January 17, 2017

JANUARY 17 - JANUARY 24, 2017

FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

FEATURES

PAGE 5

Alaska Fireweed finds success in marijuana retail

PAGE 6

UAA student Justin Wetch releases “Bending the Universe”

UAA Faculty Senate vote ‘no confidence’ in UA President, Chief IT Officer In a special January meeting, the University of Alaska Anchorage Faculty Senate moves a vote of no confidence for University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen and Chief Information Technology Officer Karl Kowalski

By Kathryn DuFresne content@thenorthernlight.org

In a majority vote, the University of Alaska Anchorage Faculty Senate voted for two no confidence motions in a special meeting on Jan. 13. The two motions were set on the agenda as votes of no confidence in University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen and Chief Information Technology Officer Karl Kowalski.

According to a document by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges posted to the Faculty Senate website prior to the special meeting, a vote of no confidence aims to send a message to leaders that the staff has “lost faith in the... policies and style of leadership.” The vote on the motion does not ensure the resignation or dismissal of university leadership, but airs a grievance from the faculty board.

Evidence from motions suggests that no confidence is held in Johnsen primarily in conjunction with the Strategic Pathways process, which began in spring 2016. The motion also suggests that actions taken by Johnsen have resulted

SEE JOHNSEN

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PHOTO BY KATHRYN DUFRESNE

UAA Faculty Senate president Dave Fitzgerald walks senators through the agenda from the Jan. 13 special meeting.

Before hitting the slopes, learn about avalanche safety

Having a plan prior to heading out to the mountains can save lives

By Brenda Craig

features@thenorthernlight.org

Knowledge is an important tool when it comes down to a life or death situation. Over 150 people are killed worldwide due to avalanches, according to National Geographic. In the US, there are approximately 25 deaths per year. Information on avalanche related injuries that take place in Alaska are live on the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center website.

In 2016, there were several deaths and injuries due to avalanches ranging throughout Alaska, in areas such as Hatcher Pass, Eureka and Paxson.

Avalanches are prone to happen in any area at any time, so before hitting the slopes, it is important to be aware of the dangers of avalanches in backcountry areas.

In simplest terms, there are three ingredients for an avalanche. An avalanche forms when there is avalanche terrain, unstable snow and a trigger. The first ingredient is an avalanche terrain, which is a slope that is 30 degrees and steeper. Second, unstable snow, which is a slab weak layer, may indicate unstable snow is recent avalanches and cracking and collapsing. The final ingredient is a PHOTO BY YOUNG KIM

SEE AVALANCHE

On average, there are about 25 avalanche related deaths per year in the state of Alaska. More information on avalanche related injuries can be found on the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center website.

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NEWS

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017

| 02

The effect of lawmaker ethics on Alaska How those in political power impact our state

GRAPHIC BY JIAN BAUTISTA

By Alexis Abbott

news2@thenorthernlight.org

Alaska is in a unique position in Washington, D.C. as those representing the state are unanimously Republican. Alaska’s congressional delegation consists of Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Dan Sullivan, both members of the United States Senate, and Rep. Don Young who serves in the United States House of Representatives.

Being fair and remaining ethical is something that seems to get subsided in politics. Whether a figure believes or supports a cause, the way lawmaking is handled determines the way their state, or country, is impacted.

Now more than ever, it is important for lawmakers to stick to what they may trust, and fight for what they believe is right for what and whom they are representing. For Alaska, it is up to Murkowski, Sullivan and Young to make a difference and protect the state.

Robert Hockema, a political science

student at UAA, admits that lawmakers, both local and national, can often determine the future of a state.

“Lawmakers play a vital role in ensuring that the needs of their constituents are represented. Their sole allegiance is to the very people who have entrusted them to a legislative office and to pass or review bills that are in the interests of their communities. It’s important to understand that ethical practices in government keep lawmakers accountable to the people,” Hockema said. “When politicians violate ethics in government - say, wining and dining lawmakers at fancy restaurants in return for bills that give tax breaks to particular industries, or donating money to campaigns in exchange for special treatment - they undermine trust in democratic institutions by signaling to the people that lining their pockets and keeping cushy jobs are more important than the issues their constituents care about. In essence, lawmakers remaining ethical protect the fundamental integrity of democracy.”

Chaz Rivas is the current president of the Political Science Association at UAA and believes that the consistent reelection of Republican lawmakers is no mistake.

“The importance of ethics for lawmakers is that without them, there would be no trust between the people and government. When an official is elected or appointed, there is a level of ethical expectation that is attached to the public service that should be honored during their tenure,” Rivas said.

