The Vista Feb. 4, 2020

Volume 117, Issue 16

the

VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”

vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista ucentralmedia.com Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Examining Growth of Popular Majors Sarah Hite @thevista1903

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Undergraduate students at the University of Central Oklahoma have the option of varying degree programs and majors, each leading to a diverse job market.

The future growth and decline of major industries directly affects and correlates with soon-to-be graduates and the available workforce.

UCO offers 10 bachelor’s degrees through five college programs, with each degree program producing hundreds of graduates. The breakdown of expected industry growth or decline Continued on Pg. 9 Elaine Martindale, Speech Pathology professor, instructs masters’ pathology students on upcoming assignments.

Students are instructed to be able to identify communication disorders during their clinicals. (The Vista/Cici Simon)

Former UCO Football Star Convicted of Rape Kevin Blair @mauryb007 REPORTER

University of Central Oklahoma President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar announced Thursday that UCO Athletics Hall of Fame honors will be rescinded for former football player Elton Howland Rhoades, Jr. According to Bronchosports.com, Rhoades, Jr. was a member of the 2009 Class of Hall of Fame inductees.

Neuhold-Ravikumar described honored alumni and friends as extensions of the university community who are held to the highest expectations for their contributions to society after graduation.

According to the Oklahoma State

CAMPUS CHAT

Courts Network (OSCN) website, an Oklahoma County jury convicted Rhoades, Jr. Wednesday of first-degree rape, and fixed punishment at 10 years.

The verdict recorded on OSCN Thursday was “Rape in the First Degree After One Previous Conviction.”

Sources in the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office confirmed Thursday that Rhoades, Jr.’s previous felony conviction was for obtaining money under false pretenses in 2008.

Rhoades, Jr.’s attorney Steven G. Nash said Monday the previous felony conviction was 11 years old and that his client pled guilty, was found guilty and made full restitution.

Nash also said that the jury Wednes-

SPORTS

day unanimously gave Rhoades, Jr. the absolute minimum sentence for the charge, and that the maximum penalty would have been life in prison without parole.

Judge Heather Coyle remanded Rhoades, Jr. to the custody of the Oklahoma County Sheriff pending a March 4 sentencing date, according to OSCN. Rhoades was a standout player early in his Broncho career, wrapping it up with 11 interceptions, 10 passes and 55 tackles in his senior year. He was a first-team All-Lone Star Conference pick, was a consensus first-team All-American and was selected to play in the Division II All-Star Game in 1993, according to Bronchosports. com.

AROUND CAMPUS

Elton Howland Rhoades, Jr. was a former UCO football player, who was recently convicted of rape. (Vista Archives)

WORLDWIDE

Have You Ever Changed Men’s Basketball Falls to Ayers Kitchen Brings Corona Virus Continues See Pg. 6 See Pg. 13-14 Fresh Options See Pg. 8 See Pg. 5 Bearcats Your Major? to Spread

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the

February 4, 2020

Contents

VISTA

Content

UCOSA/Sidelines...................................................................3 Around Campus...........................................................................4 Campus Chat...............................................................................5 Coronavirus.................................................................................6 ACM............................................................................................7 Ayers Kitchen...............................................................................8 Most Popular Degrees..................................................................9 Spotify........................................................................................10 TikTok/Podcast..........................................................................11 Games......................................................................................12 Men’s Basketball Recaps............................................................13 Women’s Basketball Recaps.......................................................14 Bucking Broncho........................................................................15

Staff

Jeff Elkins Haley Humphrey CiCi Simon Megan Thele JaNae Williams Kevin Blair Lauren Morris Chelsye Bacon Teddy Burch

THE VISTA

is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students, weekly during the academic year, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free for the first copy and $1 for each additional copy obtained.

EDITORIALS

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Reporter Reporter Reporter Photographer Adviser

Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communication, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO.

LETTERS

The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s printed name, major, classification and phone number. Phone numbers are included for contacting purposes only.

Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters.

ADDRESS LETTERS TO:

Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr. Edmond, OK 73034-5209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131.

Letters can be emailed to thevista.ads@gmail.com.

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The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer and fall semesters. In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both digital, online and print ads.

For information or questions contact: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com

On the Cover:

Left: Nhi Pham, UCO graphic design student, smiles for a Campus Chat photo.

(Bailey Bussell/The Vista) Left Middle: University of Central Oklahoma guard Carson Calavan dribbles at midcourt during their home game against Missouri Western State University. (Anthony Mellendorf/The Vista) Right Middle: A UCO student selects food at a station inside Ayers Kitchen.

Each student now has access to a variety of meals for each time of day. (Bailey Bussell/The Vista) Right: Pictured is a 3D medical animation, depicting the shape of coronavirus as well as the cross-sectional view. The World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency and stated that there are over 150 confirmed cases across 23 other countries. (Provided/Wikimedia Commons)

UCOSA/Sidelines

February 4, 2020

3

UCOSA Discusses Increased Student Involvement

Sen. Alayna Johnson addresses UCOSA about a bill allowing students, faculty and staff to use their chosen name rather than given names. UCOSA is a student organization that allows students to practice in a politcal atmosphere. (Nick Beiser/The Vista)

Lauren Morris @TheVista1903 REPORTER

The University of Central Oklahoma Student Association held their first congressional meeting on Jan. 27 where they swore in new senators and student body president Emily Grim gave opening remarks and updates on the Allocation and Alignment committee.

Every other week a UCOSA executive board member meets with the university’s Allocation and Align-

ment committee to talk about what UCO is going to look like for the next several years.

“We’re laying the base for what this next administration’s going to look like,” Grim said. “UCO as a whole is in a very transitional stage right now…that is why what we’re doing this semester is so, so important.”

Grim said that since she started in the association three years ago, it looks like the amount of senator applications have almost doubled.

“We’ve gone from just having a

small group of people who are being our advocates, to having such a larger group who are actively involved in our community, who are bringing voices in,” Grim said.

UCOSA still has a lot to continue working on, according to Grim.

