Thursday | November 30, 2023 | Volume 97 | Issue 59 Cover Photo By: Weber State Athletics
News | Pg. 5
News | Pg. 4
Anna Kuglar | The Signpost
Benjamin Zack | The Signpost Archives
2 | NEWS | thesignpostwsu.com | November 30, 2023
By GRETEL MONJAR Reporter
see a threat but gave the concerned individual additional safety information.
and driving without insurance. The individual had a fine bail amount of $765.
Suspicious following On Nov. 13, just after 1:40 p.m., the Weber State University Police Department received a call about a suspicious person. A man had followed someone off the OGX into the Shepherd Union Building and removed a piece of lint from their shoulder. Concerned, they called WSUPD and reported the events. After interviewing all parties, WSUPD didn’t
Traffic incident On the evening of Nov. 15, after assisting with a traffic incident outside building D3, on the Davis WSU campus, a WSUPD officer found one driver involved had three previous warrants. The driver was taken to the Davis County Jail. Their vehicle was impounded. The standing warrants were for driving without a license, driving without a valid license,
Hit-and-run? WSUPD responded to a 2 p.m. call about an alleged hit and run on Nov. 15. At the scene, WSUPD saw that the caller’s vehicle had a bent license plate with no other damage. The rear plate was bent up on the bottom corner. It was determined the damage was likely caused by a car wash and not another vehicle.
Cakegate On Nov. 15, just after 12:30 a.m., a call to WSUPD was made to alert officers that a cake, baked in a Wildcat Village 2 shared kitchen, was iced with frosting that contained beer. The caller was friends with the boozy baker and wanted to remain anonymous to keep their friendship on good terms. The incident was handled by WSU Housing. Share this story at thesignpostwsu.com
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4 | NEWS | thesignpostwsu.com | November 30, 2023
Reporter
On Nov. 10, Weber State University faculty and staff met for a university-wide town hall meeting where President Brad Mortensen introduced Laís Martinez, from the Utah System of Higher Education, as the new interim vice president of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. “Please know that you have a fierce champion and advocate in me,” Martinez said. “I am someone who is deeply committed to this idea that anyone who wants access to higher education should be able to have it and have meaningful support all the way through to completion. And so that’s my commitment to
POR MARIANO MARTINEZ MARTINEZ Traductor
POR PARHAM KERMANI Reportero
El 10 de noviembre, el cuerpo docente y el personal de Weber State University celebró una reunión abierta a toda la universidad, donde el presidente Brad Mortensen presentó a Laís Martinez, del Sistema de Educación Superior de Utah, como la nueva Vicepresidente Interina de Equidad, Diversidad e Inclusión. “Por favor, sepan que tienen una campeona y defensora feroz en mí”, dijo Martinez. “Soy una persona que está profundamente comprometida con la idea de que cualquier persona que quiera acceder a educación superior debe poder tenerla y tener apoyo significativo hasta el final. Así que ese es mi compromiso con la comunidad del campus”. La pandemia afectó el número de inscripciones en todo el país, pero la buena noticia es que los números han ido aumentando, según Mortensen. Llegando al final del semestre de otoño, una encuesta reciente muestra que el 83% de los estudiantes planea volver en la primavera de 2024. Recientemente, Weber State ha creado un equipo Campus Climate Team que está
the campus community.” The pandemic affected enrollment nationwide, but the good news is that enrollment numbers have been climbing, according to Mortensen. With the fall semester ending, a recent survey shows 83% of students plan to return in spring 2024. Weber State has recently created a Campus Climate Team which is designed to respond to incidents on campus that take the form of discrimination, hate speech or disruptive behavior. The Campus Climate Team’s website will instantly notify students of any reported hateful or discriminatory incidents on campus and keep them updated on any ongoing investigation. One of these recent incidents occurred be-
fore this town hall meeting. Over 50 Israeli flags were placed along walkways across campus, something that the university did not approve of, and several students raised concerns about this occurrence. These flags have since been removed. The American Association of State Colleges and Universities, composed of about 350 public, regional universities from across the country, awarded Weber State University the Excellence and Innovation award for its sustainability program. The goal for the university was to be carbon-neutral by 2050; however, the goal has been moved up to 2040. The Young Democratic Socialists of America have a petition with over 400 student signatures to eliminate late tuition payment fees.
