship ends and wish they hadn’t been intimate with that person because they felt used and like that safe place where they could be 100 percent vulnerable was destroyed,” Skidmore said. “I don’t judge anyone who hasn’t made the same decisions as I because we’re all different. Their decisions are up to them and are private matters.
But I honestly believe that people would be happier, hearts would be less likely to be broken, and relationships would be less complicated if sex were reserved for marriage.” Whereas some individuals are against all forms of sexual contact and material before marriage, non-traditional freshman business major Crystal Egbert is more concerned about her daughters having sexual liberation and complete autonomy over their bodies. “My grandmother and kids are LDS, but I’m not,” Egbert said. “My grandmother was upset with herself about buying a certain dress for my 11-year-old, saying it opens up boys to have dirty thoughts. My girls should not have to dress any certain way to stop boys from having thoughts. My girls should be able to walk around in a bikini and boys should know not to touch them.” Egbert’s thoughts on consent and safe sex come from her own experience with sexual assault at a young age. Egbert will encourage her daughters to carry around their own condoms to stay protected and prepared and, while she doesn’t mind if her daughters safely lose their virginities before marriage, sexual assault and abuse are concerns for her in regard to her children. “I was raped at 13,” Egbert said. “I think that women have this fear, because we see men walking around, they have this ‘I can do whatever I want’ mentality. I didn’t speak up or say anything for years because I was so scared I would get in trouble. I was screaming ‘no,’ or I thought I was screaming ‘no,’ and I was in a totally different place. Because of that incident, my bipolar was triggered, and I was having a lot of unsafe, unwanted sex because I was in a mania. You’re either going to have too much sex or you’ll be scared to have any,
because you won’t know what consent is.” While Egbert is
more open about speaking about her assault at 31, she wants her experience to create discourse surrounding sexual health and education, especially amongst those like her daughters, a generation up-and-coming into the college experience, regardless of whether or not they take a vow of celibacy. “Just be open and honest with your kids and college students,” Egbert said. “Have the period talk, have the sex talk, even if they plan on keeping their virginity. Open those conversations really young. Whether it’s your children or students, I may not always agree with their decisions, but I will support them.”
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WHICH LANGUAGE IS THE MOST ROMANTIC?
Of all the languages worldwide, which is the most likely to win over that special someone? David Collie | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
While languages derived from Latin are generally thought to be the most romantic, others can have romantic qualities as well.
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ith Valentine’s Day approaching, it can be a great time to gain some language skills by learning how to share those romantic feelings in another language. But which one is the most romantic? The obvious choice might be one of the Romance languages — a group of languages derived from Latin — such as French or Spanish. After all, people often describe these languages as sounding more “romantic.” But what if a language like German was just as romantic? German professor Beret Norman talked about some of the romantic ways the language is used. “There’s a lot of love poetry and beautiful lyrical lines and drama that happen in German and are spoken in German,” Norman said. “It can be very beautiful, I think.” Norman gave some examples of love songs like “Fur immer ab jetzt” and “Bleib so wie du bist” which translate to “forever as of now,” and “stay as you are,” respectively, and might let listeners hear a side of the language that isn’t often portrayed in popular culture. Beyond being overlooked as unromantic,
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German is also often described as “angry.” Tess Laub, a zoology and German double major who was born in Germany, explained some perceptions she has seen about the language. “Everytime (people) ask me to speak German, it’s like, ‘That sounded so aggressive. What did you say? It sounded like you wanted to kill me,’” Laub said. “I was like, ‘I called you pretty,’ or ‘I liked your shirt.’ There’s definitely a habit for people to vilify the language.” But not everyone shares this perception. Laub, for instance, explained she sees it as quite the opposite. “One of my favorite things is being in public, like on a transit system, and I just overhear in the background (people) speaking German,” Laub said. “That’s my favorite thing in the world, I think. That just makes me so happy.” With these different perceptions, then, how can one find the most romantic language before Feb. 14? It turns out that this answer depends on a lot of factors and varies from person to person. Linguistics professor Gail Shuck explained that there is much more than sound at play.
