September 25, 2018

THE STANDARD M I S S O U R I S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

VOLUME 112, ISSUE 6 | THE-STANDARD.ORG The Standard/The Standard Sports

MSU graduate enrollment increases from previous years

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Trump visits MSU

AFTON HARPER Staff Reporter @affie888 Graduate enrollment increased by 5.82 percent over the past year, according to the Missouri State University fall 2018 census enrollment report.

Donald Simpson, associate vice president for Enrollment Management and Services, said MSU has continued to grow over the past seven years. He also said that MSU has been on an upward trajectory as far as enrollment.

“Some of the elements of our growth this year are an increase in graduate students, and we also had an increase in dual credit students,” Simpson said. “These are students that are actually in high school — mostly in southwest Missouri but actually all throughout the state — who are taking courses through their high schools by teachers that have been approved as Missouri State adjunct faculty.”

Simpson said the report indicated that MSU has students enrolled from every county in Missouri.

On the other hand, undergraduate enrollment decreased by .79 percent over the past year.

“We were down a little bit overall in our undergraduate enrollment this year, but the increase in the graduate enrollment and dual credit made up for it,” Simpson said.

Overall, MSU enrollment has increased by .16 percent over the past year.

Missouri State has a lot to offer — starting with the quality of its academic programs because that should be the main reason a student picks a school, according to Simpson.

“Another important consideration for students is value and cost,” Simpson said.

“Missouri State has really worked hard to keep our tuition as low as we can. We are among the lowest in the state, and we are certainly below the national average.”

Total enrollment for the Missouri State Springfield campus is 24,390 students — the highest it has ever been.

The total enrollment for all MSU campuses is 26,182 students. This is slightly lower than last year by 34 students.

The lowest enrollment that the MSU Springfield campus has had in the past 10 years is 19,925 students in 2008.

For the most part, numbers have gradually increased, according to Simpson.

The biggest overall enrollment change the university has seen in the past 10 years was a decrease of 312 students in 2011.

‘MSU Talks’ Students debate medical marijuana MONICA BLAKE Sports Reporter @monicablak3

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President Donald Trump spoke in JQH Arena on Friday, Sept. 21, to rally support for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley.

President calls for Missourians to vote Hawley into US Senate CORTLYNN STARK | EMILY COLE Editor-in-Chief | News Editor President Donald Trump told a crowd of his supporters that they will “make America great again” during an event where he rallied support for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley.

Trump called for Missourians to vote for Hawley, Missouri’s current attorney general.

“We need him to fight for Missouri and to fight for our whole country,” Trump said as he spoke against Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-MO. “She’ll never ever vote for us.”

Hawley is running against McCaskill in the November election.

McCaskill is running for her third 6-year term as U.S. senator.

“Get out in 2018 because you’re voting for me in 2018,” Trump said.

“You’re voting for me. A vote for any Democrat this November is a vote for massive regulation, massive taxes and, I hate to say it, massive crime.”

Trump arrived in Springfield just after 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 21. His motorcade arrived on campus around 5:20 p.m.

Around 3 p.m., the line for those with tickets stretched from JQH Arena to National Avenue. JQH Arena has 11,000 seats, though part of the arena floor was standing room only. Many attendees wore clothing like hats in support of Trump and his 2020 presidential campaign. People held signs reading slogans like “Make America Great Again” and “Drain the Swamp,” and signs that showed support for Hawley.

The slogan “Promises Made, Promises Kept” hung from banners on either side of an American flag.

Trump began his speech by mentioning that the stock market is

hitting consistent all-time highs to roaring applause from the crowd. He told the crowd that he is restoring the country’s “industrial might like nobody can believe.” The crowd cheered again as Trump said America is being rebuilt.

“America is winning again and winning like never before,” Trump said. “America is finally being respected again because we are putting America first.”

Trump also claimed that Friday night’s rally broke “every” record and that the media would never say that. Trump repeatedly spoke against the media, especially CNN and the New York Times, and the crowd loved it, chanting “CNN sucks” at the press area.

Trump introduced Hawley, calling him Missouri’s next U.S. senator.

Hawley gave Trump plenty of credit too.

“Have you noticed something about our president?” Hawley asked the crowd. “When he makes a promise, he keeps it. When he makes a commitment, he delivers.”

With that, the crowd stomped on the ground and cheered deafeningly loud.

Hawley also spoke negatively of McCaskill.

“I don’t know who she’s with, but she’s not with the state of Missouri,” Hawley said, calling for Missouri voters to “make history again.”

After calling for Missouri voters to get rid of McCaskill again, Trump called Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh a “fantastic man.” He also said that women are more supportive of Kavanaugh than “anybody will understand.” Christine Blasey Ford recently accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in high school. u See TRUMP, page 9

This November, there will be three different proposals on the election ballot related to legalizing medical marijuana in Missouri. MSU Talks, a debate group on campus, debated two of the ballot items.

Students who attended the debate found it informative.

“Before the debate, I wasn’t familiar with any of the ballot initiatives,” Isaiah Eaton, freshman political science major, said.

Junior history education major Patricia Mulligan spoke first in support of Amendment 2 — what she called the “most detailed and realistic approach.” Amendment 2 suggests a 4 percent sales tax rate on the sale of medical marijuana. The revenue produced will go toward health and care facilities for veterans. According to the bill, the project is expected to cost $7 million and raise $24 million annually.

“It’s a constitutional amendment,” Mulligan said. “It’s much more important that we have the power to change it rather than a state legislature that typically votes along party lines.”

SINJIN SANDERS/THE STANDARD

On Sept. 22, firefighters from around Missouri came to Plaster Stadium for the annual Springfield Area Memorial Stairclimb. Each year, firefighters and community members, in cities around the country, climb stairs to honor the Fire Department of New York firefighters of 9/11. Participants climb the equivilant of 110 stories — the height of the World Trade Center.

The first stair climb was held on Sept. 11, 2005, in Denver, Colorado. During the 9/11 attack, 343 were involved in rescue efforts.

u See DEBATE, page 8

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Protesters, supporters clash at Trump rally Page 2

Hispanic Heritage Month coverage Page 4

Drury hosts Battle for Bell, raises money for ALS Page 6

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2018

Protesters, Trump supporters hash it out outside rally LAYNE STRACENER | KENNEDY BRIGHT Staff Reporter | Sports Reporter Thousands of supporters and protesters of all ages gathered at the Make America Great Again rally on Sept. 21 at JQH Arena to express their views.

The event was a rally for Trump’s 2020 campaign and Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley’s campaign to run against U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat.

A Trump supporter rallied up protesters with a sign that said “BLM are racist thugs” on one side and “BLM rent a riot” on the other. Protestors chanted “Black lives matter,” and the Trump supporter responded “You don’t believe that” and then began chanting “Stop abortion.”

Junior sociology major Shaniqua Brown responded to the Trump supporter.

“What about the lives of the children growing up parentless because of countless deaths at the hands of corrupt police officers? What do you tell those children?” asked Brown.

As the supporter called the African-American students “thugs,” Ozarks Technical Community College student Elijah Reece responded.

“No sir, we are not thugs at all. We are A+ students, black, African-American A+ students,” Reece said.

Brown was on the verge of tears when she

SINJIN SANDERS/THE STANDARD

Protesters gathered outside JQH Arena on Friday, Sept. 21.

first heard the supporter speak.

“Especially about black people being thugs and black people being racist,” Brown said.

“The fact that he gets to stand here and insult people is hurtful, and I am fighting back tears.

It is so sad that in 2018 he can be so hateful.”

Jack Luetkemeyer, sophomore risk management and insurance major, said he attended the rally to support Trump.

“It’s an honor to have the president on campus,” Luetkemeyer said. “I support his policies.

I support protection of the Second Amendment and free speech. I think capitalism is the best economic system a country can have … I’m very pro-life as well.”

Russ Mohrman, 63, of Nixa, supports Trump. He said he wants to see progress in America.

“Real progress, like seeing jobs created so there are more people to pay more taxes so we can get our debt paid,” Mohrman said.

Mohrman said he thinks many people at the rally support U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. He said the sexual assault allegation against him is unfair.

“He has proven his character,” Mohrman said. “He cares about his wife. Obviously, he cares about women. The fact that something from 35 years ago is just now being brought up is total hypocrisy. It should’ve been brought up sooner.”

Mohrman also supports Hawley, who spoke at the rally on behalf of his campaign to unseat McCaskill.

“Josh Hawley is an impeccable fella,” Mohrman said. “He loves kids. He has worked in church and done a wonderful job there. He is also a wonderful attorney general, and I think we are going to see more coming from him as a senator in the future.”

Missouri State University College Democrats Vice President Tehya Berger, a sophomore nursing major, said their goal for protesting was to raise awareness about Josh Hawley’s policies and persuade voters to vote for McCaskill.

“Hawley has a lawsuit to get rid of the Affordable Care Act, which I know is not good,” Berger said. “It would take away protection from the pre-existing conditions, and that’s my biggest concern.”

John Reece, a 75-year-old retired man from Springfield, said he wants McCaskill to be re-elected.

“I feel she’s done a fabulous job as senator, and I’d like to see her stay there,” Reece said.

“I think she’s intelligent enough to do what needs to be done with the issues that come up.

I have been very proud of her so far, and we would definitely like to have a majority in the

KENNEDY BRIGHT/THE STANDARD

Trump supporters and protesters argued outside JQH Arena in the hours leading up to the rally on Friday, Sept. 21.

Senate of Democrats.”

Stacey Long, 49, of Lebanon, said Trump has helped this country in many ways.

“The economy has turned around, and Trump supports Supreme Court justices that will put this country back on track,” Long, a warehouse worker at Tracker Marine said. “My 401k stock is going through the roof, and everything looks good.”

Long wants Hawley to be elected.

“We need McCaskill out of our state, out of our politics and out of our lives. I support Josh Hawley, because he supports the Trump agenda.

Build the wall. I don’t care if people come into the country, but they should come in legally.”

Tony Esser, 54, from Iowa, said he believes in conservative values “I’m looking forward to a return to the American values that were once held in this country and not the progressive, liberal changes that are trying to be made,” Esser said. “I enjoy seeing the support Trump does have in this country that is not represented by the mainstream media.”

Glenda Crews, of Springfield, waited in line for more than four hours to see Trump. She said Trump is getting America on the right track.

