Cover Photo By: Anna Kuglar | The Signpost
SEE THE WORLD, SEE YOURSELF
The crowd starts to hush as we all turn our attention to the stage. A flash of fiery red hair, an equally fiery woman sporting the look as she skips on stage and strikes a pose.
I’ve seen more shows than I can count. I’m in theater, so when I’m not on stage, I’m in the audience. A simple pop musical about Romeo & Juliet should not have hypnotized me the way this did. From the second that woman came on stage, I was transfixed. Why? Because she was like me. A woman, a bigger woman, with round arms and strong thighs that, for once, weren’t covered by her stylish costume. I felt like a little kid again. I wanted to turn and whisper, “She’s like me!” to the person next to me. I had seen fat women on stage before, of course. Though, never like this. They’re always portrayed as matronly, in modest costumes that try to make you forget they’re big. They don’t get to dance like their smaller peers. They aren’t allowed to be cool, loud or confident.
She was confident. She demanded you look at her with no remorse for what you saw. I know firsthand that it’s not easy having a different body in theater, but here is this woman in a real live Broadway show that helped confirm that I could do that, too. That I can dance and show my arms and not apologize for it. That I can be just as talented a performer even with my size and my disability.
There’s something so oddly comforting about visiting New York. I know that sounds contradictory, given most peoples’ view of the city’s dark, dangerous, dirty streets. It’s so vast, with so many sights and people and stories. There truly is something for everyone.
It was my second time visiting the city and I had gone for a college short-term study abroad trip.
Everywhere I looked became a mirror, reflecting myself back to me. I saw people with canes and wheelchairs going about their days, navigating the busy streets. I saw ads with all kinds of diverse messages and
models. Queer folks, just like me, stopping for a quick coffee before their day truly can start. I saw sculptures and museum paintings of women, just like me, years ago.
I saw myself even in the little things: a whole shop full of my nephew’s latest obsession, comics that my mom loved as a little girl, a Barbie doll that reminded me of one of my college professors. I even stumbled across a script of a play about one of my ancestors in a small bookshop. Naturally, I had to bring it home with me, it’s about my 10th great-grandmother!
I wasn’t the only one who noticed fragments of myself everywhere. My friends made similar remarks. “It’s nice to not be the only person like me in a 10-mile radius,” one of them said within mere hours of landing in NYC. Another giddily pointed out every pride flag they saw. We all traveled across the country and still felt right at home. We even got to meet with two Broadway actors who were former students of my professor, one of whom is a Utah native, just like me. It’s easy to get lost in the mundane of your hometown. To stick to the familiar. Some-
times, we get so used to what is comfortable that we get plain stuck, and our dreams seem to fade away into the “someday” graveyard. What better way to learn to take that trembling first step toward who you want to be than to go find other people already doing what you dream of?
I’ve always wanted to be an actor. I’ve always wanted to live in New York. Taking the plunge to go out there, even for a week … Submerging myself in the life I dreamed of makes the unknown that much more comfortable.
Photos & story by ANNABELLE DURHAM
Contributor
Collage of study abroad photos from Annabell Durham’s experiences.
VIBRANT FALL SCENERY AROUND WSU
Photos & story by ANNA KUGLAR Editor
Although it may seem hard to enjoy the fall season in its full effect as we continue facing the persistent summer temperatures, there’s still much to appreciate about the vibrant fall colors around scenic Weber State University as the colors begin to change around campus.
While the leaves are just starting to change here, Beus Pond Park is a great place near campus to observe the changing colors as the season progresses. There, you can also be around wildlife, including ducks and geese.
The Discovery Loop Trail, just behind Weber State, is a great trail for those wanting more of a hike. It also offers a scenic overlook of campus and the reds, oranges and golds seen in the mountains surrounding it.
As the summer heat hopefully leads the way to crisp autumn weather, vibrant fall scenery is still certainly visible and enjoyable for those eager for the fall vibes all around Weber State University.
TOP LEFT: A framing shot of reeds in the middle of the Beau Pond.
TOP RIGHT: Autumn leaves on trees beginning to change but still surrounded by Summer greenery.
MIDDLE LEFT: Red, Orange and Yellow colored leaves surrounding a log in the middle of the Park’s pond. MIDDLE RIGHT: Sunlight shining through golden-orange hued leaves on a tree. Bottom
Left: Sunlight shining through the trees onto plants that line the Beau Pond Park trail. Bottom right: A framed shot of vibrant red leaves on a bush along a hik-
TOP: Ducks preening their feathers as they sit on a rock in the middle of the Beau Park Pond. BOTTOM: A duck swimming by the reeds of the pond.