Rivas has hopes that with the three Republicans in congress, and the Republican president, some of the roadblocks that the state has faced, may be overcome.

“In many ways, our congressional delegation are a unique kind of Republican compared to some of the others from the lower 48. Republicans from the state have done well in D.C. focusing on issues that Alaskans care about on the national scale,” Rivas said.

Joey Sweet, a political science student, recognizes the importance of ethical lawmakers because of their role model status

in society.

“There are two main governmental philosophies when it comes to a representative. First, there’s the idea that a representative should act as a trustee of their constituents, voting as they see fit for the policies they believe would best serve their constituents. The second view is to act as a delegate of their constituents, voting in a way that they believe reflects the view of their constituents on any given issue,” Sweet said. “Every lawmaker switches between each view over the course of their career. Overall, I feel that our delegation acts more as delegates, given that we are a red state with an allRepublican delegation. While I may personally disagree with that political view, I don’t take away anything from our delegation’s execution of their responsibilities to operate government.”

The political system of a state must stem from a strong local government, which roots from reliable political figures. That is why it is important for lawmakers to remain fair and accountable.

The Edge Update: Alaska legislative session, Trump congressional feuds and Myanmar violence with income. The proceeds would go towards education.

Some say that this is basically an income tax. Other proposals include increasing the state’s deficit to give Alaskans a second 2016 PFD, mandating that workers get at least six days of paid leave a year and getting Gov. Bill Walker to create a system for tracking sexual assault examination kits.

By Max Jungreis KRUA

Local Alaskan legislators have revealed the bills they’ll be working to push through in the upcoming legislative session, and only a handful address the budget crisis.

Some of the proposed measures include banning genetically modified fish and allowing “ballot selfies” to be posted on social media. Only a few of these are likely to be passed. George Rauscher, a Republican from Mat-Su, wants to amend the state constitution to place a $4 billion cap on the state operating budget. Senator Click Bishop, a Republican from Fairbanks, wants to institute a graduate “employment tax” that increases

National On Friday, criticisms made by civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) of President-elect Donald Trump led to a spontaneous feud between the two. Lewis appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Friday, saying that he did not regard Trump as a “legitimate president” because of allegations that Russian cyber-operatives interfered in the election on Trump’s behalf. Trump responded in the early hours of Saturday morning on Twitter, writing “Congressman John Lewis should spend more time on fixing and helping his district, which is in horrible shape and falling apart (Not to mention crime infested) rather than falsely complaining about the election results. All talk, talk, talk — no action or results. Sad!” Trump followed up with more tweets later that day, saying Lewis should “finally focus on the burning and crime infested inner cities of the U.S. I can use all the help I can get!”

Many commentators saw Trump’s statements as tinged with racial undertones and disrespectful, particularly going into the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.

The conflict has served to remind others of Trump’s often strained relations with African Americans and other minorities.

Global In Myanmar, chaos and bloodshed has errupted. The Bhuddist government of Myanmar has been persecuting the Rohingya, a Muslim ethnic group residing in the country’s Rakhine State, since at least the 1970s. The government says that the Rohingya are not a genuine ethnic group, but a Bengali migrant group leftover from colonial times. Motivated by this discrimination, militant groups have formed among the Rohingya. The conflict finally exploded late last year, when the military of Myanmar began entering Rohingya villages, shooting people at random, systematically raping girls and women, and razing villages to the ground. So far the government has denied any wrongdoing, but international rights groups have accused it of genocide. The situation has led many observers to refer to the Rohingya as “the most persecuted people in the world”.

NEWS

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017

| 03

Alaskans, Hollywood and the media on welcoming President Trump

By Alexis Abbott

news2@thenorthernlight.org

The inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States is just around the corner. The commencement will take place on Jan. 20 and will mark the four-year term of Donald Trump as President of the United States, alongside Vice President Mike Pence.

To no surprise, skepticism surrounding Trump’s presidency has been a major topic of discussion in the media.

The inauguration underway has only enhanced the chaos in America, which may be influenced by a variety of artists, actors and musicians.

A number of the A-list celebrities in the spotlight were not shy in their support for President Barack Obama, and many were quick to join Hillary Clinton’s campaign, leaving Trump’s following in Hollywood sparse.

In an effort to line up performances for the 2017 inauguration, the inaugural committee has faced trouble in finding a lineup for the festivities. Many musicians have denied requests to perform at the event, and even more entertainers have publicly shared their refusal to contribute.

The entertainment industry is known for their liberal label, while the majority choose to endorse the more adequate candidate for their party. Previous republican inaugurals, including most recently George W. Bush’s, did not face the trouble that Trump is facing in finding entertainers to perform.