“As much as I like to think about how much we’ve grown, there’s still so many students who don’t know what UCOSA is, who might be having problems that we can really easily solve,” Grim said. “Everybody in this room represents a college or a living situation, and then within UCOSA, you represent a cause… I really want to charge you all with getting involved with your constituency.”

In her remarks, Grim also encouraged the senators to bring in anyone with concerns or ideas for UCOSA. Laura Butler, director of Public Affairs and Leadership, also spoke to the congress during the meeting.

Butler said the state has filed over 4,000 bills for this year’s legislative session. She said students could go to the Capitol on a trip with UCO to talk to representatives about

what UCO would like to accomplish as a university, the prioritization of higher education and how UCO impacts the Edmond area. “[Legislators] want to hear from you all, who are currently being affected by these things,” Butler said. “They said the most impactful thing, of course, is coming up and interacting in person.”

The Capitol trip is scheduled for Feb. 11 from about 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In her remarks, Butler also named ideas such as budget increases that would help fund organizations and keep tuition and fees from rising, as well as trying to give high school juniors a tuition waiver if they want to take concurrent courses.

“We’re working on how to articulate our campus messaging,” Butler said. “We know that young people in the nation are not usually the most engaged…it’s important for you all to feel like you can articulate your values, needs, causes, concerns.”

UCOSA meetings are held at 4 p.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Will Rogers Room 421.

Former Broncho Sports Grill No Longer Sidelined JaNae Williams @janaebwilliams REPORTER

The University of Central Oklahoma’s late night dining option, Sidelines, located in the University Suites, reopened Sunday after an extensive period of renovations.

Sidelines, formerly called Broncho Sports Grill, was closed for construction for eight months as it underwent a full remodel, according to Chelsea Ratterman, Campus Enterprises marketing director.

“We wanted to more truly embrace the feel of sports bars you might find in the area, and have incorporated dark fabrics, woodwork and metalwork into the furnishings of the location,” Ratterman said. “The biggest change you will find is in the instal-

lation of a stage and state-of-the-art audio/visual and lighting system.”

Sidelines will remain quick service and customers will place their orders at the bar and pick them up when called, according to Caroline Vaught, Chartwells marketing manager. Vaught added that the menu has changed slightly but popular items, such as quesadillas, wings and burgers, remain available.

“What Chef Molodie Thornton did was look to what has been ordered historically, as well as her own culinary experience, to craft a menu that reflects the sports bar theme with some fun twists on old favorites,” Vaught said.

University resident assistants have organized events in honor of Sidelines’ reopening. There will be a po-

The new eatery, Sidelines, in the University Suites on campus will be a venue for events, food and games. The space is available to all UCO students, not just exclusively UCO residents. (Chelsye Bacon/The Vista)

A new stage was built for the new Sidelines grill. Students will have the opportunity to perform and more once the facility is complete.(Chelsye Bacon/The Vista)

etry slam Tuesday and a drag show on Wednesday. Both events will take place from 6-9 p.m.

“While Sidelines [officially opened Sunday], we’ll be doing a grand opening event sometime in the near future,” said Scott Monetti, director of Housing and Dining.

While Sidelines is located in the University Suites, it is not exclusive to residents. Ratterman said the university hopes Sidelines will become a location that is used by groups across campus, rather than just those living in student housing.

“There is a student group called the Sideliners Event Board that is responsible for programming in the space. Student Engagement was also involved in conversations throughout construction,” Ratterman said. “We

hope to see events like karaoke, trivia or watch parties find a home in Sidelines.”

Vaught added that Student Engagement, Campus Dining Services and the Sideliners Event Board will all be working together to help make Sidelines a destination for the entire UCO community.

“The social media account @UCODining is exceptionally active on Instagram, and we recommend following them for the latest on Sidelines and all other dining news on campus,” Vaught said.

Sidelines is open Sundays from 5-11 p.m., Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and is closed Saturday.

Students can use cash, debit and credit cards, and Flex or meal trades to purchase food at Sidelines.

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February 4, 2020

Around Campus

Students study on the second floor in the Nigh University Center on Feb. 3. Other popular areas for students to study around campus include Starbucks, which is also located on the second floor in the NUC, Max Chambers Library, Old North and many other places inside various buildings. (Bailey Bussell/The Vista)

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Black History Month Kick-Off: From 2-4 p.m. inside the Nigh University Center Ballroom A, the Black Student Association invites students to celebrate the start of Black History Month. The event features keynote speaker Deborah Jenkins, executive director of the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency. She will give her address centered on this year’s theme: “Then and Now…Looking Back to Move Forward.” The theme is meant to embrace where black communities have come from and exploring ways they can continue to thrive and impact other communities.

Career and Internship Fair: From 12-3:30 p.m. inside the Nigh University Center Ballrooms, the Career Development Center will host their annual career and internship fair. Employers will represent a wide range of organizations and graduate programs recruiting all majors. The event is STLR tagged for Health and Wellness.

Employer Resume Critiques: From 3-5 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 338, the Career Development Center is allowing students to practice and prepare for the spring Career and Internship Fair. Employers will be present, giving resume advice, networking practice or professional dress tips.

Baseball vs Northwestern Oklahoma State: Bronchos baseball will take on Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva at 3 p.m.

Thursday, February 6, 2020 Law School Open House: From 10-2 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Heritage Room 326, the Pre-Law Society will host a come-and-go open house. The event will have seven law schools from around Oklahoma and three surrounding states with information about admissions, requirements, legal studies opportunities and advice for those students unsure about going to law school.

Basketball at Nebraska Kearney: The women’s and men’s basketball teams will take on the University of Nebraska-Kearney in Kearney, Nebraska at 5:30 p.m.

Don’t Touch My Hair: From 6-9 p.m. inside the Nigh University Center

Heritage Room 326, the Black Student Association will host an open panel on black hair. The event is meant to educate students on the history and significance of black hair. Students will explore and help educate each other on the different hair types and styles common in the black community.

There will also be panelists present for each hair type to answer questions, share their hair care journey and provide the audience with tips to begin or continue their own hair journey.

