Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

How Oklahoma State’s Charlie Carter has embraced his rollercoaster freshman season

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

ARLINGTON —

Carrie Carter gleefully sat in her seat adjacent to the home dugout at Globe Life Field. Next to her was her husband, Chuck Carter, who made the five-hour trek from the family’s hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas. In front of them was her son, Charlie Carter. Albeit barricaded by a couple of rows and netting, in her mind, it was close enough.

“I’m just so happy for him,” Carrie said with a warm smile. “He’s worked so hard for this opportunity.”

The opportunity to watch her son play D-I baseball had been a long time coming. Charlie committed to Oklahoma State as a freshman at Little Rock Christian Academy. After Charlie was thrown into the limelight on Feb. 24 against then No. 2 Arkansas, after starting catcher Beau Sylvester suffered a season-ending knee injury the day prior against Michigan, D-I baseball became a reality. Now, he is playing a major role for “the school of his dreams,” according to Carrie. And on Friday night, in OSU’s Big 12 Tournament semifinal win against UCF, Charlie earned his first start behind the plate during the conference tournament, making the moment all the more emotional for Carrie and Chuck.

See Carter on page 2

We honestly expect to win it’

Oklahoma State overpowers OU, wins

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

ARLINGTON – The moment Oklahoma State shortstop Lane Forsythe corralled a towering pop-up from Oklahoma’s Jaxon Willits, head coach Josh Holliday knew what was coming. Moments later, as his players and coaching staff circled around him, he was given stern instructions by his group: “Stand there, smile and

take it like a champ.”

The instant the icecold feel of the purple Gatorade flooded Holliday’s back and a grin appeared on his face as chants erupted around him. Just then, the reality of the moment seeped in. The fireworks, the confetti, the highly-coveted Big 12 trophy and the euphoria of fans and all OSU faithful present bellowing around the podium in right field made it all the more sentimental. Holliday’s Cowboys were Big 12 Champions. This one, however, meant a little more than conference champions that have come in years past.

Second-seeded Okla-

homa State dominated rival and top-seeded Oklahoma, 9-3 in Saturday’s Big 12 Championship game at Globe Life Field, giving the Cowboys their fourth conference tournament title and third under Holliday.

“A lot of fun,” Holliday said. “It’s kind of cool to celebrate a little bit. You don’t get many moments where as a coach or a team, you feel like it’s OK to celebrate. Just because once the season starts, you’re constantly chasing growth and improvement. And when the regular season ends, you shift your focus to this.

“Kind of fun for 15

minutes to take it all in with the kids.”

And this one came to no surprise to Holliday.

Not after a 4-4 start to the regular season. Not after a plethora of injuries to notable pieces: left fielder Nolan Schubart, infielder Aidan Meola, third baseman Tyler Wulfert and starting catcher Beau Sylvester. Not after Holliday’s Cowboys dropped head-scratching series losses to Kansas State and Texas teams, only to turn around and display dominance one week later.

See Big 12 on page 3

Two OSU students honored in 2024 Udall Scholarship competition

in what they can do with criminal prosecutions and I think that’s important because Oklahoma is mostly a tribal reservation,” McGee said.

At OSU, McGee is heavily involved in the Native American Student Association, where she has served as cultural chair, vice president and a volunteer for the OSU Powwow and Harvest Moon Festival. McGee was crowned 2023 Miss American Indian OSU and she is a student leader in the Center for Sovereign Nations.

Sitting in a class called Inventing Your Future, McGee decided to use her career aspirations and student involvement and to apply for the Udall Scholarship.

sending me to Tucson this summer,” McGee said.

“I’m a little nervous since I have never traveled, but I think it’s going to be a good experience and I appreciate that they’re giving me this opportunity to travel.”

With one year left in her undergraduate career, McGee looks forward to continuing her sociolegal research on tribal sovereignty and her involvement in the Native American Student Association. This summer, she will be traveling to Tucson, Arizona.