There are just four main performances confirmed for the official inaugural event. These include Jackie Evancho, the Radio City Rockettes, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Missouri State University Chorale.

Even the confirmed acts have raised controversy, with fans and in the media, the consent to perform at Trump’s celebration has raised question for those in the limelight.

Despite news outlets and many celebrities feeling negatively towards the president-elect, many conservatives see the media as the problem.

Ryan McKee, president of Anchorage Young Republicans, will be in Washing-

GRAPHIC BY JIAN BAUTISTA

ton D.C. for the inauguration and is eager to see Trump’s presidency celebrated and not looked over.

“I feel that Trump could walk on water and cure cancer and the media and celebrities would find a way to scrutinize him.

The media from the beginning covered him because they believed he was a joke.

After winning the primary, they realized he was not and began their onslaught of attacks on him. Despite the mountains of scandals the Clintons were part of, none of that ever made it through the news cycle aside from Fox News,” McKee said. “If Clinton had won and companies were doing what they are now, announcing their return, it would be trumpeted on every news station around the country.

They would be ecstatic and give credit to Clinton. However because she did not

win, it is being shoved to the bottom of the stack. Instead, CNN, for example, goes out and tries to dig up anything they can on President Trump, including a false report that they and Buzzfeed spread as truth. They are now in a world of hurt, because it was easily proven that they were given false information yet chose to still run the article.”

McKee believes that those with big names in Hollywood do not have the understanding to analyze politics.

“They [celebrities] sit atop their perch talking about equal rights and equal pay… while sitting in their $100 million mansion. They cry for gun control, yet have armed guards wherever they go.

No matter how many poorly done videos they produce begging people to ‘vote their conscience,’ most voters see right

through this, and in this case, elected Donald Trump,” McKee said.

Although many uphold significant social platforms, McKee does not think that the media, musicians or actors are capable of impacting Trump’s future presidency.

“The media will try to smear anything he does and the celebrities will follow suit. But after a while, the voters will grow tired of hearing the same talking points. And if we are able to turn this country around and undo some of the disasters the previous administration put in place, I feel that President Trump will be able to defend himself through his actions and he will not need to cater to the media or celebrities,” McKee said.

The inauguration will be broadcasted on most major networks.

Select galleries and spaces open late with discounted admission; pop-up artist studio with Jenny Miller; all-ages reading and writing activities; live music in Muse 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20

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04 | NEWS

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017

JOHNSEN: In 28 to 9 vote, faculty AVALANCHE: Avoid a potential avalanche with the right knowledge and gear notes failures of UA leadership what avalanche terrain is, how to recog-

Continued from cover

in low faculty morale and high staff turnover, resulting in “fundamental threats” to the quality of education.

Frank Jefferies, professor of management and marketing, helped the Faculty Senate draft the resolutions, and spoke specifically to Johnsen’s Strategic Pathways plan.

“The Strategic Pathways initiative, in and of and by itself, as far as following business practices that are acceptable and best practices... it doesn’t. They appear to have made decisions about what direction they are going to go; they completely ignore financial implications about the decisions that they’re making,” Jefferies said. “I understand the duties and responsibilities of a board member, unless the Board of Regents operates on a completely different set of rules. The president shouldn’t be involved in day-to-day operational level decisions they should be operating at a strategic level, and this is not what’s going on.”

Soren Orley, UAA accounting professor, also discussed the problems rooted within Strategic Pathways and the actions taken by the Board and Johnsen, but was not convinced that the motion was the correct action.

“The consolidation has been going on... this is not something new. The board hired Jim [Johnsen], and I think at this point in time, Jim is the messenger versus the person that’s [giving] the message. I’m really questioning whether it’s a non-confidence in Jim, or it’s a vote of non-confidence in our Board of Regents.”

Several other faculty including Paul Dunscomb, chair of the history department; Larry Foster, mathematics professor; and Carrie King, an associate professor in the Community and Technical College all expressed concerns over the effects of the no confidence vote.

“I question the wisdom in the timing, because, to quote Forrest [Nabors, political science professor], ‘the vote of no confidence is the first step in the process, and the process needs to be taken,’ but the process is so unknown, it’s so illdefined,” King said. “What is our strategy? And I feel like we need to define that a little bit better before we take an action at this level.”

Many others pushed that if Anchorage’s Faculty Senate did not move on the motion, Fairbanks and Southeast may be hesitant to move forward. Cathy Coulter from the College of Education noted that change has already affected her program in town, and waiting for the process would “be seen as weak.”