During the Q&A portion of the town hall, the issue was raised as the group had yet to receive any acknowledgment on the subject since the student senate unanimously voted on a resolution to approve it in January 2023. Mortensen addressed the question. “We aren’t eliminating late fees,” Mortensen said. Jessica Oyler, vice president of Student Access and Success, announced that Weber State will launch a website to address late fee concerns. The website will have information about how students can pay for college and how they can avoid late fees. There will also be resources such as a scholarship and FAFSA tool. The new FAFSA tool is scheduled to launch on Dec. 1.
diseñado para responder a incidentes del campus en forma de discriminación, discurso de odio o comportamiento disruptivo. El sitio web de Campus Climate Team notificará a los estudiantes instantáneamente sobre cualquier incidente de odio o discriminación reportado que tenga lugar en el campus y los mantendrá actualizados sobre cualquier investigación en curso. Uno de estos incidentes ocurrió recientemente antes de esta reunión abierta. Más de 50 banderas israelíes fueron colocadas a lo largo de los pasillos del campus, algo que no fue aprobado por la universidad, y de lo que varios estudiantes expresaron preocupación. Estas banderas fueron entonces retiradas. La Asociación Americana de Facultades y Universidades Estatales, compuesta por unas 350 universidades públicas regionales de todo el país, otorgó a Weber State University el premio de Excelencia e Innovación por su programa de sostenibilidad. El objetivo de la universidad es alcanzar la neutralidad de carbono para 2050; sin embargo, el objetivo se ha adelantado para 2040. Los Jóvenes Socialistas Demócratas de Estados Unidos tienen una petición con más de 400 firmas de estudiantes para eliminar las cuotas de pago de matrículas atrasadas. Durante la parte de preguntas y respuestas de la reunión, la cuestión se planteó ya que el
grupo aún no había recibido ningún reconocimiento acerca del tema desde que el Senado Estudiantil WSUSA votó por unanimidad la decisión de aprobarla en enero de 2023. El Presidente Mortensen abordó la cuestión. “No vamos a eliminar las cuotas atrasadas”, dijo Mortensen. Jessica Oyler, Vicepresidenta de Acceso y Éxito Estudiantil, anunció que Weber State
lanzará un sitio web para abordar las preocupaciones sobre las cuotas atrasadas. Esta web tendrá información sobre cómo los estudiantes pueden pagar la universidad y cómo evitar estos pagos tardíos. También habrá recursos como una beca y una herramienta de FAFSA. La nueva herramienta de FAFSA planea arrancar el 1 de diciembre. BENJAMIN ZACK | The Signpost Archives
By PARHAM KERMANI
Weber State University President Brad Mortensen. Taken on Dec. 5, 2018.
November 30, 2023 | thesignpostwsu.com | NEWS | 5
STORY BY MCKINNA BAIRD Reporter
PHOTOS BY ANNA KUGLAR Section Editor
In recent years, downtown Ogden has become a bustling hub for new businesses, community events and engaging art. Much of this growth has been fostered by the Ogden Downtown Alliance. “The Ogden Downtown Alliance is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to increasing economic vitality and community vibrancy in Downtown Ogden,” Jessica Anderson, marketing and communications manager for Ogden Downtown Alliance, said. The alliance covers the Ogden Central business district, which encompasses business from within 20th Street, 28th Street, Wall Avenue and Madison Avenue. “The Ogden Downtown Alliance plays a crucial role in revitalizing the downtown community by supporting local businesses, organizing engaging events, activating public spaces, promoting arts and culture and advocating for downtown development,” Anderson said. One of the ways the alliance strengthens the community of downtown Ogden is through hosting events. Some of the events are recurring, such as Farmers Market Ogden and Music on the Plaza, both of which have their run during the warmer months of the year. Some events are annual, like the Harvest Moon Festival which takes place in September, or the 25th Street Car Show in the summer.