Elizabeth Struble became interested in environmental science in high school and as she started college, her interest in plant and soil science bloomed.

When Shaeleigh McGee thinks about her future, she sees a career shaping tribal public policy through criminal justice reform. Learn more about Udall Scholars and applicant statistics. McGee was selected as OSU’s 21st Udall Scholar, the third in three straight years in the Indian Coun-

try categories. Elizabeth Struble was also honored. She was selected as one of 55 Udall Scholar honorable mentions in the environmental category and is OSU’s 11th honorable mention. “Shaeleigh and Elizabeth exemplify OSU’s land-grant mission and responsibility to support future servant-leaders dedicated to addressing the nation’s most pressing issues,” said Jessica Sullins, Scholar Develop -

ment and Undergraduate Research director.

The Udall Scholarship honors the legacies of Morris and Stewart Udall, whose careers significantly impacted American Indian self-governance, health care, and the stewardship of public lands and natural resources. Each scholarship provides up to $7,000 for eligible academic expenses for the scholar’s junior or senior year of academic study.

A native of Duncan,

Oklahoma, McGee is a member of the Chickasaw Nation and Mississippi Choctaw Band of Indians. She is working toward her future career at Oklahoma State University, where she is a junior majoring in sociology emphasizing in criminology and criminal justice in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“I’m passionate about the criminal justice system and how it needs reform in tribal nations because they’re so limited

A member of the Honors College, McGee plans to attend law school and work in the tribal community, bridging the gap between sovereign rights and the state/federal governments.

When McGee found out she was awarded this scholarship, she was in disbelief but now she is excited for the doors this program will open.

“I really look forward to the Udall experience, because I know they’re

The Owasso, Oklahoma, native is double majoring in environmental science and plant and soil science with a concentration in soil and water resources in the Ferguson College of Agriculture and has extensive undergraduate research experience focusing on mycorrhizal fungi.

Bryson Thadhani

Oklahoma State players and staff on the field after defeating Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship.

Mykalyn Daidone

OSU catcher Charlie Carter’s playing at “the school of his dreams,” according to his mom, Carrie.

Courtesy of OSU News

Shaeleigh McGee

Courtesy of OSU News

Elizabeth Struble

Courtesy of OSU

Carter...

Continued from page 1 \

“It’s still a little bit surreal,” she said. “Just to be able to watch him on TV and in-person, and to come to a place like (Oklahoma State) and watch him play, it’s surreal.” Chuck seconded his wife’s sentiment.

“It’s weird,” Chuck said with a laugh. “But in a good way, of course. We were here back in February, like the same way. We didn’t know if he would or really expect him to play then. But even then, we’re still just like, ‘Wow, we’re here. This is happening.’ This has just been kind of a neat moment for us and for Charlie.”

But Charlie’s freshman season hasn’t come without adversity. Defensively, his production has been stellar. The offensive side, however, has been a learning curve. Something Chuck said Charlie has never endured during his baseball career.

Charlie is 4-57 at the plate this season and hasn’t logged a hit since March 30.

First-year struggles can be expected, but those close to him – his teammate, coaches and parents – have said he has taken the adversity in stride.

“He’s always handled stuff pretty even-keeled, to be honest,” Chuck said. “I was always wondering when I found out (he would be starting) how he was gonna handle it all. But he’s just been very calm, and very – I knew

there had to be some nerves.”

A productive fall put Charlie on the radar of head coach Josh Holliday and the rest of the coaching staff. Charlie knew he had talented prospects ahead of him in the catching room — sophomore Sylvester and junior Ian Daugherty, both mainstays in OSU’s lineup during their time with the Cowboys. But that didn’t hinder his grit to establish himself.

The more time Sylvester and Daugherty got during fall reps, the harder Charlie worked.

“Charlie has never been someone to take no for an answer when it comes to baseball,” Chuck said. “He always wants to find a way to establish himself.”

Although Charlie didn’t earn a start during OSU’s opening series at Sam Houston State, he stayed the course. Anxiety, Chuck said, has never been an issue for Charlie.