Max Kullberg, assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences, and Jill Flanders-Crosby, professor of dance, used their voices to share their pride in faculty,

but the concern they share for students and the future voice of colleagues.

“This has always been a university where I have had so much pride in what we as a talented, creative and imaginative faculty have accomplished,” FlandersCrosby said. “I think we need to remember that this is not necessarily just about us, but it’s a lot about our students. They can feel us in our low morale. They are witnessing actions that are being taken that are impacting their courses... It is our students that need our careful concern and consideration. It is time to take that shot.”

Kullberg focused the conversation back to Strategic Pathways, and how time may be running out.

“I feel like [Strategic Pathways] divides us by the three institutions. If it looks like we’re a strong department... we’re told to keep our head down and not to stick up for our colleagues. We’re not collaborating and it’s making us work against each other. They’re dividing and conquering... and I hate that. I also hate this idea... of voting out of fear. It’s too late for that, we called this meeting, we’re all here, we all feel this way. If we go back on it now, we’ve taken away all our power, we’re not going to get this momentum again. It either happens now, or it doesn’t happen at all.”

A call to question, or a request to cease discussion was called after over an hour and twenty minutes of discussion, and the final vote, only requiring a simple majority to be approved, passed 28 to 9, with over 75 percent of faculty senators voting no confidence.

Motion B concerning Kowalski cites long-term IT issues with a transition to Google mail, conflicts of resources while updating Blackboard and email, the conflict of making changes during finals week — typically a week where IT changes freeze — and an overall loss of morale to the university as a whole.

The motion was called to question immediately, and went straight to a vote without formal discussion. However, the lack of confidence in Statewide IT was expressed within the conversation for motion A. “None of us in this room can possibly have confidence in... the email fiasco that [Kowalski] did. So that is a given, I think,” Toby Widdecombe, English professor and faculty senator said.

The vote of no confidence in Kowalski was called to a vote without discussion, and passed 29 to 6.

Motion A will be directed towards the Board of Regents, and motion B will be submitted to Kowalski. According to several faculty senators, University of Alaska Fairbanks and Southeast are expected to follow suit in the vote of no confidence in Johnsen.

Continued from cover

trigger that can be natural or artificial.

A natural trigger is new snow, wind loading and warm temperatures. An artificial trigger can be caused from snow machining, ski or snowboarding, or even a simple footstep on a slab of snow sitting on a weak layer.

Timothy Miller, director of health physical education and recreation department at UAA, teaches outdoor recreation classes specifying in avalanche safety and backcountry skiing.

“They [avalanches] can happen at anytime, they’re likely to happen shortly after an event, like a wind event or a new snowfall. What you’re doing is adding stress to the snow pact and that stress is waiting to be released, but over time that snow pact will adjust to that load, and the layers will bond and create more stability.” Miller said. “Rule of thumb is to wait about 24 to 48 hours after what is considered a large event.”

There are many tools that can help prepare someone for the worst-possiblecase scenario when out in the backcountry, such as attending avalanche classes and having the right avalanche gear.

“First and foremost, what I consider the most important tool is the brain. Students are focusing to be educated about the avalanche hazards and dangers that are out there, and there’s many ways to get trained with local avalanche classes so that is a way to get your brain tuned up,” Miller said. “ That is the most important tool. Besides that, everyone needs to have an avalanche transceiver, a shovel, a probe and they need to know how to use them.”

Individuals interested in skiing backcountry are recommended to take an avalanche awareness course before attempting to venture out. Aleph JohnstonBloom, avalanche specialist at Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center, advises taking an avalanche Level 1 class to be educated on avalanche precautions. Avalanche Level 1 classes teach decision making in avalanche terrain, how to plan for a trip, and what to do in case you or someone in the party gets caught in an avalanche.

“I recommend taking an avalanche Level 1 class. It is crucial to understand

nize signs of snowpack instability and know how to perform an avalanche rescue,” Johnston-Bloom said.

Being surrounded by Alaska’s beautiful mountains, many individuals understand the importance of taking avalanche courses and knowing the safety precautions.

Sam Emery, art major with a concretion in ceramics, has attended local avalanche clinics to further her education on the risks of skiing backcountry.

“I’ve attended avalanche talks at Blue & Gold [Boardshop], I plan on taking a level 1 class sometime this season,” Emery said. “I think it’s incredibly important to become educated on the dangers of skiing backcountry before you venture out, avalanches are a real danger that everyone needs to learn how to avoid.”

Checking avalanche conditions before skiing a certain slope is important. However, it is also crucial to understand that avalanches can happen at anytime.