EL PAISAJE VIBRANTE DE OTOÑO POR LA UNIVERSIDAD DE
WEBER STATE
Traductor
POR ANNA KUGLAR Editor
Aunque parezca difícil disfrutar el otoño en su máximo esplendor por las temperaturas persistentes del verano, todavía hay mucho de apreciar sobre los colores vibrantes del otoño por la universidad de Weber State pintoresca cuando los colores empiezan a cambiar en campus.
Aunque las hojas acaban de empezar el cambio aquí, el parque de Beus Pond es un buen lugar cerca del campus para observar los colores cambiantes mientras que la temporada avanza. Ahí se puede estar cerca de la fauna, incluyendo los patos y gansos.
El Discovery Loop Trail, ubicado detrás de Weber State, es un buen camino para los que quieran hacer senderismo. También ofrece un mirador pintoresco del campus y los rojos, anaranjados y dorados que se ven en las montañas cercanas.
Mientras que el calor del verano con suerte se cambiará para el tiempo fresco del otoño, las vistas vibrantes del otoño sin duda son visibles y las personas ansiosas por la atmósfera otoñal pueden disfrutarlas por todos lados de la universidad de Weber State.
POR NATHANAEL STOUT
TOP: Colorful fallen leaves litter the ground off to the side of a trail.
BOTTOM: A trio of golden leaves recently fallen onto the ground of the trail.
WILDCAT HOCKEY PREPARES FOR THREE-GAME WEEKEND AFTER LOSS
By TRISTIN RAMAGE Reporter
On Sept. 27 at the Ice Sheet, Weber State University’s men’s hockey team took their first loss against the University of Utah with a final score of 3–2.
The Wildcats’ first period started poorly, with Weber down 0–2 heading into the second period.
During the second period, Kevin Norwood scored off an assist from both Caden Hunter and Landen Reed at 4:31, putting Weber onto the board, 2–1. Gaining control of the puck, the Utes fought back and Maximillian Fenne added another for the Utes at 12:14 to score 3–1.
“I think tonight we didn’t come out with that kind of intensity and burn that we needed to,” head coach Yosh Ryujin said.
The third period was a back-andforth match with Weber’s goaltender, Trey Hirschfield, having a final of 28 saves for the game and the Utes goaltender, Jack Nowicki, having 31. However, Kevin Norwood was able to get the puck past Nowicki, scoring another point for Weber at 18:30, setting the score at 3–2. Having seconds left, Weber pulled Hirschfield, giving them a 6–5 man
advantage, yet were unsuccessful at making the tying goal.
After a hard-fought game, with Weber State having 33 shots on goal and the Utes having 31, Utah took the win with a final score of 2–3.
“You have to give them credit; their goaltender played really well, and they played really hard, and we didn’t match that intensity early in the game,” Ryujin said.
The Wildcats will play three games at home Oct. 3-5, starting against the University of Providence on Oct. 3 at 7:15. The last time these two teams faced-off was back on Feb. 9, where Providence won 5–2.
Following Providence, the Wildcats will face Montana State University on Oct. 4 at 7:15. Montana State is 5–0 this season and last saw Weber on Feb. 10, at Ressler Ice Rink.
To end the weekend, Weber will face the University of Montana on Oct. 5 at 7:15. The Grizzlies, who are 4–1 this season, were last seen back in Nov. 4, 2023, where Weber won 4–2.
The Weber State team discusses a plan before continuing play.
Weber State and Utah State players clash against the wall.
Everyone on the ice chases after the puck.
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF YOUR EDUCATION: HIGH-IMPACT EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES
By WIKTORIA KOLODZIEJCZYK Reporter
The Wildcat Advantage Program at Weber State University offers various opportunities for student development by providing experiences inside and outside the classroom. These “high-impact educational experiences” opportunities are open to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Participants gain valuable skills through various hands-on activities that prepare them for career readiness, academic growth and personal development, setting them up for success beyond graduation.
“Some of the HIEE’s can be life-changing for students,” Wildcat Advantage Program
Coordinator Jenny Frame said. “If you would like to get involved, come to the orientation or our office and learn how you will benefit from the program.”
Frame explained that the transformational areas can be divided in several ways. The simplest is to think of them as either for-credit experiences or co-curricular activities outside the classroom.