SINJIN SANDERS/THE STANDARD

A Trump supporter waves an Ameriu See PROTEST, page 9 can flag outside JQH Arena.

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opinion

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 | THE-STANDARD.ORG

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6lack struggles to break artistic mold on new album AUSTIN MYERS Reviewer

Illustration by ALYSSA VANDEGRIFT

Just because something is expensive doesn’t mean you can’t buy it JONATHAN PETESCH Columnist @thepeach1999 Technology is expensive. This is a fact most people know, and I talk about it quite often, most recently in my column last week where I talked about the new iPhone models.

Any tech product, whether it be a laptop, desktop, smartphone or something else, has the potential to be extremely expensive, but there is typically a specific use for those products. Many aren’t meant for the average consumer.

For example, I recently built a desktop PC for myself that cost around $2,000.

Rarely would I tell someone to go out and do this. But for me, I have found ways to use almost every bit of this hardware’s performance.

I won’t go into hardware specifics, but I will say it is made to be a workstation computer, able to handle tough tasks, including 4k video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro and high-resolution gaming.

Thought has been going into my PC build for the better part of a year, and many

changes were made in the planning process. I ended up spending as much as I did because I found the right performance per dollar, though it was slightly overkill.

This PC Jonathan Petesch won’t be changed majorly for a few years, unlike smartphones, which typically get changed once every one to two years. That’s why I was comfortable spending $2,000 on a PC but cringed when spending $800 on my Google Pixel 2 XL. As college students, we rarely have a lot of money to spend on this type of stuff, so when we do decide to upgrade something, it’s best to do your research and decide whether or not you really need it.

Going back to my PC, I wanted a lot of things in it but didn’t need them, so they got cut out to save money. It still does ev-

erything I want it to do, I just didn’t spend $100 on lighting that I’d never see inside the case because I don’t need it.

This translates to smartphones, especially with the iPhone XS Max with an incredibly large 6.5 inch display. Do you really need that large of a display? Will it even fit comfortably in your hand? My Pixel 2 XL borders on too large at 6 inches, so adding another half inch would probably be too large for me.

A lot of new tech will be coming to the market soon, as October looks to be a busy month as usual. Just within the first week, Microsoft and Google both have events scheduled where they will unveil new Surface and Pixel devices, respectively. This is all directly following an iPhone launch and the Samsung Note 9 launch last month as well.

Through all of these product launches, there is a lot of money that could be spent but probably doesn’t need to be. So, as these new devices come out, ask yourself if you really need to upgrade, and maybe your wallet will be a little bit more forgiving next time you make a random impulse buy on Amazon.

Letters to the editor Parking woes

I read with amazement the article on parking woes. This is a problem endemic to the university and the city of Springfield also. Both entities see a plot of ground and say “pave it” and they do. Barely weeks later, the cry arises for more parking.

Somewhere in two offices where people, who should be a lot smarter than me, are sitting, trying to solve a problem that

shouldn’t even exist. Let’s call a moratorium on surface parking lots. If you want to build a parking lot anywhere in the university/downtown corridor it must be at least five levels. If not, no permit.

After one lot has been built, it is time to go back and fix the mess made by our parking lot ancestors. Imagine two, five story parking areas across the street from the arena and the church and eventually

President Trump on campus

My name is Andy Armstrong, and I live in the Washington suburbs of Northern Virginia. I graduated from Missouri State in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. While in Springfield I was a member of the College Republicans, and during the summer breaks, I interned for the Republican National Committee. I even received scholarships from the local Republican Party. My last year of school, I received a political appointment to the Department of Education in the first Bush administration.

With all that being said, I cannot overstate how embarrassing it was to see Donald Trump speaking at JQH Arena on Friday. His mendacity and racism are without question a reaction to underlying sentiment in this country. However, President Trump has done nothing but pour gasoline on this fire.

I completely understand the attitude of many of my friends and family in Missouri who support President Trump and his The Standard Physical address: Clay Hall 744 E. Cherry St. Springfield, Missouri Postal address: 901 S. National Ave. Springfield, MO 65897 Newsroom: 417-836-5272 Advertising: 417-836-5524

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message. The economic realities of the last 20+ years have created a vacuum of ideas and progress focused on supporting the American worker, local industry and agriculture.

I have been very fortunate in my career here in Northern Virginia working in the defense industry, but I am very aware that my reality is an outlier when compared to much of middle America. Many have been left behind even as the overall economy has surged in recent years.

Regardless of which side of our perceived political divide you fall, we need leadership that can help unite us rather than divide. President Trump’s worst quality is his propensity to play only to his base. Mr. Trump is supposed to be the president of all of us. His inability to recognize this truth, as well as his constant electioneering which started immediately after his inauguration, are failing to unite our nation. We need to reach

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maybe even across from Hammons Hall.

Or two new parking areas and a multi-story classroom area. The possibilities boggle.

There is plenty of parking available in Springfield and at the university, which would be a blessing to both the university and the downtown area. Just look up my friends. Look up.

-Jerry-Mac Johnston

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It seems like it was only a few years ago when everyone was yelling “R&B is dead” and “R&B is just pop now.” Then came the next wave of modern R&B in the mid-2010s: trap soul. This genre hybrid combines the hard hitting drum patterns of trap with the soul-baring vocal delivery of soul music. Now, insert 6lack, who released his debut album “Free 6lack” in 2016.

This record included “Prblms” and “Ex Calling,” two of his biggest hits to date. But the focus shouldn’t be on the past, as his second studio album, “East Atlanta Love Letter,” has finally arrived. The singer-songwriter has returned with a 14-track effort, as 6lack looks to show how his sudden rise to fame has started to take a toll on the ones he loves.

Firstly, the cover art of this record is incredible. It features 6lack carrying a baby on his chest while he is recording from an extremely low-budget home studio in his kitchen. Seriously, this is one of the best, if not the best, album covers of the year.

Nonetheless, at the end of the day, it's the music that matters the most. The album begins with “Unfair,” a raw and moody cut that sets the stage perfectly for the preceding track, “Loaded Gun.” With a killer 808 melody, as well as a plethora of confidence radiated by 6lack, it's no doubt that it's one of the hardest tracks on the album.

“Pretty Little Fears,” featuring J. Cole, is the most complete song on the record. Over a minimalist T-Minus instrumental, 6lack and J. Cole present the duality of growth when it comes to relationships and love as a whole. The song begins with 6lack rapping about the sexual passion and pleasure flowing between him and his partner.

But the way he goes about it seems intentionally immature, as he is trying to portray himself as someone who is not really looking for much of a relationship with this woman, as he is solely with her just for the sexual experience.

Then J. Cole’s verse arrives, which is directed at a woman (presumably his wife) whom he feels he must protect, someone whom he wants to marry and grow a family with. The whole verse is written as if he is in total awe of this girl, specifically in regards to the beauty of her mind, as opposed to just the physical attraction to her.

There are plenty of cuts that stick to the moody aura found on “Free 6lack.” “Sorry” finds the singer at his most vulnerable on the record, as it features a beautiful string section that ties the ending of the song together extremely nicely.

“Switch,” the lead single, has some well-placed backing vocals by Ty Dolla $ign, as well one of the catchiest hooks on the album. “Nonchalant” features some of the best oneline punchlines on the tracklist, and “Stan” is a pretty fantastic closing track that shows how much he loves his girl.

There are a few tracks on here that feel a bit out of place or were just underwhelming in general. “East Atlanta Love Letter,” featuring Future, the album’s title track, wasn’t nearly as good as it could have been. The chorus seemed rather lazy from a songwriting standpoint and the production didn’t really stand out much at all. “Seasons,” featuring Khalid had some slight pop undertones that didn’t seem to really fit the overall vibe of the album as a whole, while “Balenciaga Challenge,” featuring Offset might have been a throwaway track if it wasn’t for the appeal of Offset’s verse on the track.

The biggest complaint of this record is the overall direction of it. “Free 6lack” was captivating because it created this gloomy, vulnerable and downright depressing mood that 6lack was able to take full advantage of. It gave him the platform to be able to creatively shape and transform himself into the artist that 6lack is known as today. It seemed as if he was faced with a question: Should he continue the same sort of style of darker R&B, or should he explore into some other new directions?

For the most part, he chose the former on “East Atlanta Love Letter.” The issue is it just doesn’t feel as concise and vulnerable as it did on his debut album. There are moments of vulnerability, there’s moments when the vibe comes back, but it just isn’t as present throughout the whole project as it could be.

From a pure songwriting standpoint, 6lack is certainly above average in the overall hip-hop and R&B landscape.

He’s one of those few artists that just simply “gets” it. “East Atlanta Love Letter” is by no means a bad album. It has many awesome moments, and rarely does it completely fall on its face when it does miss.

The biggest question mark after listening to this album is where exactly 6lack will go with his next effort. He avoided the infamous sophomore slump, but will 6lack ever be able to break the mold and fully grasp his potential as a complete artist?

Favorite Tracks: “Unfair," “Loaded Gun," “Sorry," “Pretty Little Fears" (featuring J. Cole), and “Switch” Least Favorite Tracks: “Let Her Go," “Disconnect” and “Scripture” Rating: 6.4

out more and antagonize less. We all want the same thing at the end of the day. Politics used to be just be about the minor disagreements about how to get there.

I pray for President Trump every day. But, I fear he will not change. We all need to work diligently at reaching across to those who don’t share our views with compassion and understanding. Only with empathy can we unite this country again and work together toward our common goals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

-Andy Armstrong

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 | THE-STANDARD.ORG

‘Everyone has their story’ Showcasing diversity, finding a sense of belonging for Hispanic Heritage Month of the day, the people I surround myself with just want to better themselves.

They just want to get something out of this.”

CULTURE NOAH STANDISH Senior Reporter @NoahjStandish Dance workshops, guest speakers, open discussions and tamales.

Each year, Missouri State University recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month, spanning Sept. 15-Oct. 15, with events organized by the Multicultural Resource Center and affiliated student organizations.

The underlying message is celebrating the histories and cultures of American citizens whose ancestors emigrated from a variety of Spanish-speaking countries.

This year’s theme is “Power in the Communities: #MoStateHeritage.”

The month-long holiday, also referred to as Latinx Heritage Month, is rooted in the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, according to Missouri State’s website.