Not only do the efforts of the alliance boost the local economy and support Ogden’s small businesses, it also provides activities through which residents can connect with each other and the features of downtown Ogden. “The Ogden Downtown Alliance invites residents to embrace downtown Ogden as their vibrant community center, a place where they can connect with neighbors, support local businesses, enjoy cultural offerings, and contribute to the ongoing revitalization efforts,” Anderson said. “The alliance is committed to working alongside residents and community partners to create a downtown that reflects the unique character and aspirations of Ogden.” The alliance supports businesses by offering resources from the Utah Microloan Fund, Weber State University’s Small Business Development Center, as well as business licensing information on their website. The Ogden Downtown Alliance also highlights the work of local artists, by hiring them for projects around the downtown area, such as murals or sculptures. They also hire performing artists to supplement many of the events they host. The alliance also supports the Nine Rails Creative District, a hub for the arts scene of downtown Ogden with a focus on Ogden’s unique and rich history. “These efforts contribute to a flourishing local economy, strengthen community ties, and foster a vibrant cultural landscape that enriches the lives of Ogden residents,” Anderson said.
TOP LEFT: Businesses along Ogden’s Historic 25th Street. TOP RIGHT: Neon signs lighting up the local businesses down 25th Street. ABOVE: Craft Burger neon sign over the Historic 25th Street restaurant, alongside various other local businesses.
By PARHAM KERMANI Reporter
Weber State University offers a new program that takes 3D printing to a new level. The Miller Advanced Research and Solution Center in Clearfi eld recently acquired Impossible Objects’ Composite-Based Additive Manufacturing 3D Printer — also known as CBAM-2. The MARS Center, located at the Falcon Hill Aerospace Research Park in Clearfi eld, aims to bring in complex projects centered around new material research. The center was acquired by WSU in August 2022, and it offers a unique program for students. Cage Vigil, a senior in the mechanical engineering program at WSU, works at the MARS Center as a student research assistant. According to Vigil, the CBAM 3D printer is one of two west of the Mississippi. “The materials we’re working with, no one else really has,” Vigil said. Devin Young, who has a doctorate in mechanical engineering, is a grant-writing research specialist at the MARS center. Under the direction of WSU’s mechanical engineering department, Young joined the staff two years ago to help establish the research center by investigating additive manufacturing, advanced composite materials, and high-temperature composites while bringing in research funding and performing research. “A large focus here is that we want to work with Hill Air Force Base,” Young said. “We want to work with Northrop Grumman and the various aerospace industries here to be able to help them with their material development.” The program’s main component is the CBAM 3D printer by Impossible Objects. According to Impossible Objects’ website, what makes the CBAM 3D printer different from your conven-tional 3D printer is the speed of using inkjet printing methods to produce high-performance composite parts. Using sheets of carbon fi ber that are 1 inch wide with printed shapes of the object, the printer stacks a series of the sheets, which are placed in a heated press and then compressed to the proper height and size of the object. WSU acquired the printer when they took over the MARS center in 2022. However, the CBAM printer that was in the facility at the time was an older model. According to Young, they could trade it to Impossible Objects and receive the newer model currently in the facility. “By taking over this area, taking over this
Parham Kermani | The Signpost
6 | NEWS | thesignpostwsu.com | November 30, 2023
The MARS Center in Clearfi eld.
building, specifically the MARS building, it was a way for Weber State to help better establish that relationship with the aerospace companies and with Hill due to proximity right by the West Gate of Hill Air Force Base, and de-velop that relationship, as well as introduce students to be able to do research and do some workforce development for aerospace, materials and manufacturing,” Young said. The CBAM printer is not the only unique technology the facility offers. Young hopes the CBAM printer will open new doors for WSU students to work on projects with other universities in the state. Professors from Brigham Young University and the University of Utah are interested in using the printer, starting a collaboration between universities.