Lunar New Year: From 7-9 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Grand Ballrooms, the Vietnamese and Asian American Student Associations will host a Lunar New Year celebration.

This event aims to celebrate the year of the rat and educate the public on the ways various Asian cultures celebrate the occasion. The event is a collaboration between the Vietnamese Student Association under the International Student Council and the Asian American Student Association under the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Friday, February 7, 2020 LGBTQ Support: From 12-1 p.m. in Thatcher Hall Room 338, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will

create a safe spot for LGBTQ students to talk about various topics around sexuality, gender and other life issues.

Monday, February 10, 2020 UCOSA Congressional Meeting: From 4-5 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Will Rogers Room 421, the UCO Student Association will have its weekly meetings to pass legislation and talk about campus concerns.

NAACP WEEK: Police Panel: From 6-8 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Henry Bellmon Room 314, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is hosting their annual police panel. Officers from Edmond, OKC and UCO are coming to provide insight into their jobs and answer questions from the audience. They will provide students with information about their dayto-day activities and get the officers’ perspective and take on certain issues and cases. Students and officers will also discuss ways that they can rebuild relationships between the two. The event will be STLR tagged for Global and Cultural Competencies and Service Learning and Civic Engagement. This event will kickoff the inaugural “NAACP Week.”

Campus Chat

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February 4, 2020

Have you ever changed your major, why or why not?

Erika Fraire, Interpersonal Communications, sophomore: “Two or three times, I don’t even remember at this point. I guess I realized what I was in wasn’t what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”

Nereida Galindo, Business Management, senior: “No, because I thought that before coming to UCO, I was ready and thought about what major to take.”

Michael O’Hara, Interpersonal Communications, junior: “I actually have. So, I was originally a Vocal Music Education major and I changed it to Interpersonal Communications just because I knew I wanted to go into ministry and that was the best way at UCO for me to do that.”

Nhi Pham, Graphic Design, junior: “Yes, just [once]. I used to be Computer Science just because my parents told me to do so, but I just followed my passion and I’ve been sticking with it.”

Disha Hossain, Psychology, sophomore: “No, because I’m an international student and when I was in my home country I was majoring in Law and then when I moved here I could not do that, so I chose Psychology.”

Jared Patterson, Organizational Communications, junior: “Yes, I changed [my] major from Political Science to Communications my freshman year. Politics is kind of a mess. I figured I was better suited for this anyway.”

Aubree Jones, Kinesiology, freshman: “I have. Before I even enrolled, my major was Nursing. Then right before classes started, I changed it to Psychology. Then three days into my first semester, I changed it to Kinesiology.”

Jazlyn Yarbrough, Elementary Education, freshman: “No, I’m really interested in my major and that’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”

Kaleb Foreman, Nursing, sophomore: “No, because I’m just so far into it. I just don’t want to change my major.”

Sudong Kim, Biology, senior: “No, because, before I started I just had a certain goal. I feel like there’s no point changing it.”

Mason Rasmussen, Finance, freshman: “I have not changed my major. I really, really like business and finance.

I’m a big numbers guy, so I kind of knew going into it what I wanted to do and so far I really like it.”

Han Seth Lu, Early Childhood Education, junior: “No, before I even came to college, I [was] pretty much determined that I [was] going to be a teacher and going to be working with kids.”

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February 4, 2020

Coronavirus

Coronavirus Continues to Spread Worldwide Xunhong Zhou @TheVista1903

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The novel coronavirus outbreak that originated in Wuhan, China in Dec. 2019 has continued to spread, with more than 350 dead and over 17,000 infected, according to China’s National Health Commission.

The World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency and stated that there are over 150 confirmed cases across 23 other countries. There have been 11 cases of the virus confirmed in the United States, with the confirmed cases in California, Illinois, Washington, Arizona and Massachusetts.

A research team from the University of Hong Kong reported that there could be over 75,000 people infected in Wuhan alone.

To date, there have been no confirmed coronavirus cases in Oklahoma. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health officials, two people who underwent testing for possible coronavirus

have tested negative.

Although there have been no cases of infection in Oklahoma, there are still international students from China, some of whom have returned to China during the winter vacation.

“Now both [of ] my parents are at home and work is on hold,” said Xiang Yu, an international student at the University of Central Oklahoma from Yunnan. “This is the first time my family did not go out to pay New Year’s greetings, and the family dinner was cancelled.”

China is celebrating the Lunar New Year, which originally ended on Jan. 30 but has been extended to Feb. 13 due to the 14 day incubation period for coronavirus.

“It’s a serious situation right now.

My family and friends stay at home almost every day because the disease can be transmitted through the air, and the number of masks is seriously inadequate, it is difficult to buy masks,” said UCO freshman Teng Liu, an international student from Jiangsu province. “People

In this Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, file photo, Chinese paramilitary police wear face masks as they stand guard at Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

also hope to save masks and donate more to medical staff because medical supplies are also scarce.”

According to the New York Times, three major U.S. airlines suspended flights to China due to the virus and the U.S. Department of State issued a Level 4 - Do Not Travel warning.

“My parents came to my graduation ceremony in December. We booked a flight back to China in February, but now all flights to China have been cancelled,” said Yinjingyi Shi, who graduated from

UCO in December. “We don’t know what we can do now.”

According to China News, there is currently no vaccine available for novel coronavirus. Experts have recommended preventative measures that people can take to lessen their chances of contracting the virus.

Suggestions including avoiding crowded places, wearing surgical grade face masks and paying attention to ventilation and disinfection in public places.

Fears of New Virus Trigger Anti-China Sentiment Worldwide Hyung-Jin Kim AP WRITER

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A scary new virus from China has spread around the world. So has rising anti-Chinese sentiment, calls for a full travel ban on Chinese visitors and indignities for Chinese and other Asians.

Restaurants in South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Vietnam have refused to accept Chinese customers.

Indonesians marched near a hotel and called on Chinese guests there to leave. French and Australian newspapers face criticism for racist headlines.