There are numerous opportunities available, such as engaging in community-based learning, completing a global learning experience like study abroad, participating in internships and more.
Frame also emphasized that navigating through these options is a great way to learn what you would want to do in the future, what
you are good at or what you do not like.
“The more I explore the options, I want to adventure more into the other HIEEs options”
Allen Abraham, WSU international student and peer mentor lead, said.
Abraham mentioned that getting involved with the mentoring program has helped him develop leadership skills, improve his public speaking, gain more confidence and prepare for the real-world work environment.
“From the perspective of an international student, being involved in things on campus like Wildcat Advantage helps you really find your place,” Abraham said. “You know that you’re doing something for yourself and bettering your future.”
One of the program’s other benefits is its
focus on building an e-portfolio that equips participants for future job opportunities and highlights their preparedness. The goal of the e-portfolio is to collect students’ work, skills and other achievements in an electronic form.
Frame emphasized that each student should determine how much they want to be involved in the program.
While some educational experiences may require more time than others, the Wildcat Advantage program ensures that everyone receives well-deserved recognition for their achievements and the support they need. The earlier students get involved, the greater the benefits they will experience.
A group of students walk through Shepard Union together.
SACANDO PROVECHO DE SU EDUCACIÓN:
EXPERIENCIAS EDUCATIVAS DE ALTO IMPACTO
Por WIKTORIA KOLODZIEJCZYK Reportero
Por NELLY HERNANDEZ TEJADA Traductor
El Programa Wildcat Advantage en la universidad de Weber State ofrece varias oportunidades para el desarrollo de los estudiantes ofreciendo experiencias dentro y fuera de clase. Estas oportunidades de “experiencias educativas de alto impacto” están abiertas a estudiantes universitarios y posgraduados.
Los participantes aprenden habilidades importantes en diversas actividades prácticas que les preparan para la vida profesional, para un desarrollo académico y personal que les prepara para el éxito después de la graduación.
“Algunos de los HIEE’s (Experiencias educativas de alto impacto, EEAI) pueden cambiar la vida de los estudiantes”, dijo Jenny Frame, Coordinadora del Programa Wildcat Advantage. “Si quieren participar, vengan a la orientación o a nuestra oficina y aprendan cómo se pueden beneficiar del programa”.
Frame explicó que las áreas de transformación pueden dividirse de varias maneras. El más simple es pensar en ellos como experiencias con crédito o actividades co-curriculares fuera de clase.
Hay bastantes oportunidades disponibles, como participar en el aprendizaje en la comunidad, completar una experiencia de aprendizaje global como estudiar en el extranjero, participar en internados y mucho más.
Frame también afirmó que navegar por estas opciones es una buena manera de aprender lo que te gustaría hacer en el futuro, para qué eres bueno o qué no te gusta.
“Cuanto más explore las opciones, más quiero aventurarme en las otras opciones de EEAI”, dijo Allen Abraham, un estudiante
internacional en WSU y mentor entre compañeros.
Abraham mencionó que involucrarse en el programa de mentores le ha ayudado a desarrollar habilidades de liderazgo, mejorar su manera de hablar en público, obtener más confianza y prepararse para el ambiente laboral en el mundo real.
“Desde la perspectiva de un estudiante internacional, estar involucrado en cosas en el campus como Wildcat Advantage te ayuda a encontrar tu lugar”, dijo Abraham. “Sabes que estás haciendo algo por ti mismo y mejorando tu futuro”.
Otro beneficio del programa es que se enfoca en la creación de una e-portafolio que prepara a los participantes para oportuni-
dades de trabajo en el futuro y refleja sus habilidades. El objetivo del e-portafolio es reunir el trabajo, las habilidades y otros éxitos de los estudiantes de forma electrónica. Frame subrayó que cada estudiante debe determinar hasta qué punto quieren participar en el programa.
Aunque algunas experiencias educativas pueden necesitar más tiempo que otras, el Wildcat Advantage Program asegura que todos reciban un reconocimiento muy merecido por sus logros y el apoyo que necesitan. Cuanto antes se involucren los estudiantes, más grandes serán los beneficios que recibirán.
Students study in Stewart Library for finals.
WEBER STATE OBSERVES BANNED BOOK WEEK
By ISAAC TANNER Reporter
On Sept. 27, Stewart Library participated in The American Library Association’s “Banned Book Week.” This year, Weber State University’s Dean of the Library Wendy Holliday invited attendees to read passages aloud from their favorite frequently banned or challenged books to “give a voice” in the face of censorship.