With purple posters scattered around MSU’s campus referencing a variety of student organizations, many people embody the university’s efforts to increase awareness of cultural diversity and inclusion.

From chatter in the Plaster Student Union to the rows of nations’ flags hanging from the staircases of Strong Hall, here are just a few students among MSU’s student body that have a Latinx heritage.

EDUARDO ESPINOZA

Eduardo Espinoza is a senior accounting major who transferred to Missouri State in 2015 from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. He was born in St. Louis after his family had gradually immigrated to the United States from Mexico during the 1970s and ‘80s.

Growing up in the public schools of St. Louis County, he recalled his high school tenure as being the first experience in which he was amidst a variety of cultures and backgrounds.

Until then, Espinoza had grown up in what he described as a mostly white community, looking for a place to fit in while his family slowly went through the naturalization process to become United States citizens.

“Once my parents got married, my dad came to the U.S when he was, I think, 21 or 22,” Espinoza said. “I remember studying U.S. history in third or fourth grade when he was doing the same thing for his citizenship test.”

When looking to attend college, Espinoza said he was looking for that diversity, connections with students from a variety of backgrounds and a community in which he felt welcomed.

After a few semesters attending Spring Hill College in Alabama on a soccer scholarship, Espinoza still felt like he hadn’t quite found it.

“There were a lot of Hispanic students (at Spring Hill College), but I didn’t connect with a lot of them,” Espinoza said. “I felt like I had come from a much different background than them, and I started feeling like the environment wasn’t for me. I started feeling homesick.”

Espinoza applied to multiple colleges with the intent to transfer, ultimately landing on MSU because he saw the potential to find what he was looking for — his niche.

“As a transfer student especially, you’re dropped into a place where there’s already all these connections,” Espinoza said. “You’re kind of desperate to find some place where you fit in.”

For Espinoza, Uniendo Nuestros Origenes — “Uniting Our Origins” — proved to be the student organization and Latinx community he had been looking for.

He went on to serve as the organization’s 2017-18 vice president — only the third since its inception in 2015 — and be recommended for a receptionist position in Glass Hall with MSU’s College of Business.

“As much as (UNO is) majority Hispanic, we try to be as inclusive as possible to as many backgrounds as possible from the community,” Espinoza said. “I think that’s the biggest reason I decided to stay (at MSU).”

Espinoza described that newfound community as a source of belonging and the niche he had been searching for, also citing the organization’s rally in support of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals outside Strong Hall in spring 2018.

“There was a lot of me searching for answers here and there,” Espinoza said. “But I think that (rally) is what really helped make our presence known on campus, and now there’s a lot more involvement from the university and them wanting to help us.”

With Latinx Heritage Month being recognized by MSU in September and October, Espinoza said the effectiveness of its events is dependent on student input and representation.

He called the events a work in progress, but also an opportunity for students to ask questions and build bridges with a desire to be inclusive, welcoming and educational toward anyone who attends.

Espinoza credited the staff members of MSU’s Multicultural Services, including Executive Director Yvania Garcia-Pusateri and Coordinator Matt Banks, as being transparent with student organizations.

“I know one of the things (MSU’s multicultural programs) asked us as the executive board of UNO was, ‘What restaurants would be the most authentic?’” Espinoza said. “I think Yvania and Matt do an awesome job of reaching out and asking us, ‘How can we improve?’”

Those connections between students, organizations and faculty, Espinoza said, emphasize the variety of cultures and traditions within students and from his own background.

Espinoza also said his family does not celebrate Dia de los Muertos — known as Day of the Dead in English — the multi-day holiday of remembrance for family members who have passed, because most of the individuals his family would visit are not buried in the U.S. “My traditions wouldn’t necessarily be 100 percent authentic Mexican — they would be with a twist on it,” Espinoza said.

“Everybody has their own beliefs, their own perspectives, their own story. I don’t want to be that spokesperson and say, ‘These traditions are more important.’”

With graduation approaching, Espinoza expressed optimism toward UNO while also emphasizing the importance of communication between students of differing backgrounds.

“As long as you’re well-intentioned and you’re asking questions, I think that’s the key,” Espinoza said. “At the end

LUPITA PEREZ-LOPEZ

Lupita Perez-Lopez is a senior political science major from Green Forest, Arkansas, a town with a EDUARDO ESPINOZA diverse Latinx population. Her hometown includes residents from Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua and the Marshall Islands in Oceania.

Perez-Lopez’s family immigrated to the United States in 1990 from Zacatecas, a state in northern Mexico and became integrated within the diverse Latinx population of northwest Arkansas.

Perez-Lopez first heard of MSU while attending high school in Arkansas, but she was initially reluctant to apply. Eventually, she was chosen for a multicultural leadership scholarship, which led to her enrollment in fall 2016.

After a period of adjustment, student organizations and communities including UNO and Multicultural Services helped Perez-Lopez get acclimated and find her niche within the Springfield campus.

“When I came (to MSU), I kind of naively expected the same diversity (as Green Forest),” Perez-Lopez said. “But in my first semester, it was really hard for me to adjust because I was just used to having that family and home aspect so much.

“My saving grace was the multicultural department and its resource centers here on campus.”

Perez-Lopez said she even had paperwork ready to transfer to the University of Arkansas because of her difficulty adapting to the new environment.

But after talking with a few faculty members, including Garcia-Pusateri, she decided to work LUPITA PEREZ-LOPEZ through her initial skepticism.

“I met a great group of people,” Perez-Lopez said. “I got closer to Yvania and whenever I’m with You need to people in the (MRC), we talk about everybe uncomthing.”

Perez-Lopez also fortable, cited that community of Latinx students because and faculty as what that’s how led to her ultimately deciding to stay at you grow, MSU. It had become an embodiment of the and I think closeness she had you can with her family growing up in Arkansas. ultimately “A lot of Latinx families are so close find to each other,” Perez-Lopez said. happiness “Coming here, a lot here.” of people asked me why my family called MELISSA GUTIERREZ me so much, and I just asked them why their families didn’t call them so much. That was definitely a culture shock coming to MSU.” That intimacy between family members had been prominent throughout her childhood and adolescence, as Perez-Lopez recalled having bonded with her family over cookouts that featured a recurring dish: carne asadas, a Mexican and Central American dish with beef and steak.

Over the years, the meal became synonymous with her family relaxing and venting about anything on their minds in a safe space to be themselves.

“I was raised by a single mother who always worked multiple jobs to pay bills and put food on the table for me and my two older sisters,” Perez-Lopez said. “Carne asadas are how we would spend time together and speak to each other without fear of being judged. As my sisters got married and had children, we continued the tradition.”

As Perez-Lopez stayed in Springfield, she grew more comfortable within the community she had been searching for. She even went on to run for student body vice president in spring 2018, citing a desire for representation on MSU’s campus for students of Latinx heritage.

“I wanted to help create a more diverse and SADIE CARRILLO inclusive home and environment for students,” Photos by BRADLEY BALSTERS/THE STANDARD Perez-Lopez said. “To say, ‘Hey, you don’t have to look a certain way to run for (SGA). You can be anyone and just have a passion for wanting to change stu- MELISSA GUTIERREZ Melissa Gutierrez is a junior political science and modern dents’ lives.’

“Sometimes I feel like the only people that can make a change language double major. She is 20 years old, born and raised are students.” in Springfield, with parents who immigrated to the United During Latinx Heritage Month, Perez-Lopez said she appre- States from Mexico in the 1980s.

Growing up, MSU was always on Gutierrez’s mind, but her ciates having a voice in the organization of events. She cited the inclusion of several student organizations as evidence of MSU’s decision to attend the university stemmed primarily from her strong desire to stay with her family. desire to incorporate student input.

Each of those student organizations referenced indirectly refer “I always grew up knowing (MSU) was there,” Gutierrez to a committee made up of students who have a say in every event. said. “Many Latinx families and cultures have strong ties to For students with backgrounds other than Latinx, Perez-Lo- family, and for me, it was very important to stay close to home.”

She had grown accustomed to being one of the few Latinx pez emphasized the importance of attending events related to Latinx Heritage Month. She said everyone, regardless of back- students among her peer groups while going to Springfield ground, has something to gain or learn by listening to those who Public Schools, and soon after, Gutierrez became the first differ from them. member of her family to attend college.

Gutierrez’s involvement with MSU came with the MRC “A lot of students might say they champion racial justice, but then you don’t see them hanging out with people who are from and its associated programs as a member of its event planning committee. different backgrounds,” Perez-Lopez said.

In less than two years, Perez-Lopez went from having transShe called it an opportunity to integrate herself within the fer paperwork in-hand to a candidate for MSU’s student body university’s community in the program’s two locations: one on vice president. The university’s student organizations and Lat- the first floor of the PSU, and another in the basement of Freudeninx students became the source of community she had been berger House.

“I consider both locations of the MRC a home away from searching for.

“My advisor, (assistant professor of political science) Indira home because you come in and you see people you know,” Palacios-Valladares told me, ‘You need to be uncomfortable, Gutierrez said. “That sense of family is so important to us. because that’s how you grow, and I think you can ultimately find We feel that comfort, we feel that love, we feel connected, happiness here,’” Perez-Lopez said. “And I did. we feel welcomed.” u See HERITAGE, page 10 “I just had to go looking for it.”

“

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2018

THE STANDARD

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86 new Americans welcomed at naturalization ceremony in PSU HANNA SUMPTER Deputy News Editor @hannasumpter People from 31 countries across the world filled the PSU Theater last week as they waited to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America.

The 86 people participating in the ceremony on Sept. 19 sat in rows of maroon chairs along the lower floor of the theater while family and other loved ones packed into the seats behind them, all facing forward as U.S. District Judge Doug Harpool approached the podium atop the stage.

University President Clif Smart welcomed the crowd to the campus and said it was an honor for the university to play a part in celebrating the accomplishment each of these immigrants had achieved.

“Let me be the first to congratulate you and call you my fellow Americans,” Smart said.

Harpool guided the ceremony as representatives from across the state congratulated each of the soon-to-be American citizens.

“The enthusiasm and excitement of the applicants make it a very meaningful celebration for me,” Harpool said while recalling the ceremony.

“It’s easy to overlook the privileges we have in this country and to see the excitement in the eyes of those becoming citizens — it renews your enthusiasm.”

Representatives for both U.S. senators from Missouri, Roy Blunt and Claire McCaskill, as well as a representative for Congressman Billy Long took turns at the podium to relay messages sent by each of the politicians.