One week later, his moment came in OSU’s win against the Razorbacks. To make matters more special, Charlie grew up an Arkansas fan. Chuck detailed countless memories of the family attending Arkansas football and baseball games.

“That was a fun moment for us,” Carrie said. “I know Charlie enjoyed that very much.”

He traded reps with Daugherty behind the plate throughout the season, before Daugherty surged and solidified himself as the team’s primary starter.

But when his number is called, Charlie has been available and has been productive.

“Just stay with it,” Holliday said. “That’s what you tell a kid like Charlie. You know, he works his butt off. And a lot of the contributions he makes to this team might not be showing on the offensive end — and it will, eventually — but

all around, he’s a hard worker and does everything right.”

For now, the opportunity to play as a freshman has been one of the highlights of Charlie’s young baseball career. And his parents said he’s relishing every moment of it.

“He’s frustrated as heck with how some things have gone,” Chuck said. “It’s not like he’s just like, ‘Oh well, whatever.’ But in my opinion, and other people know this, it has not affected his catching. And it sure as heck hasn’t affected his passion for the game and the team.

“That’s one of the things that I’ve been really proud of him for. He’s loving every moment of this, I can tell you that.”

Charlie Carter is 4-57 at the plate this season, but head coach Josh Holiday said his offensive will eventually come around.

Payton Little

Charlie Carter’s parents, Chuck and Carrie, are “so happy” for their son’s opportunity to play at Oklahoma State.

Kaytlyn Hayes

Despite such obstacles, there they were, hoisting the Big 12 Conference trophy in right field as golden confetti fell on them.

“We honestly expect to win it, around here,” Cowboys’ two-way star Carson Benge said. “Shouldn’t surprise anyone that we were able to do it.”

The Cowboys (40-17) made relatively easy work of the Sooners for most of the night.

OSU drew first blood in the top of the first following consecutive base hits from Forsythe and Benge to lead off the frame. A sacrifice fly out to center field from Zach Ehrhard made it 1-0 OSU.

OU threatened at times, but a stellar, 4 1/3-inning gem from right-hander Tommy Molsky – who made his first start on the mound this season – kept a potent Sooners’ (37-19) offense at bay, matching a seasonhigh eight strikeouts while surrendering just four runs, one walk and two earned runs through 71 total pitches.

“I was ready,” Molsky said. “It kind of threw me off (getting the start). But I was ready. I was excited that I got the opportunity.” And perhaps most importantly, Molsky’s productive outing allowed OSU’s offense to find its footing, amid a quality four innings from OU left-hander Carter Campbell.

Once the offense found its groove, the momentum of Saturday’s contest was drastically one-sided.

In the top of the fifth, OSU plated three more

runs to make it 4-0 before the Sooners rallied for a two-spot of their own, making it 4-2 after the bottom half of the inning. But relief pitching from OSU’s staff neutralized any threat OU’s offense posed over the game’s course.

Then, in the top of the seventh, Schubart eclipsed the 20-home run mark of his sophomore campaign with a towering three-run bomb off the batter’s eye in dead center field to put OSU up 7-2. And ultimately, it proved to be the dagger.

“This is not an easy ballpark for college players to hit homeruns in because it’s a real (professional) ballpark and it has real dimensions,” Holliday said. “It’s built for the best in the world. Some of the college parks that you get accustomed to playing to, you hit some balls you think are homers. In this park, you really have to earn them, and I think we earned every single one we hit. That’s a compliment to the players.”

Consecutive lead-off solo shots from designated hitter Kollin Ritchie and catcher Ian Daugherty in the top of the eighth made it 9-2, finalizing OSU’s scoring on the night.

When asked if beating the Sooners in what was the final Big 12 edition of Bedlam baseball — also marking OSU’s fourth win through five contests against OU on the year — meant anything, Holliday responded bluntly.