Chinese and other Asians in Europe, the United States, Asia and the Pacific complain of racism.

Two dozen countries outside of China have reported cases of the new coronavirus, which has killed more than 300 people and sickened thousands of others in China. Many countries have sent planes to the Chinese city of Wuhan to evacuate their nationals.

The anti-China sentiments come as a powerful Beijing bolsters its global influence, and China’s rise has caused trade, political and diplomatic disputes with many countries.

But with rising fear of the mysterious disease has come a more acute anti-Chinese and, in some cases, an-

In this Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, photo, South Korean protesters stage a rally calling for a ban on Chinese people entering South Korea near the presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

ti-Asian backlash.

South Korean websites have been flooded with comments calling on the government to block or expel Chinese and racist remarks about Chinese eating habits and hygiene. A popular Seoul seafood restaurant frequented by Chinese tourists posted a sign saying “No entry for Chinese” before taking it down Wednesday after an online backlash.

More than 650,000 South Koreans have signed an online petition filed with the presidential Blue House calling for a temporary ban on Chinese visitors. Some conservative opposition lawmakers publicly back these steps, and about 30 people rallied near the Blue House on Wednesday demanding the government immediately ban Chinese tourists.

“Unconditional xenophobia against the Chinese is intensifying” in South

Korea, the mass-circulation JoongAng Ilbo newspaper said in an editorial Thursday. “Infectious diseases are a matter of science, not an issue that can be resolved through an emotional outpouring.”

After news broke that someone attending Arizona State University has the virus, Ari Deng, who is Chinese American, said she sat down at a study table on the Tempe, Arizona, campus near five other students.

Deng, who was the only Asian, said the other students began whispering.

“They got really tense and they quickly gathered their stuff and just left at the same time.”

In a recent business class a nonAsian student “said ‘Not to be racist, but there’s a lot of international students that live in my apartment complex. I try my best to keep my distance but I think it’s a good precaution for

all of us to wash our hands,’” Deng said.

“It stings but I don’t let it take up room in my mind or weigh on my conscience,” she said.

Meanwhile, the University of California, Berkeley’s health services center removed an Instagram post Thursday that said “fears about interacting with those who might be from Asia and guilt about these feelings” were a normal reaction to the coronavirus outbreak.

“No matter how much time we spend in this country, at times we are almost immediately viewed as a foreigner,” Gregg Orton, the national director of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, said. “It’s a pretty frustrating reality for many of us.”

The virus has deepened anti-Chinese sentiment in Hong Kong, where months of street protests against Beijing’s influence have roiled the semi-autonomous Chinese city.

Last week, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam suspended ferry and high-speed train services to the mainland and reduced flights between Hong Kong and Chinese cities.

Tenno Ramen, a Japanese noodle restaurant in Hong Kong, is refusing to serve mainland customers.

“We want to live longer. We want to safeguard local customers. Please excuse us,” the restaurant said on Facebook.

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February 4, 2020

ACM@UCO

Nigel Moore and Midday Static Rock ACM@UCO Left: Josh Walters, lead guitarist for Midday Static, plays guitar during a set on Jan. 23 at the Academy of Contemporary Music’s venue, ACM@ UCO Live Room. The Tulsa-based band played a free concert along with local singer-songwriter Nigel Moore. (CiCi Simon/ The Vista) Right: Jarret Boss raps and sings soulful melodies with Midday Static. He was the main vocals for the night aside from solo artist, Nigel Moore. (CiCi Simon/ The Vista)

Middle: Dylan Boyd and bassist Jack Franklin play an original at the ACM@UCO Live Room. ACM@UCO brings in musicians each week with their own and covers. (CiCi Simon/The Vista) Bottom Left: Nigel Moore brings intimate music for the night at the ACM@UCO Live Room. Moore and Midday Static are one of many bands that play at the campus’s weekly performance nights. (CiCi Simon/The Vista) Right: Walters plays his solo for Tulsa band Midday Static. The band started in 2019 and have played together since. (CiCi Simon/The Vista)

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Febuary 4, 2020

Ayers Kitchen

New Campus Dining Spot Brings Fresh Options Micah Wilson @thevista1903

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

About 18 months after breaking ground on Bausher Place, Ayers Kitchen has opened on the first floor to serve as the University of Central Oklahoma’s newest dining hall.

The dining facility, which officially opened Jan. 10, can seat up to 500 and has multiple new “action stations” to expand upon offerings previously available in Buddy’s. “[There’s] an action station where we will be able to service various cuisines from a smoked station for slow-smoked meats, a potato bar,”

said Caroline Vaught, Chartwells marketing manager.

Other stations include a pizza oven, salad bar, hot breakfast bar and a dessert bar with hand-scooped ice cream. Many stations feature fruit and vegetables, and there is a new allergy-friendly station for those with dietary restrictions. “[It’s] great for those that follow a vegan or vegetarian diet,” Vaught said.

The new space features bright colors and large typography-driven graphics, which Vaught said is meant to create a fun and energetic space for students where they feel welcomed the second they walk through A UCO student utilizes one of many eating areas located in new dining hall. Ayers Kitchen seats 500 people. (Bailey Bussell/The Vista)

A UCO student selects food at a station inside Ayers Kitchen. Each student now has access to a variety of meals for each time of day. (Bailey Bussell/The Vista)

the door.

“The messaging such as, ‘Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Life is delicious.’ and ‘Connect, Eat, Repeat.’ is intended to remind people to slow down in today’s fast-paced environment,” Vaught said. “We hope that [students] leave feeling nourished with good food, ready to tackle whatever lies ahead of them.”

Ayers Kitchen accepts meal plan swipes, or costs $10.50 before tax for Flex users, or with tax for all other payment forms.

“I was really amazed when I came

in, the space is so much bigger, nicer and better than Buddy’s,” said junior Evan Bostic. “There is a lot more food options here than in Buddy’s, my only complaint would be the small plates.”

The dining hall is open Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and weekends 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

“Hot food is served between the hours of 7:30-9:30 a.m. for breakfast, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and 4:306:30 p.m. for dinner,” Vaught said.