“It is with a real sense of pride and appreciation that I greet you as a fellow citizen today,” David Stokely, a representative of McCaskill said as he read her letter aloud. “I wish for you and your family the blessings of liberty and justice as a United States citizen.”

Blunt’s representative did not read the letter sent to those in attendance by Blunt, but he did welcome them to the U.S. and encouraged the applicants to use their right to vote.

A representative for Long read a letter from Congressman Long to the crowd.

“I’m sure that the decision to pursue United States citizenship was not made lightly, and I commend you in having the necessary courage and resolve to pursue your dream,” the representative said while reading Long’s letter.

Before taking the oath and becoming official citizens, each applicant was recognized by their

nationality. Each country was called out and those from each country would stand as an image of their country, the country’s flag and its population was displayed. Loved ones clapped and hollered as each person was recognized.

Each applicant then stood once more and raised their right hand. Harpool began leading them through the Oath of Allegiance.

From one moment to the next, all the applicants repeated one phrase of the oath after the other.

They renounced their allegiance to their old country and swore the oath to support and defend the United States, including the Constitution and all other laws.

Although reciting the oath only took moments, gaining citizenship can take months.

John David Matei, previously of Romania, originally came to the United States with his family when he was just over a year old, but he only gained U.S. citizenship as an adult last week. His family left the country shortly after the Romanian Revolution.

“The economy was really bad, and my dad saw that,” Matei said. “I think what really drove my dad to come here was when he saw an American dollar bill. It said “In God We Trust” on it, and the church in Romania was — the government had their eyes on it and they were really treated

rough. So, when he saw that and thought about the religious freedom, that’s what really gave him the idea to come here.”

Matei said participating in the ceremony was not only exciting but also relieving.

“It’s been a long process, and I’m glad to finally be a citizen,” Matei said.

Monika Thompson had spent many years of her life moving between Germany and America, but she began pursuing citizenship in the U.S. in May. Last week, it all came to an end as she accepted her certificate proving her loyalty to America.

“I finally realized this was my home,” Thompson said. “It is now my home, so I want to be part of the country that is my home. I want to be a citizen.”

Thompson’s daughter-in-law, Teri Thompson, attended the ceremony; she even pulled her son out of school to give him the experience of attending a naturalization ceremony.

“This is something kind of, really special,” Teri said. “I took my 17-year-old out of school today so he could see how the system works.

Most U.S. kids born and raised here will never step foot in one of those ceremonies. I hope that it gives my 17-year-old a bit of ‘Oh yeah, this is my country — I need to participate.’”

A taste of Latin America, Caribbean brought to MSU LAYNE STRACENER Staff Reporter @LayneStracener People of all ages and backgrounds joined together at tables and enjoyed authentic food. They clapped, danced and cheered as performers dressed in traditional attire danced to Latin American and Caribbean music. A sense of community filled the room as they celebrated, shared and showcased Latinx culture.

The Latinx Heritage Month Banquet was held on Sept. 22 at 5 p.m. in the Plaster Student Union Ballroom. It featured authentic food, cultural dance performances, a fashion show and an open dance.

The banquet began with a short speech from Dean of Students Thomas Lane.

“I’ve thought a lot about the meaning of community and what happens when someone becomes a part of something bigger than themselves,” Lane said in his speech. “We build a sense of community through the various creative cultural aspects showcased at this banquet. We gain insight through sharing a culture, and that is very powerful.”

After a traditional meal of soup called pozole, shredded beef called ropa vieja, plantain chips, empanadas and a cookie called alfajores, the audience danced and clapped to the beat as MSU students in traditional attire performed various cultural dances ranging from ballroom to upbeat. Students from the Greenwood Laboratory School also performed.

Students showcased cultural history through a fashion show.

It was a live museum representing political icons and activists

such as Frida Kahlo, a Mexican artist whose work depicted what it means to be a woman, and Sylvia Rivera, an American gay and transgender activist of Puerto Rican and Venezuelan descent who helped young, homeless transgender people and transgender women of color.

Yvania Garcia-Pusateri, executive director of Multicultural Services, said the fashion show was her favorite part of the banquet because it was unique.

“It focused on social activism from Latin Americans that, unfortunately, you don’t learn about in school,” Garcia-Pusateri said.

“I think it’s really important for students to learn about their history and present it to the audience.”

The banquet closed with a short speech from Michele Smith, assistant vice president of student affairs.

“We have talented students here tonight who have performed, put together the program and even showed their culinary skills,” Smith said. “We talk about community now, but it is important all the time, not just in the month of September. We need to support and acknowledge the work and struggles they go through and the things that go on in our society.”

This is the first time students have organized the banquet. In the past, the banquets were organized by International Programs.

Students began planning in the spring, met throughout the summer and finished planning at the beginning of the semester.

Garcia-Pusateri said this event is important to the Latinx community.

“It’s a way to bring the community together and showcase the different cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean,” Garcia-Pusateri said.

Weekly Crossword © 2018 King Features Syndicate

ACROSS 1 Eastern bigwig (Var.) 5 One-on-one battle 9 Scoundrel 12 Rice-A- -13 Paquin or Faris 14 Raw rock 15 Over 17 Pen point 18 Vagrant 19 Ticket 21 Aspect 24 Idea that spreads on the Web 25 48-Across’ counterparts 26 Room-to-room accesses 30 Convent dweller 31 Great praise 32 Old card game 33 Wine pourer 35 Existed, Biblically 36 Do as you’re told 37 Exposes 38 Cease-fire 40 Noble title 42 Melody 43 Ecclesiastical compact 48 See 25-Across 49 Soon, in verse 50 “Do -- others ...”

51 Shelter 52 Sit for a photo 53 Unaltered DOWN 1 Joan of --

2 Cattle call?

3 Hostel 4 Wealth 5 Paint amateurishly 6 Ruin 7 Compass pt.

8 Firetruck gear 9 Skin-tone cosmetic 10 Operatic solo 11 Credit card user’s problem 16 Parcel of land 20 Coal diggers’ org.

21 Ward (off) 22 Chills and fever 23 Open area at a terminal 24 Othello, for one

26 Responsibility 27 Praise in verse 28 Days gone by 29 Drunkards 31 Patella 34 Jimmy Kim-

mel’s network 35 Tusked mammal 37 Buddy 38 Party-game pin-on

Sophomore global studies major Loren Limas danced at the event. It was her second year performing at the banquet. She began practicing the dance two weeks before the banquet.

“I think we did really well for not having much time to practice,” Limas said. “Everybody’s energy was super high, and I think everybody was feeding off our energy, which was really cool.”

Limas said coming to Springfield from a Latinx background is difficult.

“We are a minority, so showcasing our culture is really important, not only to me, but to other Latinos on campus,” Limas said. “This is a great opportunity to learn our culture by seeing our music, dance, history, food and how we interact with each other.”

Freshman political science major Thalia Barbosa said she enjoyed the event because cultural awareness is important to her.

“It was beautiful,” Barbosa said. “It’s important to spread cultures that you don’t hear about much in everyday life and see it celebrated in such a positive way, especially when it isn’t all the time.”

Sophomore political science major Erin Thomas said she thinks diversity is important.

“This event gave me more knowledge on different cultures and their food, dances, style and history,” Thomas said.

There are two other Latinx Heritage Month events this week.

One is a cooking demonstration from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 25 in Kentwood Hall. Participants must RSVP online. The other event is a discussion called “Latinx Xpressions: Colorism.” It will take place from 12:30-2 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Mary Jean Price Walls Multicultural Resource Center Annex.

6

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sports

Football to start conference play at home BLAINE WHEELER Senior Anchor @blainewheeler21 The Missouri State football team knocked off a ranked opponent for the first time in two years on Sept. 20.

The Bears will have plenty of opportunity to knock off others throughout the season.

The two weeks of preparation before the Bears enter conference play are huge to add ranked wins to the Bears’ resume, specifically against No. 9 Illinois State.

The Bears spoke about the importance of having two days of rest after their win over Northern Arizona.

Senior Jared Beshore called it the best the Bears have prepared since he has been at the university.

Missouri State has been bad — historically bad — in its last three years in the Missouri Valley Football Conference play.

The Bears have won five conference games in their last four years, none against upcoming opponent Illinois State.

The MVFC has flourished even when Missouri State has struggled.

The Bears played many great teams in the conference and will continue to.

Head coach Dave Steckel work to compete every year against the best in the country.

In three of the last four years, the MVFC has placed five teams in the top 25.

North Dakota State is the so-called Alabama of the Football Championship Subdivision.

The Bison have brought the Missouri Valley six of the last seven FCS National Championships.

The Valley has been widely regarded as the best conference in the country for the last five years.

This year, the MVFC is ranked as the top conference in the FCS by the Sagarin Rankings and ranks above three Football Bowl Subdivision leagues.

The Bears will see another brutal stretch of conference play in 2018.

Three MVFC teams are currently in the STATS FCS Top 25: No. 1 North Dakota State, No. 3 South Dakota State and No. 9 Illinois State.

As of Week 2, seven of the 10 Valley teams are again in relative contention for a playoff berth.

The MVFC has bid four or more teams 18 times.

The conference is one of two to ever bid five teams in a playoff.

All statistical categories point to the Valley being one of the — if not the best — conference in the FCS. If a team gathers big wins through conference play, a berth is likely.

South Dakota State returns star quarterback Taryn Christion.

Christion is on pace to pass former Illinois State quarterback Matt Brown as the total offensive leader in MVFC career history.

Christion is already the MVFC career touchdown pass leader.

Illinois State operates behind quarterback Brady Davis, an MVFC Newcomer of the Week winner twice in the first three weeks.

North Dakota State’s defense is flourishing through the first three weeks of football.

They currently lead the MVFC and sixth in the nation in sacks per game.

The Bison boast one of the best quarterback-running back combos in the nation.

Seniors Easton Stick and Bruce Anderson were both preseason All-American selections.

Western Illinois placed six players on All-Valley preseason honors under first-season head coach Jared Elliott.

The team is led by senior defensive lineman Khalen Saunders who was named to the FCS Buck Buchanan watch list for the best defensive linemen in the country.

South Dakota head coach Bob Nielson has a history of sculpting playoff bound programs.

He led the Coyotes to their first playoff appearance last season and has the opportunity to do so again.