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“These perceptions of the aesthetics of a particular language, I think, have a lot to do with how far back those historical relationships go, what groups were in power and what groups maintained power,” Shuck said. An example of this is seen in a particular sound produced in the throat that people often use when imitating or mocking German. This same sound, however, is also heard in Spanish and French. Similarly, a study that measured the perceptions people had about the pleasantness of certain American accents showed that people in Alabama tended to favor similar and geographically nearby accents and dislike midwestern accents like those from and around Minnesota. People from those midwestern regions, however, tended to have opposite perceptions. This would indicate that sound cannot be the only factor influencing the perceptions of language. “I think that a lot of people mistakenly perceive certain melodies as naturally or objectively more beautiful, but they’re not,” Shuck said. “A lot of it is just perception of your native
Isabel Sarhad | The Arbiter language in relation to others.” If sound is not the way to find the most romantic language, maybe the meaning of the words will give an answer. Once again, Shuck explained that this is not the case. “All languages are capable of expressing an infinite number of things,” Shuck said. “Some languages have that content, the reality they are trying to express or the social meanings they are trying to express, encoded in very different ways. So, there might not be a direct translation from one language to another of a particular concept, but that doesn’t mean that the language that doesn’t have that word is not capable of coming up with some way of expressing that.” Objectively, then, there doesn’t seem to be much hope for finding the most romantic language for Valentine’s Day. People across the world experience the same emotions, even if they find different ways to communicate them. So whether it’s German or French, it’s likely that the language used to communicate those romantic feelings will not be as important as the feelings themselves.
A CON’SENSUAL’ VALENTINE’S DAY
What students and staff have to add to the conversation Ben Harris | Staff Writer | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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n order to engage in any sort of sexual activity, consent has to be present.” This is according to Kelly Rutherford, who believes that this statement is agreed upon by many, but not talked about enough. Rutherford, a social work major and intern for the Gender Equity Center on the Boise State campus, thinks that the conversation about consent is extremely important in recognizing the different aspects of it. “Consent is a conversation that should be had more widely in general, (but) I’m talking about the dynamics of what that means and all the pieces of it,” Rutherford said. “It should be more than just covering your bases to make sure everything you’re doing is OK.” Having a healthy and consensual relationship is about providing a safe space for a conversation about what a person wants or needs and fostering a place that provides comfort. “It’s really more than just making sure that one action is OK,” Rutherford said. “It’s that constant checking in and seeing what each person wants and needs from any interaction.” The conversation surrounding consent is one that Baylee Dunn, sophomore social work major and co-president of the Generation Action Chapter at the university, feels is happening more with today’s young adults. Dunn said that consent-based conversation is something that college students are more comfortable with. “We’re definitely more vocal about it,” Dunn said. “I don’t know if that’s just Twitter or social media, but I see a lot more stuff from our generation confronting this thing that I never really heard my parents talk about.” With the Internet and the wide amount of social interaction that happens on college campuses, not a lot can be kept in the dark. From Dunn’s position, this more open conversation about consent comes from today’s typical college population being raised differently than previous generations. “Our generation was raised a lot faster. I see kids growing up more and more at a younger age,” Dunn said. “They’re educating themselves because they have the Internet and all of these other resources.”
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While Dunn thinks that there is plenty of conversation happening about consent on campus, attention is needed to recognize the complexities and different aspects of consent. “There’s a lot more than just saying ‘yes’ or ‘no;’ there’s nonverbal consent as well,” Dunn said. “We also need to focus more on the retraction of consent (during a sexual act).” The complexity of consent is something that Kelsey Anne, a licensed professional counselor at Boise State, approaches with students regularly. As a counselor employed with University Health Services, she said that two words come to mind when thinking about consent: clarity and enthusiasm. “(Consent means) clarity in, ‘Yes, I want to engage in this. Yes, I’m interested in this,’” Anne said. “(It’s) clarity in thought and not being intoxicated. Consent changes if one or both partners are under the influence of some substance.” A lack of enthusiasm or interest could be due to an underlying sense of hesitation. In Anne’s opinion, conversations about hesitation shouldn’t be avoided. “Sometimes folks will not engage at all and avoid that conversation,” Anne said. “There’s some really good stuff to be talked about if you observe a partner perhaps exhibiting a little bit of resistance.” By asking a partner what that resistance means in an effort to gain clarity, Anne believes that a healthy consensual relationship can grow stronger. Additionally, exploring boundaries in other aspects of life can help bring more familiarity to consent-based situations. “It can be challenging if we only focus on boundaries in a romantic or sexual relationship,” Anne said. “Through exploring consent in other relationships, it validates and normalizes the fact that it’s okay to have clear boundaries in any relationship.” Exploring consent and what it means is a major focus in Counseling Services’ Sexpert Workshop Week, from Feb. 11-14. Revolving around the communication patterns of healthy relationships, these workshops are an excellent way to promote the campus conversation surrounding consent, allowing students to define the term for themselves.