“It feels good that we played well,” Holliday said. “It feels good that we took an opportunity today to go win a championship. Who that’s against, I think it would be out of character and flawed to overdo that. Do we enjoy playing against them and all of the stuff that goes into

OSU-OU? Of course. But as a competitor and as a coach, you learn lessons over your lifetime. And when your team is going out and playing well and they’re capturing the

moment, I ask them to always treat the opponent as if they’re faceless, so that the game can stay simple for us.”

“So, for it to end there, yeah, we’ll take it. It

ended on our terms.”

But rivalry antics aside, the focus shifts to the path ahead — the road to Omaha.

“They’ve been through a lot as a group and yet here they are. Pretty cool, huh?”

“Just a special group of kids,” he said.

Oklahoma State head coach Josh Holliday called this year’s team “a special group of kids.”

Tips to ride out severe weather

Severe weather is nothing new in Oklahoma, but this season has been full of it.

April and May have been rife with storms, leading to many long nights in front of the newscasts.

This year, severe weather is reaching new heights and setting re -

cords. Eighty-five tornadoes had touched down in the state as of May 19, according to the Oklahoma National Weather Service. With storm season showing no signs of slowing down, here are nine tornado safety tips.

News Tune into your local news station for storm coverage. You can stay informed by knowing when and where severe weather occurs. Multiple stations across the state go live for severe weather and do not stop reporting until the threats cease. Tune in on your phone, laptop, TV or radio. Shelter

Know where your shelter is. The National Weather Service defines shelter as a basement or the lowest level and most interior room.

“Put as many walls between yourself and the outside as possible. Avoid windows at all cost(s),” the website says. When the sirens go off, get to your shelter immediately. If you do not have access to a basement, go to a closet, bathroom or interior hallway.

Protection Fill your shelter area with blankets, pillows and other heavy coverings like coats. If you have access to bicycle and motorcycle

helmets, use them.

Dress to impress Wear closed-toed shoes, thick socks, pants and a jacket. Items that fully cover your body can help prevent further injury if you climb through debris to escape your shelter.

Food and Water

If you find yourself stuck in your shelter waiting out the storms or trapped beneath the debris, a “go bag” filled with snacks and water will help sustain you while rescue services work to get you out.

First Aid Store a first aid kit in your shelter in case of emergency. It can make

a difference in an emergency situation.

Pets Shelter with your furry friends to ensure they are secure. Make sure your safe spot is clear of anything that might be toxic to your pet. Know your pet’s hiding place because they can often sense a storm before you and hide. The ASPCA recommends placing your pet in a crate and placing furniture on top to weigh the crate down. Do not leave your pet tied up outside.

Practice Practice makes perfect, and part of preparing for a tornado is teaching your friends and family

how to calmly and quickly get to your shelter. Tornadoes are chaotic, but your safety plan does not need to be.

Sheltering Outside

If you get stuck outside, the National Weather Service recommends taking shelter in a ditch and remaining in your vehicle. A highway overpass is not a shelter.

The National Weather Service states, “Do not take shelter under a highway overpass, where wind speed can increase due to a tunneling effect.”

A TRIUMPHED END!

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering , and the time of my departure Is at hand. I have fought a good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not to me only but to all who have loved His appearing.”. (2 Tim.4:6-8 NKJ)

Here is a man who has lived a life in serving the Lord Jesus and others. He is in a prison cell, expecting his execution at any time. According to history, Paul was beheaded at Rome.

In his last words to a young man and minister, Timothy; Paul was looking ahead to greater and lasting judgement that would come from Christ himself. A

well done to a good and faithful servant. We all can take encouragement from his life of service to the Lord and his vision of something much better that awaited him.

As Jesus neared the end of his life. He prayed:to God “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which you have given me to do. And now, O Father, glorify me...with the glory which I had with you before the world was.”

(Jn.17:4-5 NKJ)

Brother and Sister in Christ: Let us set our goal for a triumphed ending by finishing the work God has called us to do. If it be large or small to our eyes; no matter! Let’s be faithful to that calling and receive a greatly blessed entery into the eternal presence of God. Remember, this life is not the end. It is only a short beginning that will last for eternity.

Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter

Courtesy of OSU News

Shelter with your pets to ensure their safety.

Udall...

Continued from page 1

“I applied because the opportunity seemed interesting,” Struble said. “I’ve never applied for something as large as the Udall scholarship that’s on the national level, so I wanted to give it a try for this national scholarship.”

The application process enabled Struble to refine her writing and editing abilities. It gave her a new perspective on the amount of effort required to succeed nationally.

“I really loved being an institutional nominee for OSU,” Struble said. “It was a big honor, and I had a great experience with the other nominees It is worth the time and effort even if you don’t win a spot as a Udall scholar as the skills you learn and people you meet are invaluable.”

Struble plans to pursue a master’s degree in environmental science and research water resources and soil health.

“OSU’s serviceoriented student body and exceptional academic programs suit the Udall Foundation and its mis-

sion perfectly,” Sullins said. “The continued recognition of OSU students at the national level is also a testament to the support of the university community, particularly the dedicated mentorship of OSU faculty and staff, as well as units such as the Center for Sovereign Nations, which serves all native students on campus.”

The Udall Scholarship program is coordinated by the Henry Bellmon Office of Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research at OSU, which has long been a national leader and innovator in scholar development, assisting highly motivated students through competition for prestigious national/international scholarships and fellowships.

The office also encourages student-faculty mentoring, undergraduate research, curricular options in the OSU Honors College, international travel experience and exposure to other cultures. For more information, contact Jessica Sullins at jessica.sullins@okstate. edu or phone 405-7447313.

Historic inaugural class graduates from OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation

Courtesy of OSU

Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation celebrated a monumental achievement May 16 as its inaugural class of 46 medical students graduated from the country’s first tribally affiliated medical school.

The commencement ceremony, which graduated students from OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine and OSU-COM at the Cherokee Nation, was held at the Mabee Center in Tulsa.

“Tonight, we celebrate the realization of a dream, one that started over a decade ago when I served as president of OSU Center for Health Sciences,” said Dr. Kayse Shrum, OSU president. “We wanted to expand our efforts to better the health outcomes of rural Oklahomans while also growing the medical school.”

Approximately 20% of the inaugural class are Native American. It’s a substantial number compared to the less than 1% of Native American students enrolled in medical schools nationally. About 35% of the students from the inaugural class from OSU-COM at the Cherokee Nation matched with a rural or tribal residency program.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said as the tribe celebrates this historic milestone, they also honor the resiliency of their ancestors.

“Today, their legacy lives on as this exceptional group of future doctors prepares to break barri-

ers and forge new paths in health care,” Hoskin said. “Their dedication not only addresses the critical shortage of rural doctors but also increases the representation of Native and Cherokee physicians within our health system and other tribal health systems in this state, ensuring top-notch care rooted in culture for generations to come.”

With health outcomes in Oklahoma ranking near the bottom nationwide, training physicians who will someday care for rural and underserved Oklahomans is a key mission of OSU-CHS.

“These graduates, who have completed their training in the heart of the Cherokee Nation, embody the values of service, compassion and excellence that define both the Cherokee Nation and Oklahoma State University,” OSU-CHS President Johnny Stephens said. “Their journey has been one of dedication, perseverance and cultural

understanding. As they embark on their careers, they will carry with them the unique perspective and knowledge gained from this groundbreaking partnership.”

In August 2020, the inaugural class didn’t just make history by being the first students attending a tribally affiliated medical school, they also started classes in the middle of a global pandemic.

“The first semester of medical school is difficult. Compound the stress of moving, forming new relationships, learning a high volume of complex information during a global pandemic, and you begin to understand the challenges faced by the class of 2024,” said Dr. Natasha Bray, OSU-COM at the Cherokee Nation dean. “The class of 2024 demonstrated resilience and leadership. They developed deep friendships and a culture of support both in the learning environment and the community. They devel-

oped a deep, and I hope enduring, appreciation of the role of physician in service.”