Missouri State’s uphill climb is off to a good start.

A win against top-ranked Illinois State can change the aura of the Bears football fanbase.

Three of the next four contests are against top teams in the conference.

The opportunity is huge; will the Bears make this year different?

Missouri State starts conference play Sept. 29 at home against Illinois State.

Illinois State earned the No. 9 ranking in the STATS FCS Top 25 poll on Sept.

24.

The Bears will head to South Dakota on Oct. 6 and Indiana State Oct. 13.

Missouri State will then return home for Homecoming against Western Illinois on Oct. 20.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 | THE-STANDARD.ORG

A legacy left behind Missouri State, Drury team up to fundraise for ALS awareness CLAIRE NIEBRUGGE Sports Reporter @claireniebrugge Two college baseball teams came together for one common goal — honoring the late Howard Bell — on Saturday, Sept. 22.

Howard Bell, a native of Springfield, Missouri, played shortstop for the Missouri State baseball program from 1984-1986. In 1986, Bell won Player of the Year in the Mid-Continent Conference, Missouri State’s conference at the time.

Bell later went on to coach baseball at Glendale High School in 2005 under head coach Mark Stratton. Stratton left Glendale to start up a baseball program at Drury University. Bell stepped up and served as head coach at Glendale until 2012.

That was not the first time Bell coached for Glendale, however. At the age of 19, Howard coached Glendale’s legion baseball team.

“He dedicated his life to helping kids,” Drury head coach Scott Nasby said.

Howard Bell passed away in 2013 after his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

“He was the type of guy who was always there for you when you were struggling, on and off the field,” Nasby said.

In 2012, Missouri State and Drury played the first Battle for Bell game. Howard Bell threw out the first pitch, and all of the proceeds went directly toward his medical expenses.

This year is the third game in Bell’s honor, and now the proceeds go to the Cox ALS Unit.

“We are keeping his name fresh in the community,” Missouri State head coach Keith Guttin said. “He was a giver, and now we get to give something back. I think the title of this game is very appropriate.”

The two baseball programs have strong ties to the Bell family, so creating an offseason, crosstown fundraising event seemed like a no-brainer.

“We wanted to honor his legacy with the game,” Guttin said.

Not only does this game hold importance in the hearts of the coaches but also in the hearts of the players.

“It’s bigger than baseball,” Missouri State first baseman Ben Whetstone said.

While preseason baseball may not count in the statistical sense, the Battle for Bell game accounts for more than just baseball by raising funds and awareness for ALS. “Every game needs to be treated the same,” Whetstone said. “But this game we’ll have a lot of energy playing a team like Drury. It’ll be a good atmosphere and a good night to raise some money.”

Some players from these two teams even remember Bell when he coached at Glendale.

Alex Austin, a senior pitcher for Drury, was a freshman at Glendale High School during Bell’s last year of coaching.

“I remember Coach Bell very well,” Austin said. “I wasn’t coached by him, but he affected everyone. I remember when we got the news he had passed. I was in shop class and remember all the students were in a daze.”

As for Saturday night’s ballgame, the Panthers were excited to take on the Bears at US Ballpark. Drury usually plays smaller schools during the offseason.

“We’re the ones with the chip on our shoul-

BILL SIOHOLM/THE STANDARD

(Above) Junior Kaleb Schmidt pitches to an Missouri State batter in the Battle for Bell baseball game between Drury University and Missouri State University at U.S. Baseball Park on Sept. 22.

(Left) Sophomore Sam Faith and junior Drew Millas celebrate at Millas returns to the dugout. Missouri State defeated Drury 4-1 in the Battle for Bell fundraising game.

der,” Austin said. “We’re bringing the energy to the field.”

The energy was definitely brought by both teams.

Missouri State claimed a 4-1 victory over the Drury Panthers. The Bears plated their first run on a string of events — a single from sophomore Sam Faith, a walk for freshman Anthony Herron Jr., and a sacrifice bunt from sophomore Jordan Fitzpatrick. Then Drury’s Tom Tewes, sophomore, was called for a balk, allowing Faith to score.

The score remained 1-0 until the top of the sixth inning when junior Drew Millas hit a deep ball over the right field wall to put the Bears up by two.

Drury scored in the bottom of the sixth on a double steal. An attempted throw down from catcher Millas freed up home plate, cutting

Missouri State’s lead to 2-1.

In the top of the seventh, the Bears offense capitalized on mistakes made by the Panthers.

Juniors Logan Geha and Collin Clayton each scored on separate wild pitches, putting the Bears up 4-1.

As for Missouri State pitching, sophomore Ty Buckner, senior Davis Schwab, junior Logan Wiley, freshman Hayden Juenger, senior Jake Lochner and sophomore Connor Sechler all saw mound time Saturday night. The Bears held the Panthers to six hits and one run.

Wiley recorded the win while Tewes took the loss.

The Bears are back in action for their second offseason game at home against Pittsburg State on Wednesday, Oct. 3, at 3 p.m.

The Drury Panthers take the field again in February 2019.

‘Sensei Wu’ provides leadership among MSU men’s soccer team MONICA BLAKE Sports Reporter @monicablak3 Every sports team needs leaders. Senior midfielder Ian Wu, described by his coaches as someone everyone wants to work with has become just that for the Missouri State men’s soccer team.

“He is a selfless player that is always putting the team first,” Michael Seabolt, associate head coach of the men’s soccer team, said.

Ian initially left Sweden for a small liberal arts school in North Carolina: Mars Hill University.

After two years at the Division II school, Ian wanted more for himself and for his soccer career.

He trained with Houston FC during the summer of 2017 before landing at MSU. As a native of Sweden who traveled to the U.S. for school and soccer, Ian has become an important component on and off the field.

“At my old school, it didn’t matter what I did, I would still start,” Ian said. “Here, I really have to work for my minutes.”

Ian thought a more competitive environment would improve his game, and it did.

Last year, Ian scored the game-winning penalty kick to move the team to the Missouri Valley Conference finals.

“He’s never shied away from spending extra time to work on things that he wants to excel at,” Seabolt said. “We’re absolutely happy with his improvements and the work he’s put in.”

Ian has continued to improve this season.

After not playing as many

minutes as he wanted to the first few games this season, he is happy with how the last few games have gone. Ian is especially happy with how the team has performed.

“My goal is always to help the team achieve our goals,” Ian said.

“If that means I play 45 minutes or 10 minutes, if the team wins I’m happy with that.

“Our team is pretty good this year; I would say even better than last year. This year I feel like our team is not only the 11 men on the field, but all 23 on the roster.”

Besides his ability to make a difference on the field, Ian has brought something much bigger to the men’s soccer team.

He is the definition of student-athlete.

Ian arrived at MSU with an academic scholarship studying economics. Ian’s parents, who still live in Sweden, pushed him in academics throughout his life.

“I don’t just go to class to pass the class, but to get the best grade I can,” Ian said.

Seabolt appreciates Ian’s dedication to his academics.

“He’s willing to do things to help out,” Seabolt said. “We have study hall for the team, and he is the liaison with Carla Morton, one of the achievement center counselors.”

In this role as liaison, Ian communicates between his teammates and Morton to ensure academic excellence from all of his teammates.

This leadership opportunity was given to him his first year here, but Ian volunteered to act as liaison again his senior year.

“He’s a player that’s always putting the team first, and he does whatever’s asked of him to help us

EMILY AMES/THE STANDARD

Ian Wu, a senior on the men’s soccer team, came to Missouri State after leaving Sweden and playing Division II soccer in North Carolina. He is now a leader on the team in the classroom and on the field. win,” Seabolt said.

Ian’s teammates described him as intelligent, determined and funny. His best friends on the team, sophomores Josh Dolling and Connor Langan, both raved over his ability to connect with his teammates.

He’s known as “sensei Wu” to his teammates because of the father figure that he is, according to Langan.

After getting to know him as a roommate last year, Dolling said

u See IAN, page 8

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2018

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Volleyball starts 0-2 in conference play BRYCE DERRICKSON Sports Reporter @BruceyD17

Last weekend, Missouri Valley Conference play started for the Missouri State volleyball team, who faced Bradley and Illinois State and lost to both teams. The losses moved MSU to a 7-8 record on the year and 0-2 in MVC play for the time since 2016.

Missouri State started their first home MVC game on Friday against Illinois State, who came in with a 9-3 record. The Bears were swept by the Redbirds.

In the first set, the Redbirds won with a score of 25-20, only committing one error while the Bears made eight. MSU and Illinois State battled in the beginning of the set, keeping the score close at 9-7, but the Redbirds flew off as they went on a 4-0 run. MSU never got any closer than three points for the rest of the set.

The second set, MSU faired a little worse, falling 25-18. The Bears and Redbirds traded blows through the second set, tying six times.

Illinois State, though, pulled away after being tied at 18. They went on a 7-0 run to close out the set.

The third and final set ended with the same score as the second, 25-18. Missouri State started off hot, going on a 5-0 run to start the set.

The Bears kept the lead until the Redbirds tied it at 15-15. The third set also ended how it started — with a 5-0 run, this time by Illinois State.

The loss ended Missouri State’s 20-game winning streak, against MVC opponents, including the MVC tournament games.

On Saturday, Missouri State faced Bradley, who came in with an 11-2 record with one win

in the MVC against Southern Illinois.

The Bears fell in the first set to Bradley, who won 25-22. The Bears managed to take the lead five times in the first set but never managed to grow the lead higher than two. Missouri State also committed nine errors during the set while Bradley only had six.

Missouri State won its first and only set of the weekend with a score of 25-22. The Bears started hot in the set, going on an 8-2 run. The run kept MSU in the lead for the rest of the set. MSU had its highest hitting percentage with .220 and lowest amount of errors with five in this game.

In the third set, the Braves took a 2-1 set lead, winning 25-22. This set stayed close throughout as there were ten ties in the set. In the set, the Bears gained the lead seven times but never created more than a two-point lead.

The fourth and final set went to the Braves, winning 26-24. The Bears only had the lead one time in the game at 16-14. The Bears tied the Braves five times during the set but never succeeded in taking the lead. This is only Missouri State’s ninth loss to Bradley since 1982 and their first since 2008.

This Missouri State volleyball team had a frustrating weekend, losing to two teams whom they should’ve beaten. The potential of how good Missouri State can play was shown against Texas A&M, who is better than both the teams they faced last weekend.