“They [avalanches] happen all over, everywhere, no discrimination whatsoever,” Miller said.

Knowing that avalanches can happen at anytime and having a proactive plan can save a life when put in a deadly situation. There are some precautions that an individual can do to prevent a bad situation from occurring.

“Get educated, know how to use your equipment, choose good partners, manage your terrain and my final quote would be, ‘It’s always a good day to ski, it just might not be a good day to ski a certain slope,’” Miller said.

There are many factors to consider before skiing backcountry that can determine a life or death situation. Avalanche courses provide information on many aspects of avalanche safety that is crucial to prevent dangerous situations and prepare for unexpected occurrences. During these avalanche courses, one can gain knowledge on how to use equipment, what to do in an avalanche situation, snow conditions, types of avalanches and other important information that is useful in any situation. When enjoying the beauties of backcountry skiing it is also important to remember the risks and to be prepared for any possible situation.

One important precaution to do before skiing backcountry is keeping up to date on the avalanche forecast. There are many websites that provide daily updates on snow conditions, which is crucial information for staying safe.

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center site for Turnagain Pass and Girdwood Valley: http://www.cnfaic.org/advisories/current.php Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center: http://alaskasnow.org/forecasts-observations/hatcher-pass/ Alaska Avalanche Information Center for other places in the state of Alaska: http://alaskasnow.org/

FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017

| 05

Local marijuana retailer is a major hit

Alaska Fireweed’s grand opening success continues to bring in customers

By Brenda Craig

features@thenorthernlight.org

PHOTOS BY YOUNG KIM

General manager Will Ingram, previously affiliated with Alaska Boardroom, plans to keep the spirit of the skate shop alive with special events like the Summer Solstice Skate Jam.

Excitement in the community has grown after the grand opening of Alaska Fireweed on Dec. 17. With its transition from local skate shop ‘AK Boardroom’ into the recent marijuana retailer Alaska Fireweed, residents are eager to check out the newly opened cannabis shop. Located downtown on West Fourth Avenue, AK Fireweed continues to gain more and more customers each day.

“We sell nothing but the finest cannabis and related products from the best growers and manufacturers across Alaska,” Will Ingram, general manager at Alaska Fireweed said. “It’s a highend boutique-style shop which we hope makes people feel comfortable yet excited upon their purchase, and that experience gets them stoked to come back time and time again.”

After 10 months of planning and filling out paperwork, the opening was a success and AK Fireweed has remained busy since the opening.

“Opening day was just nuts, I’m not exactly sure how many people came through, but I can estimate I probably helped 500 people in the first couple of hours easily,” Ingram said. “It was just non-stop and it’s been like that every day since, in fact, I feel as if it gets busier every day.”

As of now, Alaska Fireweed is selling cannabis flower from local cultivator, Greatline Ganja. There are two indica strains, Northern Lights and White Widow and three sativa strains, Space Rip, Jack the Ripper and Pineapple Express.

“Their best selling strain so far has to be Jack the Ripper,” Ingram said. “This is a very Sativa dominant strain which can be very uplifting and motivating for most users. It tends to make the smoker a little more awake, aware and active, which can complement the lifestyles of many active Alaskans seeking something a little more out of their hobbies.”

Because marijuana retailers are still fairly new in Alaska, many customers are in awe when buying cannabis products from a store.

“It was cool to get a receipt for weed, it’s something you wouldn’t expect to happen, like buying jewelry, looking in the case with the magnify glass, pick out what you want versus getting what you get then getting a slip for it,” MacKenzie Vuckovich, Anchorage resident, said.

An upside to buying from a marijuana retailer is knowing exactly what you’re buying and where it came from.

“It is a place to get weed, a place where you can go and know what you’re going to get, know what strain, and have the knowledge of what you’re going to smoke,” Sam Ingram, lead register at Alaska Fireweed, said.

This new industry is exciting for customers down to the smallest detail.

“It’s pretty surreal going from brown paper bags to non-smell fancy bags,” Vuckovich said.

After being opened for a month, Alaska Fireweed continues to have customers line up outside the door prior to opening. Because the demand for marijuana is so high, the shop faces low supply but can reassure that they will not run out of product anytime soon. They are looking into expanding cannabis products which are also in high demand.

“It’s a mad house in here, we’ve consistently had a line outside the door every day they are open, and it’s pretty much non-stop with customers flowing in all day long,” Ingram said. “I think the thing we are most looking forward to are more cultivators and manufactures coming online to the legal market place.”