Ashton GloverGatewood, an enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation and descendent of the Chickasaw and Cherokee nations of Oklahoma, was working as a nurse and health care administrator at the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic when she applied to be part of the first class of medical students on the new Tahlequah campus.

“We’ve been through a lot as a class. I think we had a unique set of challenges, but we really grew together; we uplifted each other, and we helped each other,” Gatewood said. “I also feel a responsibility to represent my tribe. I hope that my story can inspire others to continue pursuing their dreams, especially Native students and women who may not have many mentors in their communities.”

Courtesy of OSU News

The Udall Scholarship honors the legacies of Morris and Stewart Udall, whose careers significantly impacted American Indian selfgovernance, health care, and the stewardship of public lands and natural resources.

Courtesy of OSU News

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma citizen Caitlin Cosby is hooded by Dr. Natasha Bray during the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine commencement ceremony in Tulsa on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

Oklahoma State defeats Arizona 10-4, clinches fifth straight World Series appearance

lead.

Oklahoma State was close to punching its ticket to the Women’s College World Series, then it got put on hold. But not because of softball.

After a weather delay that lasted more than two hours, the Cowgirls defeated Arizona 10-4 on Saturday night in Game 2 of the Stillwater Super Regional. The stoppage came in the fifth inning, then the Cowgirls closed out the Wildcats when play resumed to clinch their fifth straight WCWS appearance.

Arizona’s offense delivered far more than

it did in Game 1, but the Cowgirls were still never seriously threatened. Their hitting power, as it has for most of the season, was too strong to be matched and served as a big-time separator between them and the Wildcats.

“I don’t even know what to say to that,” Kenny Gajewski, OSU’s head coach, said of making five straight trips to Oklahoma City.. “...(It) feels really good, and just want to enjoy this one with these guys. It didn’t take long for OSU to do what it’s sixth-best in the NCAA at: hitting home runs (1.53 per game coming into Saturday).

Tallen Edwards sliced a first-inning, two-run

blast to left field, which swiftly kept her postseason hitting streak alive and gave OSU a 2-0 lead. Then Karli Godwin doubled and Rosie Davis singled before Godwin scored on a wild pitch to make it 3-0.

The Cowgirls’ hot start forced Arizona to move off of its starting pitcher, Aissa Silva, after just 0.1 innings and 18 total pitches. The Wildcats used three pitchers after doing so in Friday’s series opener, too.

Pitching was less sporadic for OSU, though, as Ivy Rosenberry made her second start of the postseason and logged four strikeouts while giving up three earned runs on seven hits. She pitched three innings before ace

Lexi Kilfoyl pitched the last four frames.

The Wildcats’ first run off Rosenberry came in the first, as Regan Shockey’s RBI single made it 3-1 OSU.

“I thought Ivy was really good here today for not having pitched a lot (in) the last couple of weeks,” Gajewski said. “... And then we turned it over to our showstopper (Kilfoyl).”

Offensively, though, the Cowgirls got back to their ways in the third.

Rosie Davis and Claire Timm hit back-to-back home runs, with Davis’ shooting into left and Timm’s into right, marking the second straight game in which OSU got consecutive homers, giving the Cowgirls a 5-1

“Claire Timm gets to her 10th home run here today; it’s wild,” Gajewski said. “And you know, Rosie, maybe last weekend, started getting hotter and just keeps it on this weekend.”

Then OSU hit the 10run mark by scoring five runs across the fourth and fifth innings. None came on home runs, but the Cowgirls’ power shined again.

Timm and fellow sophomore outfielder Lexi McDonald hit back-toback RBI doubles in the fifth, each into the outfield at high speeds. Then Jilyen Poullard scored OSU’s last run on an RBI single.

The Cowgirls and Wildcats each posted

11 hits, but OSU hit two more over the fence than Arizona did, along with more doubles and walks. That’s what made the difference on an equal-hit night.