If Missouri State wants to turn this around, they will need to lower their amount of errors.

In all but two of their losses, the Bears led in errors. In all but one game MSU won, the opposing team led in errors.

The Bears will also need to find a way to

EMILY AMES/THE STANDARD

Missouri State lost to Bradley 3-1 on Sept. 22. This was Missouri State’s first loss to Bradley since 2008. keep their offense going. Missouri State is ranked seventh in assists (11.29), kills (12.07) and hitting percentage (.180), in the MVC. While Missouri State needs to work on the offensive side of the net, defense has been a strong point for the Bears. In the MVC, Missouri State ranks fourth-lowest in opponent hitting percentage, .165 and in blocks, 2.24.

For the rest of the defensive stats, MSU is in the middle of the pack, ranking sixth in digs, 16.27, opponent service aces, 1.13, opponent kills, 11.91, and opponent assists, 11.23.

Ice Bears sweep weekend at home

Leading the defense is freshman Makina Wratten and senior Emily Butters. Wratten is tied for second with a 1.19 block average and is third in total blocks with 56 in the MVC. Butters is third in digs per game with 5.07 in the MVC. Even with the rough start in MVC play, the Bears still have a good chance to be in the top three of the MVC. In 2016, when they started 0-2 in conference play, they went on to win the conference, not dropping a single game after that.

Though this is unlikely, Missouri State is still good enough to be competitive in the conference.

Swim team starts season in open water COLE SUTTON Sports Reporter @ColeSutton23

The Missouri State Ice Bears swept the Jamestown Jimmies in their two-game set this weekend.

The Jimmies entered the series as the No. 13 team in the American Collegiate Hockey Association. The Ice Bears entered ranked No. 17.

This marked the first two games of the season for the Jimmies. The Ice Bears already played four games going into the weekend matchup.

Last season, the Jimmies finished 23-15 and made a trip to the ACHA national tournament. The Bears made a trip to nationals last season as well. Both teams were eliminated in the first round of the tournament.

During the Friday night contest, the Ice Bears captured a 5-1 victory over the Jimmies.

The Jimmies were on their heels defensively throughout the first period.

The Ice Bears took advantage, and forwards Andrew Kovacich and Josh Bell scored goals during the period, putting the Ice Bears up 2-0.

Jamestown then turned the tides and controlled the puck for large chunks of the second period, taking 13 shots during the period but failed to put one in the net.

The Ice Bears took advantage of their oppor-

tunities with the puck — Kovacich added another goal, followed by forward Matt Matyi adding

The Missouri State swimming and diving team opened up its 2018-19 season Sep. 22 at the CSCAA Open Water Championship in Lawrence, Kansas. The Bears return 20 all-conference athletes this season, with eight men and 12 women.

Three male and three female athletes took part in the 3.1-mile race at Lone Star Lake.

Senior Minki Kang, junior Antonio Thomas and freshman Pawel Krawczyk competed for the Bears in the men’s race.

Senior Loretta Stelnicki and sophomores Leticia Rodrigues and Libby Howell represented MSU in the women’s race.

This competition was a little different to start the season though, being an open water event instead of a traditional pool.

Head coach Dave Collins went into how this brings a challenge but can have a positive impact to start the year.

“It’s a really unique racing experience because everything we do is all in the pool,” Collins said. “There’s less variables in the pool. In open water, you’re dealing with varying temperatures, swimming into the sun and there’s no lane lines.”

The team had all summer to train for the open water course, and Collins believed the training paid off.

“We tried to prepare the best we could, but every race is different; I think our group handled it well though,” Collins said. “Instead of thinking about goals for pool races, we just tried to get prepped for the open water aspects.”

While the open water event was something unusual for the Bears, Collins loved the opportunity it gave and plans to continue competing in this event in the future.

“With little to no experience in open water, I was very impressed with our performance,” Collins said. “It was a great way for us to represent Missouri State on a national scene, something we’ll definitely continue doing.”

The Bears combined for a pair of finishes in the top ten, the women coming in sixth and

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THE STANDARD

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2018

IAN ‘Tusk’ blurs the line between walrus and man

Continued from page 6

COLE TRUMBLE Critic @Cole_Tr “Tusk.” The very word sends a flurry of panic up and down your spine, with visions of shuddering walls of blubber and blood-stained whiskers haunting you to your very core.

Every step you take can only bring you closer to your fate. Closer to those petrifying tusks.

Or, perhaps, you didn’t feel any of that and you’re wondering what in the name of Joseph Smith I’m talking about.

Well, you and me both. This movie is in the spotlight this week because it is the most bizzare film I have seen in a long time, and I saw “Rubber,” which was about a telepathic and murderous tire named Robert.

What makes this movie a whiplash-inducing roller coaster ride of an experience?

First, the concept: Justin Long plays Wallace Bryton, a podcaster from Los Angeles who travels to Canada and finds his way into the home of an eccentric seaman named Howard Howe.

At first, Bryton seems simple, uninteresting and completely terrible as a person. But when he crosses the threshold into Howe’s mansion, his story takes a dark and surprising turn.

To put it plainly, Howe kidnaps Bryton with the intent of “surgically and mentally” turning him into a walrus. Does this sound odd? Yes. Does it sound too odd to make a good movie? Definitely.

But wait before you stop reading!

Here’s the kicker: It isn’t bad.

What a sales pitch, right? I’m not going to lie to you and tell you this is the mastermind movie of the century, but for a crazy plot like this, not bad is pretty good.

This movie does have its share of really awful things, but those get balanced out by an equal number of unbelievably outstanding things.

Number one: This film has amazing acting. The actors in this film have a lot to work with. They have really kooky — occasionally very crass — humor

Cole Trumble while also having to act in horror-like scenarios.

Acting powerhouses in this film include previously mentioned Justin Long, as well as Michael Parks as Howard Howe, Haley Joel Osment as Teddy Craft (Bryton’s fellow podcaster) and Genesis Rodriguez as Bryton’s girlfriend Ally Leon.

The film also includes Johnny Depp, whom I want to talk about later.

The acting stands out, but that’s partly because the directing is phenomenal as well.

This makes sense as this movie is directed and written by Kevin Smith, writer and director of popular movies such as “Clerks,” “Dogma” and “Mallrats.”

Smith’s career has dropped from the spotlight in recent years, but he has retained steady work in part because of projects like “Tusk.”

You can see very plainly that Smith is a master director in this movie, although the writing lacks strength. There are a lot of moments in the script where the dialogue isn’t funny or isn’t enjoyable, especially in more serious moments.

The editing is on par with the directing, forming a tag team of incredible

storytelling power.

You wouldn’t think a story like this could hold suspense well, but the editing results in some incredibly scary moments.

Every scene with Howe is silly enough to fit in the movie but freaky enough to chill your bones. As if the film didn’t have you saying “What the f**k?” enough, Johnny Depp is in it, and he is better than he is in most movies.

Let me start by saying I loved the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies. I loved “Edward Scissorhands,” and, when I stopped being scared of it, I loved “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

That being said, Johnny Depp doesn’t display a lot of acting skill in any of these films. Hold your pitchforks for a second and hear me out; he is entertaining and he has a good presence, but in all of these movies, Johnny Depp plays one character: Johnny Depp.

Sure, there are a few minor differences, but the gestures, the body language, the inflection, the overall energy — it’s all the same. There are not many exceptions, but “Tusk” is one of them.

Depp plays the formerly accredited Canadian inspector Guy Lapointe, a total weirdo, as per his usual roles, but the difference lies in the subtlety of Lapointe’s character.

It isn’t that Depp doesn’t give any added personality to Lapointe, but rather that he doesn’t overact. He doesn’t overdo his own idiosyncrasies and he doesn’t force his own habits into the role. He just acts, individually and purely, and it happens to be both refreshing and impressive because he gives Guy Lapointe a personality that is all depth and very little Depp.

If you’re looking for something new on Netflix, if you’re looking for something to blow you away, or if you need to prove to a friend that you know weirder movies than them, give “Tusk” a taste.

If you can get past the sheer absurdity of the plot, you can catch a strange glimpse of intense originality with quite a bit of talent tucked inside. 4/10

Tennis team plays in first fall tournament KENNEDY BRIGHT Sports Reporter @KennedyBright24 The Missouri State women’s tennis team was one of six teams to compete in the UCA Fall Invitational Sept. 20-21 in Conway, Arkansas. The Bears competed in their first tournament with five returners and five newcomers.

“For our first fall tournament, I’m very happy with what I saw,” head coach Mallory Weber said. “It was great to see my returners pick up where they left off last season, as well as getting to see the freshmen in action for the first time.”

The Bears won the Missouri Valley Conference Championship last spring, which was the first championship the tennis team has won since 2002. The Bears competed in two rounds of doubles on Sept. 20, with junior Alexia Meyer and senior Phoebe Boeschen winning Flight C against Southeastern Louisiana and Oral Roberts to advance to the finals.

“Alexia Meyer and Phoebe Boeschen had a great run to get to the championship match of the doubles bracket,” Weber said.

Weber believed junior Alye Darter and freshman Mara Presot had a successful weekend since both made it to the semifinals.

“It was also great to see Alye Darter and freshman Mara Presot make the semifinals of their singles brackets,” Weber said.

Senior Fati Khamissi beat Oral Roberts senior Ceijana Cornelius in the consolation

that Ian is a great influence on the team.

“Ian is one of the older boys on the team and a great character in the locker room,” Dolling said.

“He’s a friendly guy who’s impossible not to get on with.”

Ian, though he may be close with Dolling and Langan, values his relationships with all of his EMILY AMES/THE STANDARD teammates.

“Obviously, I Ian Wu is one of five seniors on have three room- the men’s soccer team. mates that I’m close with, but I won’t say that I’m closer to someone than I am someone else on the team,” Ian said. “All of my teammates are like brothers to me.”

The brotherly dynamic of the soccer team helped Ian initially adapt to Springfield.

Ian appreciates the people in North Carolina that helped him first adapt to U.S. culture, and he said that he met more people willing to help him in Missouri.

“North Carolina was my first home here in America,” Ian said. “I’ll probably say the same about Springfield when I leave here.”

This is the exact mentality that Seabolt and the other coaches hope to instill into their players.

Seabolt said the coaches want their players to know that Springfield is their new home away from home.