Alaska Fireweed is one of the few marijuana shops open in Anchorage and holds an exciting future as a local shop providing customers with knowledge and welcoming customer service on this growing cannabis industry. As of now, they are open Thursday though Saturday from 2 - 8 p.m.

Alaska Fireweed offers a boutique-like experience for cannabis and related products.

Found on 715 W Fourth Ave. in downtown Anchorage, Alaska Fireweed serves as one of the city’s newest legal marijuana retailers.

Alaska Fireweed presents Alaskan cannabis recreationists with an opportunity to know exactly what it is they are purchasing. Shown here is the shop’s magnifying glass used to view different strains of cannabis for sale.

06 | FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017

Localize It: Local writer releases debut poetry novel Justin Wetch’s book release, and the success it has had since

By Madison McEnaney arts@thenorthernlight.org

Justin Wetch is a nineteen year old writer and photographer, majoring at UAA in business marketing. Wetch has always considered himself a writer of sorts, but had only begun to take it more seriously in the past few years. He began getting into poetry more specifically as he grew older, and with that began writing poems that would eventually be put together in his debut novel.

“My tango with poetry started when I was in seventh grade when one of my teachers made me learn how to write poems. I hated it at the time, but he knew that the only thing I hated more than poetry was not succeeding, so I ended up writing my first

poems. From there I just kept writing, and enjoying the process of poetry writing as I endured it,” Wetch said.

Fast forwarding today, Wetch has his debut novel released, titled “Bending the Universe.” This novel is five years in the making and was finally put out on Dec. 14 of last year. Wetch began writing the poems for the book without knowing what the end result would be, and not expecting the support it would get.

“The book was number one on the poetry section of Amazon for eight days, and since then has taken the spot a few more times. It is unreal to see how many people are supporting my book, and relating to what I have written in it,” Wetch said.

When in the process of creating “Bending the Universe,” Wetch looked beyond other poets to find inspiration, where words were influential in different forms. The Hamilton musical, and Kendrick Lamar were two sources of inspira-

tion for Wetch’s work.

“Of course, anything I create will likely have already been created,” Wetch said, “But by avoiding reading other poetry and finding other forms of influential words to inspire me, I think I was able to create my work from within, without knowing or caring that it had already been made. That helped make my work truthful and more real.”

With the success of “Bending the Universe” and the positive response that Wetch has received from it, Wetch hopes to create new content soon. He wrote about subjects that he believes most can relate to, and put out the novel in a way that allows easy access to anyone.

“When you create things that are honest, people feel that and just respond to it positively,” Wetch said.

“Bending the Universe” is available to purchase in print, and also to read for free online.

PHOTOS BY YOUNG KIM

Justin Wetch, a 19-year-old business marketing major at UAA has recently published “Bending the Universe,” which is a collection of 100 poems he’s been working on for the past five years.

Released Dec. 14, 2016, “Bending the Universe” is available free to read online.

FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017

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SPORTS

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017

| 08

UAA student Dakota McKenzie shows balance between school, work and snowboarding

PHOTO COURTESY OF KOLBEN SAETRE

McKenzie performing a front 180 switch 5050.

By Brenda Craig

features@thenorthernlight.org

Being able to maintain balance is what keeps business marketing major Dakota McKenzie sane throughout the fall and spring semesters. Between school and work, McKenzie manages to find time to snowboard and film for video parts.

McKenzie picked up snowboarding around the age of 13 after attending snowboard camp coached by the team manager of Arbor, McKenzie made an effort to get

sponsored by Arbor. Several months later, McKenzie began receiving flow merchandise from the company.

Working at a board shop, McKenzie has been intrigued by the way business works and hopes to utilize the business marketing degree that he is currently going to school for.

“I chose UAA because it was the closest to home and allowed me to work, film and ride as much as possible while pursuing a degree,” McKenzie said. “I hope to tie it into snowboarding or skateboarding someday — whether it’s making my own company or whether I go

work in marketing for other companies.”

McKenzie is currently working at Blue & Gold Boardshop, attending UAA and filming for the snowboard and skate video ‘Evoke.’

“It’s pretty much like having three jobs with working, school and filming. It’s overwhelming at times, but putting the work in at the end of the day is definitely worth it,” McKenzie said.

Friends are what inspire McKenzie the most in snowboarding. His friends claim the same about him because of his drive and positive attitude.

“I think Dakota has a gift. He’s a very talented snowboarder and I believe that he is going to go far with it,” Riley Stewman, business marketing major, said. “You can tell that he is very passionate about it, which I feel is a huge part on why he’s so good.”

Jason Borgstede, the owner of Blue & Gold Boardshop, is teaching McKenzie about how to run a business.