The small event took place in the campus library. Of an audience comprising a little over 20 people, less than five were students. Protestors in favor of book banning were not seen at the event.
Some well-known books that are frequently challenged include, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Fahrenheit 451,” “A Wrinkle in Time,” “The Hunger Games” and anything written by Sarah J. Maas.
“Libraries are afraid,” Holliday said. “There are criminal sanctions for defy-
ing these laws.”
Several speakers approached the microphone to share passages from challenged books they found important to share. Some had cautionary and dystopian themes, many had diverse voices and quite a few depicted loneliness or powerlessness.
“It’s important to ask which stories are targeted. Often it’s stories of women, stories of people of color, stories of queer people,” Holliday said.
Along the back wall of the room was a collection of frequently challenged books. These books may or may not be banned anywhere but are consistently targeted for their material or ideas.
“It offends me that anybody tells somebody else what they can’t read. Events like this bring awareness,” event attendee Charles Trentelman said. “Find out why they don’t want you to read it. If they read it and made that judgment, why can’t you?”
WEBER STATE OBSERVA LA SEMANA DE LA PROHIBICIÓN DE LIBROS
Por
VICTORIA HERNANDEZ Traductor
Por ISAAC TANNER
Reportero
El 27 de septiembre, la Biblioteca Stewart participó en la “Semana del Libro Prohibido” de la Asociación Americana de Bibliotecas. Este año, la Decana de la Biblioteca de la Universidad Estatal de Weber, Wendy Holliday, invitó a los asistentes a leer en voz alta pasajes de sus libros favoritos frecuente-
THE SIGNPOST TEAM
Editor-in-Chief
Brisa Odenthal brisaodenthal@mail.weber.edu
Managing Editor Emilie Hart emiliehart@mail.weber.edu
Design & Graphics Editor
Star Neil starneil@mail.weber.edu
Asst. Design & Graphics Editor
Alyssa Nelson alyssanelson2@mail.weber.edu
Photo Editor
Anna Kuglar briannakuglar@mail.weber.edu
Chief Copy Editor
Justin Steed justinsteed@mail.weber.edu
mente prohibidos o cuestionados para “dar voz” frente a la censura.
Este pequeño evento fue en la biblioteca del campus. Con una audiencia de más o menos 20 personas, menos de 5 eran estudiantes. Protestadores en contra la prohibición no fueron vistos en el evento.
Algunos libros conocidos que se cuestionan con frecuencia son “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Fahrenheit 451,” “A Wrinkle at the time,” “The Hunger Games,” y todos escritos por Sarah J. Maas.
“ Las bibliotecas tienen miedo,” afirma Holliday. “Hay sanciones penales por desa-
Asst. Copy Chief Mindy Brown mindybrown1@mail.weber.edu
News Editor Gracie Stephenson graciestephenson@mail.weber.edu
Sports Editor Collyn Cowles collyncowles@mail.weber.edu
Asst. Sports Editor Brayson Brown braysonbrown@mail.weber.edu
Culture Editor Megan Swann meganswann@mail.weber.edu
Asst. Culture Editor Cooper Hatsis cooperhatsis@mail.weber.edu
fiar estas leyes”
Varios oradores se acercaron al micrófono para compartir pasajes de libros cuestionados que consideraban importante compartir. Algunos tenían temas de advertencia y distópicos, muchos contaban con voces diversas y bastantes describen la soledad o la impotencia.
“Es importante preguntarse qué historias son el objetivo. A menudo son historias de mujeres, de personas de color, de personas queer”, dijo Holliday.
A lo largo de la pared del fondo de la sala había una colección de libros frecuen-
Translation Editor Nathanael Stout nathanaelstout@mail.weber.edu
Translation Editor Nelly Hernandez Tejada nhernandeztejada@mail.weber.edu
Adviser Deann Carver deanncarver@weber.edu
Business Manager Rob Steedley robertsteedley@weber.edu
temente cuestionados. Estos libros pueden o no estar prohibidos en algún lugar, pero siempre son objeto de críticas por su material o sus ideas.
“Me ofende que alguien le diga a otro lo que no puede leer. Actos como éste sirven para concienciar”, afirma Charles Trentelman, asistente al acto. “Averigua por qué no quieren que lo leas. Si ellos lo leyeron y emitieron ese juicio, ¿por qué no puedes hacerlo tú?”.