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By COLLYN COWLES Section Editor
Weber State University’s men’s basketball team hosted Navajo Technical University at the Dee Events Center on Nov. 28 after competing in the Atlantic Slam, a three-game weekend in Moncton, New Brunswick. After winning one and losing two in the Atlantic Slam, the Wildcats bounced back with a 107–45 win over Navajo Tech. “These last few days since we’ve got back, we’ve been focussing on ourselves, we got some things we’ve been working on offensively,” head coach Eric Duft said. “We knew this would be a good game for us and have a chance to give everyone minutes and then we can take the practice to focus on us. I think we’ve made some strides in practice and we’ve been getting better at things lately.” Throughout the game, the Wildcats led all 40 minutes and shot 51% from the field, compared to 28% from the Skyhawks. The ‘Cats had a total of 15 3-pointers and out-rebounded the Skyhawks 54–31. Weber State had a total of 13 turnovers and forced 20 turnovers from Navajo Tech. The 62-point margin of victory is the ninth-highest in program history, and the Wildcats shot 15 of 34 from the 3-point line, constituting the ninth-most triples in a game. Steven Verplancken led the Wildcats in scoring with a season-high 19 points. Verplancken was 6 of 9 from the field and tied his career-high with five 3-pointers against Navajo Tech. Weber State freshman forward Marko Sarenac totaled 14 points and four rebounds in 13 minutes and freshman shooting guard Viljami Vartiainen added 13 points, three re-
bounds and three assists. Sophomore forward Louie Jordan knocked down three 3-pointers on his way to nine points, and sophomore center Handje Tamba added five points and nine rebounds. Blaise Threatt, a junior guard, started in place of Dillon Jones who sat out with a foot injury, hit the glass early on the way to 10 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and four steals in 19 minutes and 31 seconds on the court. Threatt finished the game with a double-double for the Wildcats, Threatt was three assists away from a triple-double. “The main thing we got out of this game was being able to see different groups of people together on the floor and … get better with each other, so it’s a good team effort,” Threatt said. “I took it upon myself to really try to get on the glass and be aggressive for the team.” KJ Cunningham also had season-high in points as he finished the game with 14 points with 12 from beyond the 3-point line. After a week off to have time to rest, the Wildcats will suit back up as they travel to Orem to face off against Utah Valley University on Dec 5. The Wildcats will be at the Dee Events Center later that week to host California Polytechnic State University on Dec 9.
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Sara Staker | The Signpost
November 30, 2023 | thesignpostwsu.com | SPORTS | 7
Dyson Koehler attempting to get the rebound.
8 | SPORTS | thesignpostwsu.com | November 30, 2023
By JACOBA JONES Reporter
Weber State Athletics Volleyball
After a dominating season, Weber State University’s women’s volleyball team won the Big Sky Championship on Nov. 24, ending the season with a record of 21–9, 11–5. The University of Colorado in Greeley, Colorado, hosted this year’s tournament from Nov. 22-24.
“Going to the tournament is always memorable, as is competing for a championship,” Dani Richins, outside hitter, said. “It was different in that it was a little more bittersweet, being my senior season. Knowing it was my last tournament, I just tried to soak it all in and enjoy every moment.” This 2023 season, Richins had an outstanding performance. Her stats this year: 342 kills, 3.25 kills/set, 40 service aces and 295 digs.
After six years of playing at Weber, she is one of the top players ever to play for the school. Richins received her fifth selection to the All-Conference First Team. She is the school’s all-time leader in aces, and ranks top five in kills and digs. The schools competing in the championships were Weber State, Portland State University, Sacramento State University, Idaho State University, Montana State University, University of Montana, Eastern Washington University and Northern Colorado University. On Nov. 22, Weber State’s first match was against Portland State. Both teams went back and forth throughout the game, but the Wildcats ultimately ended up on top with a score of 3–0 (25–21, 31–29, 25–18). This win placed them in the semifinals. The next day, Weber State went up against Sacramento State, winning 3–2 (25–12, 23– 25, 22–25, 25–23, 15–7). The Wildcats started out strong with the first set, but the Hornets were able to find their place and win the next two sets. The fourth set was the most intense, but the Wildcats were able to take a 1-point lead and hold a strong defense to win. The fifth set was controlled by the Wildcats, who came out with the victory and moved on to the championship match. The championship match took place on Nov. 24, with the Wildcats going up against the Montana State Bobcats. To start the match, the Wildcats were trailing the Bobcats, who ended up winning the first set. The second set
kept everyone on edge as the Wildcats were down five points and made a comeback to tie (24–24) and take the set victory. Coming into set three, both teams were looking to take the lead. Utilizing offensive and defensive strategies, the Wildcats were just 1 point behind, but the Bobcats had a 5-point surge, allowing them to come up on top of the set. The fourth set was back-andforth, but the Bobcats had attack errors, and the Wildcats held strong to earn another win. The final set started with an early 5–0 lead for the Bobcats, but the Wildcats fought their way back as a team, ultimately succeeding and winning the championship. “It was a grind,” Richins said. “They are a really good team that really makes you earn every point. It was a crazy game, lots of ups and downs, but it was so fun to pull out the win in that fifth set. I think we learned how gritty and resilient we can be. I love competing. I love playing with my best friends and making memories with them that will last forever.” This win gave Weber State a spot in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. The Wildcats will face the No. 4-seeded Brigham Young University Cougars on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. The match will be at the Smith Fieldhouse in Provo.