Although McKenzie has a hectic schedule, he is always able to put that aside and work to his full potential.

“Dakota is destined to leave the shop and do big things,” Borgstede said. “I know the mind of a 20 year old is constantly focused on what’s coming up and where life will take them, but Dakota is able to balance that with taking care of business when he’s in the shop.”

Juggling work, school and snowboarding can be overwhelming at times, but McKenzie stresses the importance of finding a balance between these priorities and the benefits of achieving someone’s goals.

“I think it’s important to remember what you’re working towards and the good times that are to be had once the hard work is done,” McKenzie said.

Students attend UAA for different reasons and goals they hope to achieve in the future. Like McKenzie, many students face the struggle of balance between work, school and recreation, and continue to work hard through busy times.

Gymnastics season opener brings new energy

With nearly half a new team, the Seawolves begin the new season with a prospective future in sight

By Lauren Cuddihy

sports2@thenorthernlight.org

With the past two record-breaking seasons, the Seawolves gymnastics team has a lot to live up to. Last year, the team set records for the overall average of 192.303 and a record for the regional qualifying score for 192.725.

The scores prove the strength the team has accumulated over the years, but almost cleaning the slate, the Seawolves lost seven graduates, including standout M’rcy Matsunami. To account for the loss, head coach Paul Stoklos added six freshmen to the remaining eight gymnasts.

Remaining on the team is the trio of seniors Nicole Larkin, Brice Mizell and Kallie Randolph who are all pertinent to the season’s success and helping the freshmen with the transition into college competition. In addition, junior Morgan Ross remains a top athletic and academic performer on the team.

For the new freshmen, college gymnastics is a completely new experience, an experience that Larkin had once gone through years ago.

“As upperclassmen, we definitely tried to convey the differences between college gymnastics and club gymnastics, but nothing you say can quite describe the feeling you get when you’re out on the floor for the first time,” Larkin said.

Randolph believes that having so many young teammates brings a new energy to the team.

“This week has been so much fun and with having half of our team as freshmen it was a good start,” Randolph said.

As a season opener, the Seawolves traveled to Williamsburg, Virginia on Wednesday, Jan. 11 to compete against William & Mary College for the first time in twenty years. UAA has only once previously competed against William & Mary, but not since January of 1997.

Ending up short by less than 3 points, the Seawolves suffered the first loss of the season at 191.325 to 188.950.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMES AGNEW

Seawolves gymnastics line up for season opener introductions at William & Mary College on Jan. 11, 2016.

Of the four scores, vault, beam, bars and floor, UAA only surpassed Willam & Mary in one event: floor. Although they lost as an overall team, individuals used this meet to prove their pre-season training is paying off.

The opening competition of any sport is always used as a guideline and often not a make or break it deal. Preseason training is utilized and then modified after the season.

“We needed to be tested to see how to grow. We have been practicing for so long and after a while, with no meet, it starts to get to you, so it was well needed,” Randolph said.

Team captain Ross, a previous standout, delivered career-best performances. With a score of 9.775 on floor

exercise, she secured the highest score of the night. Ross additionally finished with 9.675 on the first beam routine of her career.

Larkin also proved to be a strength on the Seawolves side. Six of her scores all combined at a 9.45 or higher, securing a 9.625 on bars and 9.575 on beam.

As a freshmen season debut, Tere Alonson finished runner-up in beam, with a score of 9.700, just barely passing Ross.

Seawolves gymnastics returns home to the Alaska Airlines Center versus Wisconsin Stout on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m.

SPORTS

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017

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10 | SPORTS

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017

Early ‘Ski-wolves’ training leads to top 15 finishes The Seawolves traveled down to Montana and Utah for the final week of winter break to kickstart the 2016-17 season

By Lauren Cuddihy

sports2@thenorthernlight.org

To kick off the new year and new season the UAA alpine and Nordic ski teams competed in an abundance of meets the week prior to school starting back up for the spring semester. After a nerve-wrecking pre-season that put the entire sport on edge, the team was saved by the NCAA with enough time to let them fully prepare for their first meet.

Even with the disadvantage of not have adequate snow often in Alaska recently, alpine junior Charley Field didn’t feel underprepared.

“We started our training early in Colorado in November and then got some amazing training at Alyeska to end the year off. The coaches have done an excellent job setting up good training spaces for us to be able to have the training we need,” Field said.

Splitting off to their designated meets on the weekend of Jan. 7-8, alpine headed to the slopes in Big Sky, Montana while Nordic took to the trails in Midway, Utah.

To continue the trip the teams switched locations, Nordic competed in Bozeman, Montana while Alpine participated in meets in Huntsville, Utah.