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JUST A THOUGHT It’s time to recognize Hollywood’s exploitation of sexuality Logan Potter | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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he fearless movement of #MeToo has taken over the entertainment industry during a year of revelations about the sexual misconduct of big names in Hollywood. The country was shocked when Bill Cosby was accused of drugging women before bringing them to hotel rooms, and those who were fans of Cosby often refused to believe the accusations. Only when he was sentenced to state prison did it seem like people finally “got it,” but even then, #MeToo’s challenge was just getting started. Harvey Weinstein, a former executive of Miramax and The Weinstein Company, exploited actresses young and old via intimidation tactics that he succeeded in using through his power in the industry. Weinstein has 87 accusers of sexual assault and harassment, and it was a battle even for those women to speak up without losing their jobs or reputations in Hollywood. This may seem like old news now, but the threat of being exploited is still very real. While Hollywood has become “sexier” than ever in terms of subject material, this isn’t always appropriate or effective for those who
are working in the industry. If a man or woman is assaulted or harassed sexually, they are more likely not to be taken seriously if they’ve recently performed a faux sexual act in a film or on television. Truthfully, it’s a trade-off that shouldn’t have to exist. Actors shouldn’t have to choose between keeping their jobs by performing sexually and filing reports if they’ve been violated in some way, especially by someone working in the same industry. It’s also important to note that we ought not invalidate the experiences of one woman in Hollywood because it wasn’t as “dark” or “violent” as the experience of another. Especially in the case of Weinstein, treating the instances of both assault and intimidation as valid is the only effective way to ensure that justice finds him in the near future. Every disturbing encounter with Weinstein, as well as anyone else who has or will assault women, ought to be treated equally, and in short, we should believe women. Sexual exploitation in the entertainment industry needs to end, but the sexual nature and “party culture” of Hollywood has created false expectations of the women (and sometimes men) who are employed within. While Weinstein and Cosby are two of the industry’s most scandalous examples, the women who reported in both circumstances were not alone. According to a survey from USA Today, 94 percent of the 843 women surveyed in Hollywood said they were harassed or assaulted in their professions. These numbers are not only disturbing, but disappointing, and it’s time that something is done. Regardless of their roles in film or on television, stop sexualizing Hollywood performers on their looks or otherwise, and believe them when they bravely admit that someone in the industry has broken them — just a thought.
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SPORTS & REC FEBRUARY 12, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
CONNOR MARTIN DISCUSSES HIS LOVE FOR SPORTS
Martin, president of The Corral, bleeds dedication and passion when it comes to Boise State athletics
Autum Robertson | Sports Reporter | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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ame in and game out, no matter what the season, no matter what the sport, even if the stands are empty, junior kinesiology major and corral president Connor Martin can be seen and heard from the Broncos’ student section. Martin is an avid member of The Corral, and his dedication and pride for Bronco sports did not go unnoticed by the members who held higher positions. When The Corral’s former president stepped down from his position, Martin became the front runner as his replacement. After taking on the role of president he’s received plenty of praise from the other members. “Oh my god, since the day he was born this guy’s been at BSU games... Connor knows more people in (athletics) just because he’s been to all the sporting events,” said junior marketing major Brad Walden. “We’re sitting right in the front so many people pass by us, and three out of four people are like ‘Oh Connor how’s it going?’ Everyone knows him.” Martin grew up in Boise, where his parents raised him to be one of Boise State’s most passionate fans. “I’ve been going to Boise State games since I was just months old,” Martin said. “My dad is part of the Bronco Athletic Association, so he’s been deeply connected; he’s part of their coaches’ club, so I’ve always had a deep connection with all the players and coaches. They all know who I am; I know who they are.” His love for Bronco sports has been constant his whole life. Martin grew up admiring the athletes and coaches at Boise State. “I grew up loving it,” Martin said.