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MASTER OF SCIENCE Computer Science Computer Engineering Data Science Electrical Engineering Systems Engineering (Online) The Weber State University Volleyball team wins the Big Sky tournament.
Engineering, Applied Science & Technology
November 30, 2023 | thesignpostwsu.com | SPORTS | 9
POR MARIANNA LOPEZ-LURITTA Traductor
POR JACOBA JONES Reportero
22-25, 25-23, 15-7). Los Wildcats empezaron fuertes con el primer set, pero los Hornets pudieron encontrar su lugar y ganar los dos siguientes sets. El cuarto set fue el más intenso, pero los Wildcats pudieron tomar una ventaja de 1 punto y mantener una fuerte defensa para ganar. El quinto set lo controlaron los Wildcats, quienes salieron con la victoria y pasaron al partido por el campeonato. El partido por el campeonato tuvo lugar el 24 de noviembre, y los Wildcats se enfrentaron a los Montana State Bobcats. Al comenzar el partido, los Wildcats iban detrás de los Bobcats, quienes terminaron ganando el primer set. El segundo set mantuvo a todos nerviosos ya que los Wildcats estaban perdiendo cinco puntos y regresaron para empatar (24-24) y llevarse la victoria del set. Al llegar al tercer set, ambos equipos buscaban tomar la delantera. Utilizando estrategias ofensivas y defensivas, los Wildcats estaban solo 1 punto detrás, pero los Bobcats tuvieron un aumento de 5 puntos, lo que les
permitió tomar la cima del set. El cuarto set fue de ida y vuelta, pero los Bobcats cometieron errores de ataque y los Wildcats se mantuvieron fuertes para ganar otra victoria. El set final comenzó con una ventaja inicial de 5-0 para los Bobcats, pero los Wildcats se abrieron camino como equipo y finalmente lograron triunfar y ganar el campeonato. “Fue difícil”, dijo Richins. “Son un equipo realmente bueno que realmente te hace ganar cada punto. Fue un partido loco, con muchos altibajos, pero fue muy divertido lograr la victoria en ese quinto set. Creo que aprendimos lo valientes y resilientes que podemos ser. Me encanta competir. Me encanta jugar con mis mejores amigos y crear recuerdos con ellos que durarán para siempre”. Esta victoria le dio a Weber State un lugar en la primera ronda del torneo de la NCAA. Los Wildcats se enfrentarán a los Cougars de la Universidad Brigham Young, cabeza de serie número 4, el 1 de diciembre a las 7 p.m. El partido será en el Smith Fieldhouse en Provo.
Weber State Athletics Volleyball
Después de una temporada dominante, el equipo de voleibol femenino de la Universidad Estatal de Weber ganó el Campeonato Big Sky el 24 de noviembre, terminando la temporada con un récord de 21–9, 11–5. La Universidad de Colorado en Greeley, Colorado, fue sede del torneo de este año del 22 al 24 de noviembre. “Ir al torneo siempre es memorable, al igual que competir por un campeonato”, dijo Dani Richins, atacante externo. “Fue diferente porque fue un poco más agridulce, siendo mi última temporada. Sabiendo que era mi último torneo, intenté empaparme de todo y disfrutar cada momento”. Esta temporada 2023, Richins tuvo una actuación destacada. Sus estadísticas este año: 342 remates, 3,25 remates/set, 40 servicios
de saque y 295 ataques. Después de seis años jugando en Weber, es una de las mejores jugadoras que jamás haya jugado en la escuela. Richins recibió su quinta selección para el primer equipo de todas las conferencias. Ella es la líder de todos los tiempos de la escuela en saques y se ubica entre las cinco primeras en remates y ataques. Las escuelas que compitieron en los campeonatos fueron Weber State, Portland State University, Sacramento State University, Idaho State University, Montana State University, University of Montana, Eastern Washington University y Northern Colorado University. El 22 de noviembre, el primer partido de Weber State fue contra Portland State. Ambos equipos iban y venían durante todo el juego, pero los Wildcats finalmente terminaron en la cima con una puntuación de 3-0 (25-21, 31-29, 25-18). Esta victoria los colocó en las semifinales. Al día siguiente, Weber State se enfrentó a Sacramento State y ganó 3-2 (25-12, 23-25,
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Wildcats dominate the Portland State University Vikings, 3–0.