Most Popular Degrees

February 4, 2020

9

Examining Growth of Popular Majors

Left: Natascha Mercadante, a photography and professional media double major, and Rani Peoples look over her darkroom assignment. Darkroom Photography is one of the many classes photography majors take when completing their degree. Center: Roshani Chaudhari, nutrition and food science master’s student prepares for her next class while using a digital caliper. This degree provides the opportunity for food management service, education, adminstration and more. Right: Master’s speech language pathology students listen to a lecture. Master’s SLP students are able to work for public schools, hospitals, rehabilitation agencies and more. (CiCi Simon/The Vista) Continued from pg. 1

for future job opportunities differs regionally.

The five undergraduate colleges at UCO ranked from highest annualized degrees between 2014-2019 are College of Education and Professional Studies, College of Business, College of Liberal Arts, College of Mathematics and Science and College of Fine Arts and Design.

UCO also offers an Interdisciplinary Studies undergraduate program focusing on forensic science.

The national median annual wage in 2017 for a bachelor's degree was $72,830, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

Students can look to popular majors and projections to reflect the job market they will face upon graduation.

Through analysis of the most recent data, 2014-2019, published by UCO's Institutional Research Center Factbooks, the most popular degree and majors can be determined.

At the CEPS, 21 undergraduate programs are offered through seven departments. These programs fall under three degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Education and Bachelor of Arts.

The most popular CEPS program for the last five years was a B.S. in general studies. However, the psychology program has steadily grown in popularity in the same period, according to the Factbooks.

Rachel Baugh, communications and public relations coordinator for the CEPS, said the general studies degree is popular due to the variety of exposure students have with all five col-

leges.

“Their degree plan is not limited to any one college, so they get real life experience with the material that could be expected of them at any point in essentially any job market,” Baugh said.

Baugh said general studies is a multidisciplinary undergraduate degree program suited for returning students or students pursuing a broad range of study. The degree is applicable through a wide range of career options and can easily boost earning potential by furthering the degree with certificates and career field experience.

At the COB, 15 undergraduate business degree programs are offered through six departments. These programs fall under two degrees: Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Business Administration.

The most popular COB program for the last five years is a B.B.A. in finance, according to the Factbooks.

For a BBA in finance, there is projected growth of 7 percent from 2018 to 2028. The median annual wage for business and financial occupations was $68,350 in May 2018, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $38,640.

The two most common careers with a finance BBA are financial analysts, with a 2018 median annual wage of about $85,660, and financial examiners at $80,180.

Employment as business and financial operations, by state, in May 2018 saw the highest paying in the District of Columbia, New York and Massachusetts.

At the CLA, 31 undergraduate degree programs are offered through 10

departments. These programs fall under two degrees: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Education.

The most popular CLA program for the last five years is a B.A. in strategic communications, according to the Factbooks.

An example of employment with this degree is public relations specialists. There is a projected growth of 6 percent from 2018 to 2028, matching the average projected occupational growth. The median pay for 2018 was $60,000 per year.

The use of social media is expected to create opportunities for public relations specialists as they attempt to appeal to consumers and maintain a reputation and visibility for their organizations, according to the BLS. Top paying states for the occupation are District of Columbia, Virginia and New Jersey.

At the CMS, 27 undergraduate degrees are offered through seven departments. These programs fall under two degrees: Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science in Education.

The most popular CMS program for the last five years is a B.S. in Nursing, according to the Factbooks.

Generally, registered nurses with a BSN will have better job prospects due to the demand for healthcare services because of the aging population’s chronic conditions, such as arthritis, dementia, diabetes and obesity, according to the BLS. The BLS job outlook for registered nurses is projected to grow 12 percent from 2018 to 2028 and the median pay for 2018 was $71,730. Top paying states for the occupation are California, Hawaii and the District of

Columbia.

At the CFAD, 24 undergraduate degrees are offered through six areas of study. These programs fall under seven degrees: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Education, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Bachelor of Applied Technology, Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Music in Education.

The most popular CFAD program for the last five years is a B.A.T. in technology application studies, according to the Factbooks.

One of the most popular jobs for the career field of technology application studies is a form of computer programming.

With an employment growth projection of 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, this degree plan has a faster growth than the average for all occupations. The median pay for computer and information technology occupations for 2018 was $86,320.

For example, computer network architects have a growth projection of 5 percent from 2018 to 2028 and the median pay for 2018 was $109,020.

Employment in the computer and information technology field is projected to grow by 13 percent between 2016 and 2026, according to BLS. Top paying states for the occupation are California, Delaware and New Jersey.

The overall success of students in the projected job market will vary with the major and overall degree plan.

The BLS Occupational Handbook online is available to students interested in further investigating their specific intended career field and job market.

10

February 4, 2020

When searching on Spotify, click the camera icon on the right and hover over the icon to be taken to a playlist created by editors from the Vista.

Firefly — Mura Masa, Nao

Tattoos Together — Lauv

Forest Lawn — Better Oblivion Community Center

Anyone — Demi Lovato

Only The Young - Featured in Miss Americana — Taylor Swift

I Dreamt We Spoke Again (Louis The Child Remix) — Death Cab for Cutie, Louis The Child

Ready To Love — Emarosa

Nevermind — Dennis Lloyd

Pretendeavor: A Reference To A Sinking Ship — Norma Jean

Dangerously — Charlie Puth

The Opener — Camp Cope

mother tongue — Bring Me The Horizon

if we never met — John K, Kelsea Ballerini Dig — Incubus Oh Well, OK — Elliott Smith Medicine — Kelly Clarkson You should be sad — Halsey Cashmere — BADBADNOTGOOD Come and Get Your Love — Redbone What Would I Do Without You — Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors

Good — TWIN XL

36” Chain (BSBD Remix) — Run The Jewels, BSBD

Till It’s Done (Tutu) — D’Angelo

Fanfare — Magic City Hippies

She’s so High — Tal Bachman

Living Room, NY — Laura Stevenson

Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me — George Michael, Elton John

People Need A Melody — The Head and the Heart

More More More — Don’t Tell Dena

When Girls Telephone Boys — Deftones

Want to listen to music

Vista?