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Connor Martin, pictured above, is the new president of The Corral. Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter “Seeing all these athletes growing up, who would take the time to come up and highfive me, give me knuckles was really cool. I would say, ‘I want to be one of those guys one day.’” Martin has decided that he wants his life to revolve around athletics. His major, his job and all of his passions are representative of this. He chose kinesiology as his major in hopes of getting a job in athletic
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administration and eventually becoming an assistant coach at a college. Martin is currently coaching a junior high basketball team. “There was a small school hiring for a junior high basketball coach, and I applied for that and later in the day I got a call saying I was hired,” Martin said. “So I started there, and this season I got hired at North Junior High as a promotion for a
high-caliber team.” Martin has played six sports throughout his life, but the one he claims has his heart is basketball. That is the sport he coaches now, and that’s the sport he hopes to coach in the future. “We shoot around and play hoops every now and then,” said junior business finance major Ryan Snyder. “He definitely tends to focus on basketball, but he loves every sport. Even at his house they have a projector where they’ll project all the football and basketball games onto the wall. It’s not just (Connor), his family is just as passionate.” Martin knows everything there is to know about sports, and he uses that to get into the heads of athletes on opposing teams. “He likes to find statistics, just something to egg them on, whether their dad was like a really bad NBA player or something, he likes finding stuff to get in their heads,” Walden said. His love for sports goes beyond Boise State, but his deep roots and connections keep him the most passionate about the Broncos. Snyder joked that “he has more Boise State clothing than anyone.” Martin’s incomparable love for Boise State athletics is something that is admirable to his peers and athletes alike. Martin truly understands the concept of being a fan. “Sports are his entire life,” Snyder said.
“Sports are his entire life.”
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Ryan Synder, junior business finance major
BOISE STATE BEATS SAN JOSE BY 48
SPORTS & REC
Alston passes personal records to take down the Spartans Delaney Brassil | Sports Editor | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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he last time Boise State’s men’s basketball team scored over 100 points in a game was in 2017 against Eastern Oregon (104). That record was broken on Saturday, Feb. 9 as the Broncos took down San Jose 105-57.
After a disappointing 83-72 defensive loss to UNLV on Wednesday, Feb. 6, which included 14 3-pointers from the Rebels, the Broncos hit Taco Bell Arena determined to bounce back from their last two consecutive losses. The Broncos have never lost to San Jose at home, going 17-0 all time. “We were really disappointed and down after that UNLV loss and we didn’t pout, we didn’t feel sorry for ourselves,” said head coach Leon Rice. “So we got up off the canvas and came out fighting. And that’s the best thing about this team. They faced some adversities, and what a great life lesson for all these guys, how to pick yourself up, go back to it and start working hard; good things are gonna happen.” A 15-0 run opened up the afternoon for the Broncos. By the half, the Broncos were up 46-28, led by redshirt sophomore guard Derrick Alston’s 15 points. The Broncos had three commanding dunks in the first half, two of which were made by Alston. Alston, going 12-15, had himself a night; he passed his career highs in total points (33) and made field goals (12). Redshirt senior forward David Wacker also posted a new career-high record, snagging 8 rebounds. “I love playing this game. I’ve been playing since I can remember, since I was six years old. So for me it’s just going out there and having fun,” Alston said. “This year has been really different for me since last year so I’m just really taking it game
by game.” The Broncos shot 63 percent and went 15-30 from 3-point range. With this, the team set two new 2018-19 season-high records: 3-point field goals made and 3-point field goal attempts. Five players ended in the double digits; Alston (33), RJ Williams (22), Alex Hobbs (17), Marcus Dickinson (11) and Justinian Jessup (10). Williams’ 22 points came from the bench, contributing to the team’s depth of 32 total points from non-starters. “It feels good just playing with these guys every single day and us getting better and the results showing,” Williams said. “Yesterday in practice we had a different mentality and it translated to today, so it feels good to get the win and get it done and see that hard work pay off.” This defeat brings San Jose to 0-10 in conference play and 3-19 overall, with their only victories being over Life Pacific College, Bethune-Cookman University and Northern Arizona University. Sitting at sixth in the Mountain West (6-5), the Broncos need to go at least 4-3 in their remaining games in order to come out of the season with a winning conference record. Head coach Leon Rice has not had a losing season at Boise State since his first season on campus in 2010-2011. “I love the direction this team is headed and we’re going to keep fighting every, every day,” Rice said. The Broncos head to Fresno State to face the Bulldogs on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 8:30 p.m. MST. In their last meeting, Fresno (8-3 in conference, 17-6 overall) came to Boise and won 63-53 on Saturday, Jan. 19. The Broncos struggled to break through Fresno’s full court press, resulting in 16 turnovers. Fresno went 7-23 and Boise went 4-21 from the arc.