“Our culture and our atmosphere on the team is something I’ve never experienced before,” Ian said. “It’s an extended family. If someone is struggling, someone is always there to offer support.”

SWIMMING Continued from page 7

the men, finishing second behind the University of Missouri-Columbia.

The top individual men’s performance for the Bears came from Kang, who placed fourth and posted a time of 59:34.61, only 17 seconds away from the best finish of the day.

Krawczyk impressed in his first collegiate race, finishing 11th with a time of 1:00:02.15.

Thomas earned 13th place with a time of 1:00:34.24.

“Minki had a great race and swam smart,” Collins said.

“Maybe (he was) a little too conservative on the first lap, but he was really smart about how he swam. I asked our guys to be aggressive, and I thought they did that.”

Krawczyk impressed Collins in his first race as well.

“We have high expectations for Pawel; he comes in with some good experience,” Collins said. “I thought he handled it well. I look forward to seeing him in the pool.”

The women’s race was highlighted by Rodrigues, who came in 24th, posting a time of 1:05:33.13.

Howell wasn’t far behind Rodrigues, finishing at 1:06:30.96 and earning 27th place.

Rounding out the female competitors was Stelnicki at 29th with a time of 1:06:37.81.

“I knew it would be a more challenging race for our women,” Collins said. “The competition pool was really strong in the women’s field, but I think our group did a great job.”

The Bears can now prepare to get back in the pool and train for their next meet — the Missouri Show-Me Showdown at Mizzou on Oct. 5.

HOCKEY Continued from page 7 File Photo by KAITLYN STRATMAN/THE STANDARD

Phoebe Boeschen keeps the ball in play during the Missouri Valley Conference Team Tournament last spring. Missouri State won the MVC championship during the spring 2018 season. semi final. She was then scheduled to play for 5th place in doubles against Southeast Louisiana, but the match was abandoned due to rain and they tied 2-2.

“Every player saw some success in both singles and doubles,” Weber said. “It allowed me to see where we need to work to get ready for the (Missouri Valley Conference) Indi-

vidual Championships in two weeks.”

The tournament was scheduled to continue through Sept. 22 but was canceled due to projected rain.

The Bears will be playing next at their hosting of the Missouri Valley Conference Individual Championship on their home court, Friday, Oct. 5-Sunday, Oct. 7.

DEBATE Continued from page 1

Amendment 2 would also allow prescribed patients to grow their own marijuana in authorized facilities. There would be a $100 initial charge.

“In my opinion, we definitely need a constitutional amendment opposed to a state legislature action,” Eaton said.

Freshman economics and psychology major Clayton Engelby debated against Mulligan in favor of statutory law ballot option, otherwise known as the Patient Care Act. This statute would impose a 2 percent sales tax on the sales of medical marijuana.

According to the bill, the project is projected to cost $10 million and produce $10 million in revenue annually. Any revenue would go towards veterans’ services, drug treatment, early childhood education, and public safety.

“Statutory law usually results in a more solid base and foundation for the bill that can’t be changed as easily,” Engelby said.

Students attending the debate had many questions for both speakers. Many were concerned about how the revenue would be raised in Amendment 2 if people could grow it themselves and why Missouri residents would implement the statutory law if it wouldn’t make a profit.

“To me, there’s no point,” Matt Hicks, junior psychology major, said. “I mean, you raise $10 million and you break even.”

Amendment 3, otherwise known as the Brad Bradshaw amendment, was not debated on but was discussed. It is projected to earn the biggest profit of all three ballot items, costing $500,000 and producing $66 million in revenue. The sales tax rate would be 15 percent if passed.

Both Mulligan and Engelby spoke critically of Amendment

MEGAN BURKE/THE STANDARD

Patricia Mulligan debates in favor of a medical marijuana initiative on the ballot in 2018.

3. Engelby described the bill as “self-indulging.”

“Clayton and I both agree that (Bradshaw’s amendment) is a little bit self-serving,” Mulligan said. “It’s a little unclear as to where the revenue is going to go.”

A poll by Missouri Scout Political Intelligence and Analysis found that 54 percent of respondents would support a constitutional amendment legalizing medical marijuana.

Mulligan emphasized that residents should not vote on all three amendments, but rather to choose just one. If all three are passed, there would be confusion on which would be put into place. According to Mulligan, medical marijuana has been legalized in 31 states. The lowest sales tax rate in these states is 10.75 percent in Massachusetts and the highest is 37 percent in Washington.

a fourth for MSU during the second period.

The Jimmies shot back in the third period with a goal of their own to cut the lead to 4-1.

The Ice Bears held on the rest of the way; forward Zane O’Bryan scored near the end of the game to cap off a 5-1 victory.

Saturday night’s game started off hot for the Ice Bears.

Missouri State scored three times within the first 12 minutes of the contest, and the rest of the period went scoreless.

The second period was a defensive battle for the Ice Bears, but MSU scored with just over two minutes left in the period.

The Jimmies took over the shots on goal column, totaling 26 shots during the first two periods compared to the Ice Bears’ 21.

The third period went scoreless, but the two teams managed to get in a tussle halfway through the period after an Ice Bears’ player accidentally ran into the goalie.

Ice Bears goalie Bailey Stevens anchored the defense with a 4-0 shutout, bringing his record to 3-1 on the season.

After the match, his goals per game average lowered to 1.26 goals allowed per game.

The key to the series victory was the stellar defense of the Ice Bears, as Jamestown countered Missouri State’s offense by outshooting them 33-26 in Saturday’s match.

The Ice Bears’ usual high shot offense was tested Saturday night, but the team managed to take advantage of breakaway goal scoring opportunities and with efficient passing on offense.

Missouri State will travel to Jamestown for a two-game set in a late-February, three-game road trip through North Dakota.

The Ice Bears not only added to their win total, but they added familiar faces to the bench and front office.

Former team captain and recent graduate Brendan McClew was added to the staff as an assistant coach.

“The guys have been really good about the transition,” McClew said. “They give me a lot of respect.”

McClew said he never saw himself becoming a coach, but is glad to be back near the ice.

“It’s great to be back part of the organization that has meant so much to me, giving back to the guys and the organization,” McClew said.

The Ice Bears also moved assistant coach Ryan Armstrong to the front office to become the club’s general manager.

He is also a former MSU player who transitioned into coaching after graduating in 2013.

The Ice Bears will travel to Oklahoma on Thursday for a three-game road trip with one game against Oklahoma and two against Central Oklahoma.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2018

TRUMP Continued from page 1

Trump continued to speak against the Democratic Party.

“They aren’t just extreme,” Trump said. “They are dangerous and they are crazy.”

Supporters chanted “build the wall” as Trump criticized McCaskill and other Democrats for supporting sanctuary cities while talking about immigration. Trump said Democrats want open borders and that Republicans want strong borders without crime.

“Every day, our heroic (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers are tracking down gang members, predators, thieves and killers,” Trump said. “And we are either throwing them the hell in jail or throwing them the hell out of our country.”

THE STANDARD Trump closed his speech by rallying support from the crowd.

“We will always be victorious, because we are America and our hearts truly bleed red, white and blue,” Trump said, as the crowd joined in to chant the colors with him. “Together, we will make America wealthy again. We will make America strong again. We will make America great again.”

Trump supporters who attended the rally expressed their support after the speech.

Kevin Cooksey, 53, of Willard, said he came out to the rally to see the president and to support him.

“Not everybody can say they got to see the president in person,” Cooksey said. “He was about 20 feet from me at one time. Got lots of pictures. I’m a big conservative supporter of 45th. Large supporter.”

Cooksey said he “loved” the president’s speech.

“Everything he said — about the wall, about the flag, about Christians — everything. I just love everything he said. I’m an old Reagan fan, but I’m a bigger Trump fan.”

Another attendee of the speech, Michelle Janusz, a 14-year-

THE-STANDARD.ORG 9

old home-schooled student from Mt. Vernon, said it was amazing to have a president speak so close to home.

“I was so thrilled that someone of that importance would just come to a smaller town like Springfield just to talk to the people around and help them and stuff like that,” Janusz said.

Janusz said she believes protesters have their own opinion, but they could have done it differently.

“They have their own opinion, and I’m okay with that,” Janusz said. “I don’t like that they use a lot of potty mouth, it really offends me … People were using a lot of rough language; it was just really offensive. They could have done better.

“People are here because Trump isn’t a politician, and people like him because he gets things done. He’s the businessman that knows what needs to be done so he does it. Why I like him is the fact that he keeps his promises. He might not fulfill all of them right now, because he’s working on it, and a lot of people are bugging him about it and he’s getting a lot of flack for that.”

BILL SIOHOLM/ THE STANDARD

(Right) Josh Hawley speaks to an audience member after the rally.

(Far right) JQH Arena was full of Trump supporters on Friday night.

(Below) Trump introduced Hawley, who spoke to the crowd.

PROTEST Continued from page 2

“He got the economy up, there are jobs opening up, the stock market is higher than it has been in years and he is building up our military,” Crews said. “I wish everybody could get along. I wish people that are bashing Trump would stop. He’s our president. Accept it and go on.”

Rebecca White, 45, from Ohio, is an administrator for a political organization called Bye Bye Dems. The organization travels to Trump rallies.

“We want to help get the Democrats out and the Republicans in,” White said. “Trump can sometimes say things that don’t make sense, but he does have a great mind. Whether people can see it or not, he does care for the people.”

White said the people at the Springfield rally were friendlier than most rallies she has been to.

“They all showed their support for who they thought was best,” White said. “We’ve been other places where it was chaos.”

Jaron Phipps, 18, of Nixa, said he came to the rally to be more active in politics so he can learn information to make better political decisions.

He began supporting Trump because his parents do.

“I agree with his policies, and I like what he’s done so far,” Phipps said. “My parents are both business owners, and (Trump) is boosting the economy.”

William Harris, 64, from Carthage, was at the rally to support Trump.

“I support Trump because he expresses values that I believe: being honest, owning up to your mistakes and making sure those who have less than you are respected,” Harris said.

Harris also said Congress should vote to confirm Kavanaugh.

“He is qualified,” Harris said. “It has nothing to do with social justice.”

Alexander Byrd, senior computer science major, said he went to the rally because he supports Trump and wanted to take advantage of the rare opportunity to see him speak.