Real Love Baby — Father John Misty

Love and Memories — O.A.R. Van Horn — Saint Motel

from The

Spotify

Scars — Alesso, Ryan Tedder

When searching on Spotify, click the camra icon on the right and hover over this icon to be taken to a playlist created by editors from The Vista.

TikTok/Podcasts

February 4, 2020

11

TikTok Users Remain Despite Security Concerns, Investigation Selena Luna @selenaaluna

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Some of TikTok’s over 1 billion monthly active users are still questioning the recent investigation that took place after the American government found evidence of data being sent to China.

There are also questions about whether TikTok is actually a Chinese application, but the history of TikTok is said to be a little confusing and complicated.

TikTok was actually born from ByteDance, a technology company headquartered in Beijing, China that operates a range of content platforms.

In November 2017, Musical.ly was acquired by ByteDance and was later merged into TikTok. Musical.ly was also headquartered in China before merging with TikTok, but isn’t definitively a Chinese application. The app was popular in the United States and Europe, and ByteDance made a statement that it would keep Musical.ly separate from their Chinese apps.

After merging Musical.ly and TikTok, ByteDance also made the app

inaccessible in China. China has their own version of TikTok called Douyin.

TikTok underwent an investigation after a lawsuit was filed in November 2019 accusing the app of harvesting vast amounts of personally identifiable user data and sending it to China to sell targeted ads.

TikTokers often create videos showing a close-up of their face, allowing the company to gather biometric data on users, according to the lawsuit.

Marisa Harper, an Oklahoma City Resident, said that she only creates videos of her dogs after learning the potential risk of her personal information being sent to China.

“My personal information and safety are far more important than the entertainment of others,” Harper said.

Others are aware that TikTok underwent an investigation, and the app has been banned from the U.S. Military.

TikTok’s privacy policies are displayed on their website by region, and warns users that their information could be sent to third parties for business purposes.

“It is no less private than what the government already collects on us anyway,” said Josiah Zupan, a TikTok

Chinese company ByteDance purchased Musical.ly in Nov. 2017 and later merged it into the platform known as TikTok. TikTok was recently investigated by the American government after allegations of user data being sent to China. (Provided/Pixabay)

user and University of Oklahoma student. “If people believe we have the ability of privacy and our content isn’t already being collected then they’re lying.”

Zupan said he does not plan to stop using the app, and is still going to create videos for the entertainment of others and for business purposes.

TikTok does not pay or offer incen-

tives to its most popular content creators, but it is still frequently used to expand users personal businesses.

New and current users are advised to read the privacy policy so they are aware of what information is being collected and the potential risks that are taken when creating content.

The Vista Staff Podcast Recommendations From our earbuds to yours, here's a look at some of the podcasts The Vista Staff is listening to while commuting to and from school, running errands, in between classes and in our down time.

Genre: Comedy Available on: Apple, iHeartRadio

Genre: Comedy/News Available on: Apple, iHeartRadio

Genre: True Crime/Investigation Available on: Apple, iHeartRadio

Genre: Comedy Available on: Apple, YouTube

Genre: Curiosity/Trivia Available on: Apple, iHeartRadio

Genre: Criminal Justice/Law Available on: Apple, iHeartRadio

Genre: Comedy Available on: Apple, iHeartRadio

Genre: History/Curiosity Available on: Apple, iHeartRadio

12

H C R A E S D R O W

APPEND A "T" TO MAKE A NEW WORD

Games

February 4, 2020 BEEHIVE BUTCHER BUTTER CENTRIFUGE CHERUB DEFECTIVE ENDURE FENCE HUNDRED INDEED KITCHEN MINIMUM RECENT THUNDER UNTRUE

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Your natural Arian leadership qualities make you the person others will follow in tackling that important project. But don’t get so involved in the work that you neglect your personal life.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Aspects favor sorting through your possessions, both at work and at home, to start giving away what you don’t use, don’t need or don’t like. Relax later with someone special.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) The issues are not quite as clear as they should be. That’s why you need to avoid getting involved in disputes between colleagues at work or between relatives or personal friends.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You’ll get lots of support from others if you own up to your mistake quickly and include a full and honest explanation. Learn from this experience so that you don’t repeat it.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) There might be some early confusion over a major move, whether it’s at work or at home. But once you get a full breakdown of what it entails, it should be easier to deal with. Good luck.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Creating order out of chaos, even in the most untidy spaces, should be no problem for organized Virgos. So go ahead and do it, and then accept praise from impressed colleagues.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Whether it’s for business purposes or just for leisure, a trip might be just what you need right now. You would benefit from a change of scen-

Answers for this week available in 2/11 issue!

(Week of Jan. 3, 2020)

ery and from meeting new people.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) While things generally go well this week, a romantic situation seems to have stalled. But you can restart it if you want to. Then again, maybe this is a chance reassess the situation.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A meeting that was promised quite a while back could finally happen. So be sure you’re prepared with everything you’ll need to make your case sound convincing and doable.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A workplace blunder could create a problem down the line unless you deal with it right now to see how and why it happened. Don’t be surprised at what you might learn.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) This is a good time to re-sort your priorities and see if adjustments are called for. Be honest with yourself as you decide what to keep, what to discard and what to change.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Letting yourself be bathed in the outpouring of love and support from those who care for you will help you get through a difficult period sooner rather than later. Good luck.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have an uncanny gift for reaching out to all people and creating bridges of understanding among them. (c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

Men's Basketball

February 4, 2020

13

Men’s Basketball Fall to Top-Ranked Bearcats

UCO guard Dashon Bell goes for a layup against Missouri Western State University at Hamilton Field House. The Bronchos loss to Northwest Missouri drops their record to 7-15 overall and 4-9 in conference play. (Jeff Farmer/The Vista)

Garrett Johnson @garrettmj97

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The University of Central Oklahoma men’s basketball team fell to the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats 84-79 on Saturday, extending their losing streak to six games.