FEB.4 FEB.9 Autum Robertson | Sports Reporter | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu
MOUNTAIN WEST
Nevada (23-1) The Wolf Pack remains at the top of the Mountain West and is ranked No. 6 in the AP top 25 poll. The Wolf Pack went on the road at the start of the week to take on the Rams, where they won 98-82. Later they took on the Lobos at home, winning 91-62 behind guard Caleb Martin’s 20 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Utah State (18-6) The Aggies traveled to Fresno and took on the Bulldogs where they held a onepoint advantage in an 82-81 victory. The Aggies couldn’t pull off another win, falling to San Diego Stat 63-68, even with Aggies’ guard Sam Merrill putting up 35 points in 35 minutes. Fresno State (17-6) The Bulldogs barely lost to the Aggies at home, 81-82. After the loss, the Bulldogs successfully bounced back after defeating UNLV 83-65. The Bulldog guard Braxton Huggins torched the Rebels’ defense, putting up 31 points, five rebounds and one assist. San Diego State (14-9) The Aztecs were toppled by the very average Lobos 83-70, but pulled off a big win against one of the Mountain West’s top teams, the Aggies, with a 68-63 victory. Guard Devin Watson led the Aztecs with 23 points, four rebounds and three assists. UNLV (12-11) The Rebels came to Boise and had no problem taking down the Broncos 83-72. However the Rebels did fall to the Bulldogs at home 65-83. The biggest reason the Bulldogs won may have been their success from the three-point line shooting 15 for 29 and their ability to hold the Rebels to three for 15 on threes.
Boise State (11-13) The Broncos lost at home to the Rebels 72-83 on Wednesday. On Saturday, they looked like a completely different team against the Spartans when they won 105-57. Bronco guard Derrick Alston had a career night putting up 33 points, four rebounds and four assists. Air Force (10-13) The Falcons won their only game this week when they took on the Cowboys at home in a 81-76 triumph. Falcon forward Lavelle Scottie finished the game with 34 points and seven rebounds. New Mexico (10-13) The Lobos took down the Aztecs 8370, but later in the week they lost to the Wolf Pack 62-91, which came as a surprise to absolutely nobody. The Lobos looked helpless this time around when they were outscored 51 to 26 in the first half.
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Colorado State (9-15) The Rams are now riding a two-game losing streak after falling to the Wolf Pack 82-98 and the Cowboys 74-66. The Cowboys’ guard Justin James proved to be too much; he finished with 36 points.
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Wyoming (6-17) The Cowboys had two close games this week; the first was a loss to the Falcons 76-81, and the second was a win against the Rams 74-66. As previously mentioned, James was a big reason for the Cowboys’ win. San Jose State (3-19) Still winless in conference, the Spartans have turned into a team that can’t even compete in the Mountain West. They lost to the Broncos by a margin of 48; the game was over early for the Spartans.