The Cowgirls were the only team to punch their ticket to OKC on Saturday, and they will face the winner of the Gainesville Super Regional between Florida and Baylor at the WCWS.

“I’m really glad that all of them have to play tomorrow,” Gajewski said.

“That makes me happy. We can sit back and watch and plan and get a break.”

Kaytlyn Hayes

Rosie Davis hit her seventh home run of the season in Oklahoma State’s win against Arizona.

Parker Gerl Staff Reporter

Kaytlyn Hayes

Head coach Kenny Gajewski said it felt “really good” for his program to make a fifth straight trip to the

Women’s College World Series.

Traveler’s tips: Confronting culture

Kennedy Thomason Editor-in-Chief

There’s a lot of things I expected about traveling abroad.

The long, uncomfortable flights. The currency difference. The different food. But there are some things that can’t be prepared for. Each surprise turns into experience as you navigate your way through new places.

As I prepared to travel to Greece on a study abroad trip, I wore comfortable clothes as I braced for the 10 hour flight with my backpack stuffed with favorite snacks.

Spending the first few days in Athens, I was sur-

prised with its feel. In my mind, I had envisioned an entirely different experience. Instead, I found it to be like any other big city, with lots of people and a non-stop rush.

Although I knew Greek was the national language, it was overwhelming to hear a new language around me all the time. During dinner the first night, I found myself zoned out of the table’s conversation as my brain was trying to process all of the new words it was hearing.

Another surprise was the bathrooms. Labeled “WC” to stand for “Water Closet,” they functioned the same as American bathrooms. The only exception was that toilet paper wasn’t allowed to be flushed down the toilet. It was disposed of in waste bins next to the toilet.

A pleasant discovery was the prices. Everything was cheaper. With an almost

1:1 conversion rate, I didn’t expect the lower prices in comparison with the U.S. Most places sold water bottles for €1 each, which can be upward of $3 in the U.S.

Consistent with each of the three hotels I stayed at, shower designs were dysfunctional. Bathrooms had drains in their floors to rid any water that inevitably spilled out.

The first shower I used had a partial third wall, with no door to fill the empty space. It is a common design, but the third glass wall did not extend far enough to keep the water out of the rest of the bathroom.

The second was a tub with a shower head placed directly in the middle and a shower curtain that didn’t fit all the way around. I had to position it as far right as it would turn, which made the water stream hit the back wall at an angle. Although I was able to use the shower curtain to partially block out the water spray, copious amounts of water still ended up on the floor.

The last shower I used was the most interesting design. Positioned in the corner, it had two sliding doors that allowed you to enter and seal yourself inside the shower box. This had the most potential to prevent leakage, but the seal failed. Water leaked from the sides, leaving a small puddle on the floor.

Although water did frequently leak, the drain quickly removed a majority of the water.

As someone who knew no Greek words when I entered the country, I was

a little worried I wouldn’t be able to understand any signs. I didn’t find this to be the case. With many signs and most menus in restaurants, there were English versions printed next to or below the Greek explanations.

Many of the Greeks I interacted with also spoke English, which I didn’t expect. I also traveled in major tourist areas, so that also impacted my experience with language.

Because of the U.S.’s former aid to Greece,

Americans are widely accepted. This, along with the prominent usage of English, made it a mostly comfortable experience for my first time abroad.

Kennedy Thomason Euros are the currency used in Greece. With an almost 1:1 conversion to dollars, prices are much lower than in the U.S.

Kennedy Thomason

Greek bathrooms function similar to American ones, except toilet paper isn’t flushed.

Classifieds

Business Squares

Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy!

Located on 121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater

The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main

“The Original Hideaway, located on the corner of Knoblock and University. Serving quality pizza and more since 1957.”

Murphy’s Department Store

815 S Main, Downtown Open 10-6

Monday thru Saturday

Houses for rent

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Edited by Patti Varol

Cowboy Calendar

Wednesday, May 29

Kids’ Night @ 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Location: Louie’s Grill & Bar

https://www.facebook.com/LouiesStillwater

Live Trivia Night @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Location: Iron Monk Brewing Company

https://www.ironmonkbeer.com

Louie’s Bingo Night @ 8 p.m.