10 | CULTURE | thesignpostwsu.com | November 30, 2023
The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) group leaders hand out an itinerary and map to the summer school participants. PHOTOS AND STORY By NORLITO RANCHEZ JR. Columnist
As a low-income student, I believed that traveling was not an activity I could do regularly. Most study abroad trips come with staggering costs for travel and tuition. However, this was changed by an opportunity called the Keith Sherin Global Leaders Program. Coordinated by the federally-funded organizations TRIO and Council for Opportunity in Education, the Keith Sherin Global Leaders Program enables students to engage in the fields of intersectionality. I spent my three weeks of the program over
the summer learning in the Netherlands as one of the 18 TRIO students selected nationwide. The program is only eligible for students enrolled in Student Support Services or McNair Scholars of their university. As part of the application process, I had to submit a 1,000word essay, my transcript, a letter of recommendation and a director nomination. With priority given to oncoming juniors and seniors, I had my concerns. However, due to my five year’s worth of prior participation with TRIO, my chances increased. From there, resources like WSU Study Abroad, College of Science and Student Support Services covered the financial costs for this new educa-
tional adventure in my life. The Keith Sherin Global Leaders program was $2,500 which included the international round trip airfare, accommodations, most meals, tuition, health insurance and outings. COE hosted multiple pre-trip meetings. During these meetings, we met online with our supervisors, group leaders and organizations. New York was our first meeting place before Amsterdam. We would spend a few days preparing ourselves and getting to know each other. Being with this group made me feel seen and I knew this trip was going to be incredibly fun since we all clicked immediately once meeting in person. Our differences
brought us comfort. During my first week, I stayed in Schoorl. I had the opportunity of learning and understanding more about identity, diversity and inclusion through various workshops and discussions. We had the opportunity to reflect on the importance of working together, as well as our position in developing effective programs that aim to contribute to a sense of belonging in society. It was an open space of expression and creative thinking. We headed to Amsterdam for a canal tour and to visit a cultural museum called the Tropenmuseum, learning about the history of the Netherlands. During that time in Am-
November 30, 2023 | thesignpostwsu.com | CULTURE | 11
THUAS students, professors and leaders eat lunch together.
sterdam, the group bonded over karaoke, dancing, running around the city and eating Dutch cuisine. For the following two weeks, I studied at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. I received college credits for the two following modules: Exchange perspectives for local impact in collaboration (EXPLICO) and peace, justice, human rights and European Union cooperation. EXPLICO was a whirlwind of discovery, where I worked with four other peers focusing on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. In preparation for the final project we
had been assigned, our group conducted research in an assigned neighborhood, Zeeheldenkwartier. Here, we proposed that there is a necessity to “maintain affordability to students in response to rising prices.” On top of that, my elective filled me with enjoyment as I heard lectures from influential guest leaders. From ministers, lawyers and commissioners, the speakers provided insights on strategies to their proposals like carbon footprint reduction. As an aspiring forensic chemist, I am enthusiastic about solving complex affairs. For the class, I worked on presenting The Green Deal, an approach for the European Union to being climate neutral
by 2050. In the short-span of my study abroad, I found myself at peace. I was not only making myself proud, but my university and family. No matter what I was doing that day, I always paused for a few seconds. It was a real experience. I was on the other side of the world, visiting landmarks on my bucket list while spending unforgettable moments with strangers that I now call friends and talk to everyday. An unforgettable journey made me grateful for my perseverance and the connections along the way. I don’t regret any decisions on this trip, even the 20,000 daily steps. Each lesson was
informative and bittersweet to my personal growth and work ethic. As I become a Keith Sherin Scholar, it empowers me to use my voice on the resources available for first-generation, low-income and disabled students. Moreover, that we are capable of leading the future. I continue to expand my horizons in bringing the best in my education not only for me, but others. And, I am thankful for the opportunities provided by Weber State. Applications for the 2024 Keith Sherin Global Leaders Program are open now until Jan. 16.