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SPORTS & REC
A LOOK INTO BOISE STATE’S DEVELOPING BASEBALL TEAM
The team is working to build their culture before the season starts in 2020 Paul Gourley | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu
J
ust south of Albertsons Stadium on Beacon Street lies the layout for a new baseball stadium. Playing their home games at the stadium in 2020 will be none other than Boise State’s new Division 1 baseball team. The man set to lead the team into their first season in 40 years is head coach Gary Van Tol. Van Tol and his players are excited about the progress that the team has made with building their culture, but know that the team has a long road until day one of the season. “For everyone here, it’s a lot of uncharted waters, which has made it all very exciting – there’s a lot of energy, but it’s overwhelming at the same time,” Van Tol said. “I know I have to be patient and pick one or two things each day that I can dominate. There’s no road we’re following; we’re building it each day, it’s very exciting. I think we’re on the right track.”
“There’s no road we’re following; we’re building it each day, it’s very exciting. I think we’re on the right track.” Gary Van Tol, head coach
Starting a new program can be daunting, yet Van Tol has a tranquility about him. He knows that the 12 players he has currently on campus are nothing less than an asset. “Having the 12 guys on campus will be huge in gaining some experience going forward. They all had other opportunities leaving the schools that they
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FEBRUARY 12, 2019
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Kase Ogata, freshman graphic design major, during practice. Taylor Humby | The Arbiter
were already at...” Van Tol said. “The guys have been able to come in and get bigger, faster and stronger. I can’t imagine starting next fall with 30 new guys. I knew I wanted to bring in these 12 when I heard how many of them were willing to sacrifice that year of eligibility.” Culture often comes to the forefront of many collegiate programs. For Van Tol, creating the culture he wants doesn’t require him to go far. He knows the type of player he’s looking for. “The culture and mindset in the state and community fit very well with the mindset I have and the culture I want to create. I’ve used Coach Pete’s ‘OKG’ line plenty of times, which is a part of our recruiting mantra. We’re looking for ‘OKG’s’ or ‘Our Kinda Guys.’ I’m willing to go wherever we can to find
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it,” Van Tol said. “But first and foremost with our recruiting process, we don’t want to miss anybody in the state of Idaho. One thing that I’m proud about the guys that have signed with us, nine of them graduated from an Idaho high school. At the end of the day, I’m excited to build around those nine homegrown guys.” Van Tol doesn’t have to worry about his players not buying in. After all, many of them forwent playing a season elsewhere to redshirt during the 2018-2019 school year. One of those players includes Cameron Sommer, a junior communication major and pitcher. Boise State is his third stop since graduating high school. The transfer understands what Van Tol and the coaching staff are trying to create.
To Sommer, the culture can be defined by a rule that the team has during their workouts. “A big thing for us is what’s called ‘Ride For Nine.’ It means that when we’re in the weight room and one guy does eight reps, then you do nine,” Sommer said. “The culture here is to grind every day and get better every day. We don’t have time for things to go by and slip through the cracks. Really, the culture is being set as we speak.” Kase Ogata, a freshman graphic design major, experienced the growing culture through the recruiting process. Ogata is a Meridian, Idaho native and was the first player to commit to Van Tol in December of 2017. “We got a lot of guys on the team who have been overlooked or have injuries. Gary offered me (a scholarship) when I was in a sling after my second labrum surgery,” Ogata said. “It just shows how much he believes in guys that want to win and compete.” With the inaugural season kicking off in just a year, the support the Bronco baseball team is expecting to receive is clear. “There’s definitely a vibe and buzz that’s going on. If we can put a product on the field that can compete and is blue collar, people are going to have a great experience watching us play,” Van Tol said. “I think we can create a great following unlike a lot of other schools on the West Coast. I also think we can create a following that’s electric for our players to play in front of and could be pretty cool.” The team is set to host its first home series on Feb. 29-March 1, 2020, against Northern Colorado.
THE BLEEDING EDGE Film screening followed by a conversation with producer, Amy Herdy
FEBRUARY 26 6:30 P.M.
Morrison Center Recital Hall
THE JUDGE
Film screening followed by a conversation with filmmaker, Sara Maamouri
FEBRUARY 27 6:30 P.M.