The Bronchos move to 7-15 on the season and 4-9 in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association conference play.

UCO took a 5-3 lead after the first 90 seconds of the game with shots from Dashon Bell and Cam Givens before a Diego Bernard 3-pointer put the Bearcats ahead by one.

The Bronchos continued to execute on offense against the reigning national champions, taking a 15-10 lead with 14:30 left before halftime. Northwest Missouri responded to even the game at 15 after a 3-pointer and a steal leading to a layup by Tyler Dougherty.

Carson Calavan came off of the

UCO guard Carson Calavan looks for an open teammate against Missouri Western State University at Hamilton Field House. The Bronchos lost 84-79 versus Northwest Missouri State University on Saturday. The loss makes the sixth loss in a row for the men' basketball team. The next game is Thursday against the University of Nebraska-Kearney. (Jeff Farmer/The Vista)

bench, knocking down his first five shots from behind the arc, leading to 15 first half points. Freshman guard Justin Nimmer also came off the bench to convert a layup soon after checking into the game to move the score to 20-16 in favor of the Bronchos.

Nimmer provided some insight into his recruiting process that ultimately led him to play for the Bronchos. “I had five to six Division II offers and took my time deciding but I liked what the (UCO) coaches had to offer as far as a plan for me and the program. They were real with me and laid out a plan that sat well with me and my family and I was excited to come here after that.”

Northwest Missouri’s Trevor Hudgins was playing lockdown defense in the first 10 minutes of the game, collecting three steals with two of them leading to Bearcat points.

Wes Dreamer’s layup with 5:18 left in the half saw the Bearcats take their second lead of the game before a D.J. Basey bucket on the following possession put UCO back ahead 27-26.

Calavan’s 15 points led the Bronchos at halftime, followed by Givens’ seven and Dashawn McDowell’s six.

McDowell, an Oklahoma City native and transfer from Southern Methodist University, spoke on his experience transferring and what he notices is different in Division II compared to Division I. “It is defi-

nitely different… not to say winning isn’t important anywhere you play but that’s really everything that is focused on in Division I. I like the atmosphere here at UCO and have a lot of different opportunities than I did at SMU.” Northwest Missouri was led in scoring by Hudgins’ 12 and eight from Bernard. UCO took advantage of five missed free throws by the Bearcats to the Bronchos’ two.

The Bronchos took a 36-34 lead at halftime, but were unable to keep their lead. Hudgins started the second half scoring with a layup that leveled the game at 36 that was followed by a Bernard layup and free throw, prompting UCO to use a timeout with 18:13 left in the game.

Colt Savage added six points in the first five minutes of the second half to give UCO the lead at 44-41 before Basey extended their lead to five with a layup.

UCO started the second half with 14 points in six minutes from four different players. The Bronchos average 14 points less per game than the Bearcats on the season, but rose to the challenge of playing the number one team in Division II. The score was tied at 53 with 10 minutes left following a Hudgins 3-pointer to bring Northwest Missouri level. Following a timeout, UCO went ahead by two on a McDowell drive and layup.

UCO fell behind by six with 5:10 left following an offensive rebound and put-back layup from Ryan Hawkins. On the ensuing possession, Bell brought UCO back within four points to become the second Broncho in double figure scoring.

Northwest Missouri hurt the Bronchos with improved shooting in the second half, shooting 68 percent from 3-point range. A couple of Bearcat three’s moved their lead to nine with 1:34 remaining in regulation.

Givens hit two free throws to move the deficit to seven with just over a minute left, which was followed by a jump ball that gave the Bronchos possession, leading to a Calavan layup.

The Bearcats missed a layup with 45 seconds left leading to a split pair of free throws from Calavan.

Givens hit a three following a missed one-and-one free throw opportunity to make it a one point game before two Bearcat free throws extended their lead to three. Cooper Clark hit a 3-pointer with the final seconds ticking off the clock but was unable to convert, sealing the outcome in favor of the Bearcats, 84-79.

The Bronchos look to end their losing streak on Thursday against the University of Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday.

14

February 4, 2020

Women’s Basketball

Women’s Basketball Slay the Griffons, Fall to the Bearcats Garrett Johnson @garrettmj97

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In the first of two games, the University of Central Oklahoma women’s basketball team came into their game against the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats looking to build off their previous win.

The first five buckets in the game were all 3-pointers. Micayla Haynes started off with an assist from Kelsey Johnson to go up 3-0, but the Bearcats would answer with a 9-0 run.

At the end of the first quarter the Bronchos trailed 10-8, but they went on a 12-4 run to take a 20-14 lead midway through the second. The Bronchos were able to make two more baskets in the final 5:32 of the half and led Missouri Western 24-21 at halftime.

The start of the second half was similar to the beginning of the game, with both teams making two 3-pointers early. Johnson went to work in the post, scoring six straight points for the Bronchos. Central led 36-31 at the first timeout of the quarter.

Back-to-back steals by the Bronchos led to transition layups by Jaci Littell and Brooke Rayner to increase the lead to nine with 3:22 left in the third quarter. Rayner then got a steal, and made a basket on the other end, but the Bearcats answered with three 3-pointers to cut the lead to one going into the fourth quarter.

At the start of the fourth quarter, Northwest Missouri went on a 6-1 run to take a four point lead. The next possession, Littell was fouled on a drive to the basket and she split her free throws, but the Bearcats answered with three 3-pointers in a row again. With 3:30 left in the game, Central trailed 58-50.

Haynes made a 3-pointer after the timeout to cut the lead to five, and the Bronchos forced two turnovers in a row. After back-to-back missed threes

by Shatoya Bryson and Haynes, UCO forced another turnover and a transition layup cut the lead to four.

On the ensuing possession, Littell made a driving layup and the Bronchos trailed by two points with about 30 seconds left in the game. Central was forced to foul and the Bearcats made both free throws.