12 | CULTURE | thesignpostwsu.com | November 30, 2023
Male participants of KSGL pose together in New York Times Square. POR NELLY HERNANDEZ TEJADA Traductor
PHOTOS AND STORY POR NORLITO RANCHEZ JR. Columnista
Como un estudiante de bajos ingresos, yo creía que viajar no podía ser una actividad que yo pudiera hacer regularmente. Bastantes de los viajes de estudiar en el extranjero fueron caros para viajar y el costo de matriculación. Pero esto cambió por una oportunidad llamada Keith Sherin Global Leaders Program. Coordinado por organizaciones financiadas por el gobierno federal, TRIO y Council for Opportunity, el Keith Sherin Global Leaders Program permite a los estudiantes participar en la interseccionalidad. Yo pase tres semanas del programa en el verano estudiando en los Países Bajos de uno de los 18 estudiantes escogidos nacionalmente. Este programa es solamente para estudiantes que son parte de Student Support
Services o McNair Scholars de su universidad. Como parte del proceso de aplicación, yo tuve que presentar un ensayo de 1,000 palabras, mi transcripción, una letra de recomendación y una nominación de director. Con la prioridad dada a estudiantes de tercer y cuatro años, yo tuve mis dudas. Pero como yo tenía cinco años de participar con TRIO, mis chances subían. Desde allí, recursos como WSU Study Abroad, College of Science y Student Support Services cubrieron el costo financiero para esta nueva viaje educativa en mi vida. El Keith Sherin Global Leaders programa fue $2,500 que incluye la tarifa aérea internacional de ida y vuelta, alojamientos, varios de las comidas, costo de matrícula, aseguranza de salud y salidas. COE tuvo varias reuniones antes del viaje. Durante estas reuniones nos reunimos en línea con nuestros supervisores, líderes de grupo y organizaciones. Nueva York fue nuestro primer lugar de encuentro antes de Amsterdam. Pasamos algunos días allí preparándonos y conociéndonos. Estando con ese grupo me sentí có-
modo y sabía que este viaje sería muy divertido como todos nos llevamos bien después de conocernos en persona. Nuestras diferencias nos unió. Durante mi primera semana, yo me quede en Schoorl. Tuve la oportunidad de entender y conocer mas de identidad, diversidad e inclusión por varios debates y talleres. Tuvimos la oportunidad de reflejar la importancia de trabajar juntos, y también nuestra posición en desarrollar programas efectivos que tratan de contribuir a un sentido de pertenencia en sociedad. Fue un lugar abierto de expresión y de pensamientos creativos. Nosotros fuimos a Amsterdam para un recorrido por el canal y visitar un museo cultural llamado el Tropenmuseum, aprendiendo de la historia de los Países Bajos. Durante ese tiempo en Amsterdam, el grupo nos unimos sobre karaoke, bailar, corriendo por la ciudad y comiendo comida neerlandesa. Para las próximas dos semanas, estudiaré en The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Yo recibí créditos de universidad por estas dos clases: Exchange perspectives for local impact in collaboration (EXPLICO) y paz, jus-
ticia, derechos humanos y cooperación en la Unión Europea. EXPLICO fue donde yo trabajé con cuatro otros estudiantes enfocándose en las Naciones Unidas 17 metas de Desarrollo Sostenibles. En preparación para el proyecto final que nos dieron, nuestro grupo realizó una investigación en un vecindario, Zeeheldenwartier. Aquí, proponemos que hay una necesidad de “mantener la asequibilidad a los estudiantes en respuesta a los precios subiendo.” Mi electivo me llenó de felicidad mientras yo escuchaba la clase de líderes influenciales. Desde ministros, abogados y comisionados, los oradores llevaron su entendimiento en estrategias para sus propuestas como en reduciendo la huella de carbono. Como un aspirante a química forense, estoy entusiasmado con la resolución de asuntos complejos. Para la clase, yo trabaje en presentando The Green Deal, una forma para la Unión Europea tener clima neutro para
November 30, 2023 | thesignpostwsu.com | CULTURE | 13
KSGL participants took a canal boat tour on the river of Amsterdam.
Norlito Ranchez (left) and Ludkasan Fontilus (right) give each other a side hug at Brussels, Belgium.
KSGL participants visit the Van Gogh Museum during their free day.
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