Morrison Center Recital Hall
MOVIE SCREENINGS ON BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY’S CAMPUS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC familyofwomanfilmfestival.org
BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY 2019/2020 STUDENT TUITION AND FEE HEARING Students are invited to comment on proposed 2019/2020 tuition and fees. Students may learn more about proposed tuition and fee increases at a hearing scheduled for Tuesday, February 19, 2019, beginning at 1:00 P.M. in the Lookout Room of the Student Union. Proposals will be presented in the order listed below. Students will have the opportunity to comment after each proposal. Students may also submit written comments prior to the hearing. More detailed information about the proposed tuition and fee increases is available during regular business hours from the Office of Budget and Planning, Suite 210, of the Administration Building. All interested Boise State University students, faculty, and staff may send written comments to kennethkline@boisestate.edu before February 15. BSU students, faculty and staff wishing to provide comments in person may sign up at the hearing. It is helpful if those providing comments in person also provide a written copy of their comments. Persons not currently affiliated with Boise State University are allowed to testify at the Student Fee Hearing under the following conditions: 1 They must sign up to testify and in doing so, indicate they are not a student, faculty or staff. 2 They must submit a written copy of their testimony prior to testifying.
3 They will be allowed to testify only at the discretion of the hearing officer.
4 If allowed to testify, they must identify themselves as a non student at the onset of their verbal testimony.
Requesting Unit
GENERAL EDUCATION - TUITION
Current Fee/Semester
Fall / Spring Fall / Spring Summer 11+ credits 1-10 credits per credit per credit
Proposed Increase
Fall / Spring Fall / Spring Summer 11+ credits 1-10 credits per credit per credit
Proposed Fee/Semester
Fall / Spring Fall / Spring Summer 11+ credits 1-10 credits per credit per credit
2,629.40
239.31
187.91
136.73
12.43
9.77
2,766.13
251.74
197.68
STRATEGIC FACILITIES FEE
679.80
61.80
49.44
15.00
1.36
0.00
694.80
63.16
49.44
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FEE
122.30
11.12
8.90
6.27
0.57
0.00
128.57
11.69
8.90
INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS & SPIRIT SQUAD
118.20
10.74
8.59
4.73
0.43
0.43
122.93
11.17
9.02
UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES
47.50
4.32
4.32
12.00
1.09
0.00
59.50
5.41
4.32
STUDENT UNION
64.00
5.82
5.82
4.50
0.41
0.41
68.50
6.23
6.23
ASBSU
12.00
1.09
1.09
1.50
0.14
0.00
13.50
1.23
1.09
0.00
0.00
0.00
12.00
1.09
1.82
12.00
1.09
1.82
102.61
9.33
7.46
1.00
0.09
0.04
103.61
9.42
7.50
STUDENT TRANSPORTATION FEE STUDENT ACTIVITY FEE SUMMARY INFORMATION
GENERAL EDUCATION TUITION FACILITY FEES TECHNOLOGY FEES ACTIVITY FEES TOTAL TUITION and FEES
Current Fee/Semester
Fall / Spring Fall / Spring Summer 11+ credits 1-10 credits per credit per credit 2,629.40 239.31 187.91 679.80 61.80 49.44 122.30 11.12 8.90 415.50 37.77 33.75 3,847.00 350.00 280.00 Proposed Percent Increase
Other Fees
GRADUATE FEE NON-RESIDENT FEE WESTERN UNDERGRAD EXCHANGE FEE
Boise State University Office of Budget and Planning 1910 University Drive Admin. Bldg., Suite 210 Boise, ID 83725
375.00 4,020.50 1,923.00
98.00 339.00 n/a
75.00 35.00 n/a
Proposed Increase
Fall / Spring Fall / Spring Summer 11+ credits 1-10 credits per credit per credit 136.73 12.43 9.77 15.00 1.36 0.00 6.27 0.57 0.00 35.73 3.25 2.70 193.73 17.61 12.47 5.0%
5.0%
4.5%
19.50 209.07 97.37
5.10 17.63 n/a
3.90 0.00 n/a
Proposed Fee/Semester
Fall / Spring Fall / Spring Summer 11+ credits 1-10 credits per credit per credit 2,766.13 251.74 197.68 694.80 63.16 49.44 128.57 11.69 8.90 451.23 41.02 36.45 4,040.73 367.61 292.47
394.50 4,229.57 2,020.37
To be eligible for Federal and some institutional financial aid, you must enroll in 12 or more credits. If approved, proposed increases would take effect starting Fall semester 2019.
103.10 356.63 n/a
78.90 35.00 n/a