Haynes answered with another 3-pointer, and the score was 61-60 with nine seconds left. This forced Central to foul Mallory McConkey, who went on to make both free throws. UCO took their final timeout with a chance to tie it up, but Haynes missed the game-tying 3-pointer.

The Bronchos lost with a final score of 63-60.

UCO guard Shatoya Bryson dribbles past a defender in a game at Hamilton Field House. The Bronchos beat Missouri Western State University, and lost to Northwest Missouri State University. (Anthony Mellendorf/The Vista)

“It’s hard to beat a team that shoots the ball well,” said UCO head coach Guy Hardaker.

UCO’s next game is Feb. 6 at the University of Nebraska-Kearney.

GAME 2 The University of Central Oklahoma women’s basketball team came into Thursday’s game against the Missouri Western State University Griffons looking to avoid a three-game losing streak following a close loss last week to Washburn University.

“Games like that can help us because it gives them experience in close games, and we can learn from it,” said assistant coach Heather Davis.11 Shatoya Bryson and Kelsey Johnson made the team’s first two buckets to go up 5-0 to start the game. After the good start by Central, Missouri Western went on an 11-2 run to take the lead 11-7 early in the first quarter.

The Griffons got a lot of open looks early, but the Bronchos defense started to settle in. Kaci Richardson and Brooke Rayner both scored in the final minute of the first quarter to give the Bronchos some momentum going into the second quarter, trailing 1918.

Micayla Haynes scored eight straight points for Central in the second quarter to give them a 26-25 lead with about four minutes left until halftime. At half, the Bronchos led 32-27.

With only seven minutes left in the third quarter, the Bronchos finally

made their first basket of the second half. But after some defensive stops, they increased their lead to 12 with five minutes remaining in the third.

Missouri Western then went on a 5-0 run.

At the end of the third quarter, Bryson converted a layup as she was fouled, followed by a 3-pointer from Haynes. The Bronchos ended the quarter ahead, 54-43.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, McKenna Pulley and Rayner made two shots each to increase the lead to 15, but the Griffons went on a run to cut the lead to just four points with 2:17 left in the game. On Missouri Western’s next possession, Corbyn Cunningham made two free throws to cut it to two points, and they tied the

game on their following possession.

Right before a shot clock violation, Johnson was fouled and she split her free throws to take a one point lead.

The Griffons answered with a layup on the other end to take the lead back.

On the Bronchos’ final possession, Johnson snagged a rebound off Bryson’s miss and made a shot under the basket to go up by one with seven seconds left.

Missouri Western missed a game-winning shot at the buzzer, leaving the Bronchos with the win at 70-69.

“Our main focus is to just take one game at a time,” Johnson said.

The Bronchos shot 45.8 percent from the field and forced 22 turnovers.

UCO guard Micayla Haynes looks for an opening during a game versus Northwest Missouri State University at Hamilton Field House. (Jeff Farmer/The Vista)

Remembering Kobe Bryant

February 4, 2020

15

Life After the Death of Kobe Bryant We Need to Live Like Our Time is Running Out

Bryan Esparaza and her daughter Amelia, 4, pause in front of a mural put up of Kobe Bryant and his daughter along Pickford Street in Los Angeles, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Bryant, the 18-time NBA All-Star who won five championships and became one of the greatest basketball players of his generation during a 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, died in a helicopter crash Sunday. (David Crane/The Orange County Register via AP)

Jacob Silva @jdhoops29

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In this June 7, 2009, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) points to a player behind him after making a basket in the closing seconds against the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the NBA basketball finals, in Los Angeles. Bryant, the 18-time NBA All-Star who won five championships and became one of the greatest basketball players of his generation during a 20year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, died in a helicopter crash Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

A week has passed since the death of Kobe Bryant, and it’s become clear that the NBA will never be the same.

Players, coaches and media members across the league mourned any way they could. Some teams wore number 8 or 24 in their first game after his passing. Wakes were conducted on television by current and former players and peers of Kobe. The city of Los Angeles became a memorial.

A week has passed since the death of Kobe Bryant, and we have all felt mortal. We’ve held our loved ones tighter. We’ve talked about mending bridges that were once burnt. We’ve all feared losing someone and having regrets about what may have been left unsaid.

This reaction came to be not just from the death of a basketball player, but from the death of a father robbed of the role.

Kobe had four daughters, Natalia, Bianka, Capri and Gianna. He was a

proud father of all those girls, and he had most recently begun to share his deep love of the game of basketball with Gianna. Kobe hadn’t been going to Laker’s games since his retirement until his daughter Gianna showed an interest in it. She wanted to go to the University of Connecticut to play for Geno Auriemma. She wanted to go on to play for the WNBA and carry on her father’s legacy.

The crushing reality is that her story, and the stories of the other children on that helicopter, will be left untold.

I’ve never had a death of a public figure affect me like this. Michael Jackson, Prince, David Bowie—none of them left me with this feeling. It’s like I lost a member of my family.

I’ve followed the NBA closely for more than 10 years now, and Kobe commanded the attention of fans like me for most of that time. Kobe felt untouchable. Invincible.

When I saw the initial TMZ report, I didn’t think it was real. I waited and waited for a follow up story about how there was a misunderstanding.

This couldn’t happen to Kobe Bryant, right? Instead, the stories confirmed the worst, and I was left with the lasting image of Kobe holding his daughter Gianna as the helicopter crashed. As this unforgiving world took them far too soon.

I’ve listened to countless podcasts about what happened last week. I’ve read countless stories, just trying to process where we are now. I can’t shake the feeling of being afraid.

I have told myself, out of my own weakness, that death will be expected, and I’ll be ready for it. Now I find myself reaching out to my loved ones with a level of uncertainty. Will this be the last time I talk to them?

So I act on that and cherish every moment, every conversation I have with them. There’s no time to wait, because life can be taken from us at any moment.

As tragic as this week has been, I hope the world can take something from it. Let your loved ones know that they are loved. Let petty things go between you and an old friend.

Know that we are at the mercy of whatever the universe decides, and we need to live like our time is running out.