Location: Louie’s Grill & Bar

https://www.facebook.com/LouiesStillwater

Wednesday Bingo Night @ 9:30 a.m.

Location: The Union Beverage Co.

https://linktr.ee/theunionstilly

Singo Wednesdays @ 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Location: Em Curators of Craft

https://curatorsofcraft.co/pages/weekly-events

Open Mic Night 2024 Competition @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Location: Bad Brad’s Bar-B-Q

https://badbrads.com

Stillwater Summer Farmers Market @ 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

https://www.stillwaterfarmersmarket.com/

Beginning Acrylic Painting w/ Mark Crow: 4 Week Course @ 6 p.m.

Location: Prairie Arts Center

Admission: $70

https://artscenter.okstate.edu/adult-classes/drawing-and-painting/1326-beginning-acrylic-paintingwith-mark-crow-wednesdays1

Team Trivia Live @ 10 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Location: College Bar

An Artful Decade: Celebrating 10 Years @ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: OSU Museum of Art

https://museum.okstate.edu/art/an-artfull-decade. html

Thursday, May 30

Kids’ Night @ 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Location: Louie’s Grill & Bar

https://www.facebook.com/LouiesStillwater Kids Night @ 5 - 9 p.m.

Location: Eskimo Joe’s

Admission: $1 w/ Buffy meals

KiKi’s Karaoke @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Location: EM Curators of Craft

https://curatorsofcraft.co/pages/weekly-events

College Night @ 8 p.m

Location: Tumbleweed DanceHall & Concert Arena

Admission: $8.00 Cover Charge and free entry for 21+

https://www.calffry.com

Songwriters Circle w/ Dylan Moss @ 7 - 9 p.m.

By Matthew Stock

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (05/29/24). This is your lucky year. Persistence and determination realize your professional dreams. Share team support with summer transitions, before an autumn professional flowering phase. Follow your heart in a new direction this winter. Enjoy domestic comforts with family next spring. Imagine, dream and envision perfection. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 9 — Teamwork propels shared actions for victory. You’re more powerful together than you think. Bold possibilities inspire bold advances. Strategize and coordinate for tight collaboration.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — Crazy professional dreams seem newly possible. Study recent developments. Polish your portfolios and marketing materials. Grab a lucky opportunity. Your excellent work gains respect.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Take a dreamy trip. Explore new territory to unveil a mystery. Investigate a fascinating curiosity. Beautiful revelations abound. Share your incredible discoveries far and wide. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Pursue an interesting suggestion. Make financial determinations together. A lucrative possibility is worth investment. Take action to provide what’s needed. Profit through collaboration. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Collaborate and coordinate with your partner for dreamy results. A crazy idea could actually work. Creative inspiration and disciplined action are a winning combo.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Practice your physical moves. Follow a captivating beat. Get into a productive rhythm. You’re building strength and endurance. Enjoy beautiful nature for extra gain.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Share dreams with someone inspiring. Speculate and fantasize about beauty, fun and delight. Find simple ways to realize romantic ideas. Discuss passions, interests and inspiration.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Nurture your roots and shoots. Share beloved family traditions and stories. A relative’s fantasy may be easy to realize. Share delicious moments together.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 9 — Express yourself. Plant seeds of possibility and nurture them in conversation. Share an inspiring dream. Write it down. Build a persuasive case. Discuss potential solutions.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Go for a lucrative opportunity. Your past work reflects you well. It pays to advertise. Conserve resources. A penny saved is a penny earned. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Pursue a personal ambition. Listen to someone who loves you. They can see where you’re blind. Set aside old fears. You’ve got this. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 7 — Contemplate mysteries. Listen to your intuition, heart and spirit. Organized planning realizes long-term dreams. Write mission statements, schedules and declarations. Imagine the possibilities.