“I support most of his ideas, like lowering taxes and bringing jobs back to America rather than relying on other countries to bring stuff in for us,” Byrd said.

10 THE-STANDARD.ORG

HERITAGE Continued from page 4

Before becoming involved with the MRC, Gutierrez said she did little on campus apart from attending classes. But after seeing full-time staff, graduate assistants and students with a similar Latinx background, she became intrigued by the program.

It was the sense of belonging she had been searching for.

“Without having multicultural programs like the MRC, there’s so many people I wouldn’t have met,” Gutierrez said. “That opportunity helped me find my own community because college has been the first chance for me to actually see people that have the same culture as I do.”

Gutierrez said she’s seen the city’s gradual increase in diversity over her 20 years living in the city, but it was the first time she had experienced that same multiculturalism as part of her everyday life as a student.

“I had always been one of only one or two Hispanics (in Springfield Public Schools), so that was just something I had gotten used to,” Gutierrez said.

Before she became involved with the MRC, Gutierrez said her Latinx heritage had, at times, felt like an internal conflict between wanting to express pride in her heritage and the external pressures of assimilation among her peers.

Being able to express her true self, Gutierrez said, is what led to her becoming more comfortable and welcomed on MSU’s campus, embracing the diversity within her own community while being ready to discuss her heritage to anyone who may be looking to learn.

Gutierrez said one of her favorite traditions related to her heritage are Quinceaneras — the celebration of a girl’s fifteenth birthday that symbolizes the transition from childhood to womanhood.

“I always like to think about it as a wedding

THE STANDARD without a groom — that’s how big these get,” Gutierrez said. “I had one, and I absolutely loved it.”

Those significant events, Gutierrez said, take the place of more formalized family reunions because they double as excuses to invite everyone.

“Those events are opportunities to see large amounts of family — and then you realize how big your family is,” Gutierrez said. “I think that’s really beautiful.

That’s one thing I really love about my culture is the importance of family.”

For Gutierrez, “I think events associated that’s really with Latinx Heritage Month are inbeautiful. tended to act as open invitations for stuThat’s one dents to have conthing I really versations with others that have love about backgrounds differing from their own. my culture “Being open to having those conis the versations is always importance the first step,” Gutierrez said. “We want of family.” people to talk to us and come to our events. That’s why we have them. We just want to have these discussions and be represented.

“We can be friends.”

“

SADIE CARRILLO

Sadie Carrillo is a senior social work major from Napa, California. She’s a musical fanatic, listing Hamilton, West Side Story and the Rocky Horror Picture Show as her favorites.

Carrillo’s family is from Guerrero, a state in Mexico just south of its capital, Mexico City. Her mother immigrated to the United States when she was 15 years old, living in Los Angeles, California, and finally settling

in Kansas City, Missouri. Sadie then moved to Springfield to attend MSU in 2015.

In deciding which college to attend, Carrillo said she was looking for an urban area with a large Latinx population — Kansas City and Chicago were on her mind.

But after her sister convinced her to apply to MSU, Carrillo became acquainted with UNO and she knew she had found her second home.

“I came (to MSU) kind of reluctant, but my second semester was a lot better because that’s when I found the Latinx community on campus,” Carrillo said. “I remember that’s when I just thought to myself, ‘Okay, I like it here.’”

After finding the community she had been searching for, Carrillo quickly became involved on MSU’s campus.

In the semesters that followed, she served on a student committee as part of the MRC, facilitated events for LGBT Pride Month and worked as one of Blair-Shannon’s resident assistants during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 academic years.

Looking back, Carrillo credits UNO for helping her feel welcome on campus and for sparking her interest in working with the MSU community.

“Before I (joined UNO), I just didn’t have many friends because I felt so different from everyone else,” Carrillo said. “I knew a bit of U.S. culture, but people would ask me about classic movies or celebrities and I was like, ‘I don’t know anything.’”

Carrillo also went on to become the co-president of Melaqueer, a recently formed student organization with the goal of creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for queer and trans people of color.

She cited that first sense of belonging as the spark for her desire to help other students at MSU feel welcomed.

“I just felt like I needed people I could connect to who had the same issues as me, and UNO was the first (student organization) where I found that,” Carrillo said.

Recalling her previous involvement with Latinx Heritage Month, Carrillo called the events

Trump’s speech: Separating fact from fiction SINJIN SANDERS Staff Reporter @sandersSinjin Editor’s Note: The Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics states that journalists who are acting ethically should seek the truth and report it, and be accountable. These qualities of ethical journalism led us to seek the truth by fact checking a speech made by President Donald Trump during a rally at Missouri State University on Friday, Sept. 21.

CLAIM NO. 1: “We have the best economy in our history today — today — in fact. The stock market — which to me is jobs — … hit an all-time high again,” Trump said during the speech.

However, understanding what the president means when he says this is more complex. There are two interpretations.

The first is on the stock market. The Nasdaq Composite - 45 Year Historical Chart is at an all-time high.

Graph by MACROTRENDS

This first interpretation of the quote is

factually correct. The Nasdaq, a measure of the stock market, is at an all-time high.

The second interpretation is that the jobs numbers are at an all-time high. However, this is a bit of a confusing set of numbers as there are two separate jobs numbers: the unemployment numbers and the jobs growth numbers.

In order for the president’s claim to be factually correct, the current unemployment rate must be the lowest it has been in history. However, when looking at the Bureau of Labour Statistics numbers on the unemployment rate, the lowest unemployment rate was at 2.9 percent in 1953.

The second part to examine is jobs growth numbers. However, the data here also proves the president’s claim false, as the highest jobs growth by month was in May of 2010; the Bureau of Labour Statistics reports this number at 522,000 net jobs increase, while the highest point in the Trump presidency was in February of 2018 at 324,000 net jobs increase.

CLAIM NO. 2: “We’re bringing back our factories. (We’re) reopening our mines; you know those mines they’re reopening, they’re reopening,” Trump said.

For this claim, look at the mining industry job numbers — as there are no statistics on the number of mines themselves — to see if the number of miners working in the industry has gone up during his administration. If the mines are reopening, then the number of miners in the industry will reflect this.

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, jobs in the mining industry has gone up during the Trump administration. At the start of the Trump presidency, the number of miners in the industry was at 50,900 jobs; the most recent jobs

report has mining jobs at 53,100, which does reflect an increase.

The president’s claim is found to be factually correct but is misleading as it is worth noting that the number of coal mining jobs has been steadily decreasing overall since 1985.

CLAIM NO. 3: “And now, now she (Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-MO) is sponsoring the most radical open borders bill ever introduced in the United States Congress,” Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley said in the campaign rally.

However, according to the sponsorship record of McCaskill, whom Hawley is running against, there are two separate bills regarding the border.

The first is Senate Bill 1199: Border Enforcement Security Task Force Reauthorization Act of 2017 which aims “to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to reauthorize the Border Enforcement Security Task Force program within the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.”

The second is Senate Bill 2314: Border and Port Security Act which, according to the text of the bill, says it aims “to increase the number of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers and support staff and to require reports that identify staffing, infrastructure, and equipment needed to enhance security at ports of entry.”

If McCaskill was looking for “open borders,” as Hawley asserted, she would not have sponsored a bill to increase the number of Border Patrol officers. The claim by Josh Hawley is found to be factually incorrect and has no supporting evidence.

CLAIM NO. 4: “Democrats want to open

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2018

educational and eye-opening for students, while intending to be more than gatherings to talk about historical events.

“Most of the time, (the events) are directed toward students who aren’t a part of that community,” Carrillo said. “It’s more of an educational experience because it encourages discussion between people of different backgrounds.”

Students with different backgrounds, Carrillo said, benefit from one another because they’re all in one place and are encouraged to learn from one another during events organized for Latinx Heritage Month.

“It’s for those who come to learn about that culture because they can talk to real students from that culture,” Carrillo said. “We’re very welcoming at parties or dinners, and we’ll be happy to just invite you.”

Carrillo said one of her favorite traditions related to her Latinx culture is Dia de los Muertos.

She said her U.S. family doesn’t celebrate the holiday as much as her family members who still live in Mexico, but its meaning and passion has inspired her to adopt it into her own life.

“It’s not anything negative, sad or mournful,” Carrillo said. “It’s just celebrating the lives of family members, remembering them and having a good time.”

Carrillo also cited a general sense of hospitality in Latinx families as another tradition that she’s adopted into her own culture.

“Whenever you invite someone over to your house and you do something, afterwards you just kind of hang out and talk to mellow out the evening,” Carrillo said. “You just chill with each other, and that’s something that I like to do a lot.”

For students who are nervous about attending events related to Latinx Heritage Month, Carrillo encourages them to go anyway and be upfront with their intentions to listen and learn from the experiences of others.

“If you want to go celebrate a tradition we have, ask if it’s okay to ask us a question about our culture,” Carrillo said. “Just be clear that your intention is that you want to learn, and most of the time, we’ll be receptive to you. Just be honest.”

borders, which equals massive crime,” Trump said.

However, as shown in the earlier fact check, Democrats have sponsored bills to increase border security. For this fact check, we will focus on the “open borders which equals massive crimes” part of the quote. For this claim to be true, there must be a clear link between immigration and crime. However, this is not the case.

A study published in the Journal of Ethnicity and Criminal Justice titled “Urban crime rates and the changing face of immigration: Evidence across four decades” stated, “Our results indicate that immigration is consistently linked to decreases in violent (e.g., murder) and property (e.g., burglary) crime throughout the time period.”

A second study by the Marshall Project, a nonprofit specializing in journalism about the U.S. criminal justice system, stated, “In 136 metro areas, almost 70 percent of those studied, the immigrant population increased between 1980 and 2016 while crime stayed stable or fell. The number of areas where crime and immigration both increased was much lower — 54 areas, slightly more than a quarter of the total. The 10 places with the largest increases in immigrants all had lower levels of crime in 2016 than in 1980.”

The claim that immigration causes crime is a myth. Therefore, the central thesis of Trump’s claim is factually incorrect.

CLAIM NO. 5: “Women unemployment rate recently reached its lowest rate in 65 years,” Trump said.

However, the Bureau of Labour Statistics reported that in May of 1953, almost exactly 65 years ago, the unemployment rate for women was at 2.7 percent while the current unemployment rate for women is at 3.9 percent.

The president’s claim is factually incorrect.

For more statistical information, read the report online at www.the-standard.org.