To start the season off impressively, Nordic placed six athletes in the top 15 of the meet. This placed them at an initial sixth place standing for the first day of competition that secured the overall score heading into day two.

Helping start this impressive lead was standout freshman Hailey Swirbul, who placed seventh in her first-ever college race, the 10K freestyle, with a time of 28 minutes, 58.4 seconds. Other impressive performances included sophomore Toomas Kollo and junior Casey Wright.

Kollo finished 16th in the 10K freestyle with a time of 30 minutes, 28.3 seconds, he also finished the 2015-16 season off at 18th in the NCAA Championships in the same event. While Wright took a solid 10th place in the 15K freestyle at 38 minutes, 23.3 seconds.

It wasn’t until day two of the Utah Invitational that the Nordic team really thrived. The sprint races proved to be the strength of these athletes, putting one female and three males in the top 15. Again, Swirbul placed 12th (3:46) and Wright at fourth (3:36). In addition, freshman Zackarias Toresson finished fifth (3:46) and Kollo right behind in 11th

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELLY GORHAM

Alix Wells hitting the slopes at the Utah Invitational. Wells finished 14th in the women’s slalom.

(3:52).

After several things began wrapping up, individual scores were being finalized. “We have had some outstanding [individual] results so far and we will continue to strive for better going into the races hosted in Alaska,” Field said.

While Nordic was wrapping up, things were just heating up in day one of the Montana State Invite for Alpine. Due to several standouts, sub-15th place performances, the Alpine team managed to secure an overall standing of seventh.

Main contributors on day one were junior Field and freshman Dominic Unterberger. Field lead the pack with a 7th place finish with a two-run time of 2 minutes, 17 seconds, while Unterberger placed 12th in the men’s race at 2 minutes, 12 seconds.

Day two of the Montana State Invite only resulted in one athlete in the top 15, with a total of four in the top 30. Sophomore Alix Wells was the standout of day two in the women’s slalom finishing 14th (1:41). In the men’s slalom, senior Hughston Norton placed 18th (1:46), sophomore Tony Naicuk placed 24th (1:49) and junior Conor McDonald placed 28th (1:51).

As individuals thrived, the team as a whole didn’t necessarily excel to their potential, as Norton noticed.

“Our first meet didn’t go as we all wanted but we were skiing well and just need to be able to put two runs together. As a team we all need to get into race mode and start charging down the hill,”

PHOTO COURTESY OF UAA ATHLETICS

Hailey Swirbul competing in the 10K freestyle at the Montana State Invitional. Swirbul placed seventh in her first ever college race.

Norton said.

As the week progressed, the alpine and Nordic teams switched states in order to compete in the previous weekend’s meets.

Alpine kicked off the weekend on Friday, Jan. 14 as they began at the Utah Invitational. Starting slightly less successful than the previous weekend, the team only saw one top 10 finish and two additional top 20 finishes.

Regardless, the individuals that did excel surpassed any previous achievements.

“We worked extremely hard in the gym all fall and have seen it pay off in the races that we have had so far this season; [The] majority of our team has posted some of our best results to date,” Wells said.

On the women’s side, Field secured seventh place in the giant slalom with a two-run time of 2 minutes, 29.42 seconds. On the men’s side, Unterberger (2:20.36) and Naciuk (2:20.42) finished 16th and 17th, respectively.

To finish of the Utah Invite, on Saturday, Jan. 14, Naciuk (1:48.42) finished successfully again with a 6th place finish, Norton (1:49.30) in 11th and Curtis McKillop (1:49.99) in 16th. Additionally, Wells (1:55.25) and Field (2:03.13) were able to place on the women’s side.

Finishing off the Utah and Montana State Invitationals only marks the beginning of the Seawolves skiing season.

They will continue with giant slalom on Jan. 25 and 26, and slalom on Jan. 27 and 28 with the UAA and Seawolf Invitational in Girdwood, Alaska.

OPINION

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017

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The Northern Light is a proud member of the ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS. The Northern Light is a weekly UAA publication funded by student fees and advertising sales. The editors and writers of The Northern Light are solely responsible for its contents. Circulation is 2,500. The University of Alaska Anchorage provides equal education and employment opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, Vietnam-era or disabled-veteran status, physical or mental disability, changes in marital status, pregnancy or parenthood.

The views expressed in the opinion section do not necessarily reflect the views of UAA or the Northern Light.­­­

LETTERS AND CORRECTIONS POLICY Letters to the editor can be submitted to editor@thenorthernlight.org. The maximum length is 250 words.

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