WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018 VOLUME 18 ISSUE 22
ENTERTAINMENT
THE WESTERN JOURNAL
Pictured left to right: Gene Nora Jessen, Wally Funk, Jerrie Cobb, Jerri Truhill, Sarah Rutley, Myrtle Cagle and Bernice Steadman.
Photo courtesy of NASA.GOV
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The Western Journal Wednesday, April 25, 2018
345 N. Monmouth Ave. Monmouth, OR 97361 Student Media Department TERRY HOUSE NEWSROOM 503-838-8347
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ZOË STRICKLAND
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NEWS EDITOR SAMANTHA DUNAWAY journalnews@wou.edu
LIFESTYLE EDITOR CAITY HEALY ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR TBD journalentertainment@wou.edu
SPORTS EDITOR SIMSON GARCIA
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PHOTO EDITOR PAUL F. DAVIS
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DESIGNERS DARIEN CAMPO ELISSA SORENSON
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SUBMISSIONS THE WESTERN JOURNAL encourages readers to share their opinion through letters to the editor and guest columns. Submissions must be typed and include the writer’s name. Contact information will not be published unless requested. Unsigned submissions will not be printed and original copies will not be returned. Letters to the editor may be up to 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 500 words. THE WESTERN JOURNAL does not guarantee the publication of all letters or columns. THE WESTERN JOURNAL reserves the right to edit for punctuation, grammar, and spelling, but never for content. Please bring submissions to THE WESTERN JOURNAL at Terry House or email to journaleditor@ wou.edu. Submissions must be received by Wednesday at 5 p.m. to be considered for print. All opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do necessarily reflect those of THE WESTERN JOURNAL or Western Oregon University.
REVIEW:
“MERCURY 13” Spaceflight documentary is educational, but falls flat By Zoë Strickland Editor-in-Chief Are women fit for space travel? NASA in 1961 thought the answer was a resounding no. One of Netflix’s newest documentaries, “Mercury 13,” explores the fight that resulted from this opinion. “Mercury 13” is informative and vital for documenting the path to gender equality, specifically in regards to women in the STEM field. However, its slow start and tendency to repeat points made it difficult for me to fully engross myself in the film. “Mercury 13” sheds a light on the stories of 13 of the 25 women who took part in secret testing that would determine if they were fit to be sent into space. The testing, administered by William Lovelace — the creator of the male astronaut test for NASA — was conducted primarily because of Lovelace’s curiosity, rather than because of NASA’s
interest. The documentary is focused on the 13 women who passed the testing and were technically eligible for spaceflight. Though some of the women performed better than others, it was found that some even had better scores than their male counterparts. However, the unsanctioned tests were a wash because of Lovelace’s inability to convince NASA that women were fit for space. In addition to tracking the test-related plight of women trying to achieve space travel, “Mercury 13” also outlines the governmental backlash that the testing resulted in. The documentary starts off dreadfully slow. Though it hits every mark in regards to exposition, it takes 20 minutes to really get into the main parts of what actually led to the spaceflight testing. “Mercury 13” isn’t trying to uncover the great mystery of why women weren’t allowed to be sent up to space — it was purely because of the sexism perpetuated by the government, male astronauts and societal
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beliefs. While the documentary makes a good point of including source content from interviews with the Mercury 13 from the time of the trial — including a reporter asking one of them about how she was going to find the time to be an astronaut as well as a mother — at times it felt like the same points were being made in monotony. Because of this, this documentary felt like something I would watch in a classroom rather than on my own time. That being said, the film was overall enjoyable. The more recent interviews conducted with some of the women show a level of tenacity that everyone should aspire to. The women are vivacious and determined to better the landscape of gender equality in STEM fields. Their discourse regarding the events they were involved in livens up the documentary tenfold. Undoubtedly, my favorite part of “Mercury 13” was its ability to maintain a sense of unity between all of the female pilots involved. In addition to having interview clips from
most of the surviving women included, the documentary also includes interviews with women who were affected by the efforts of the Mercury 13, like Eileen Collins, the first female pilot of a space shuttle. This not only emphasized the scope of women affected, but it also grounded the efforts in a more tangible way. It’s clear that, while the Mercury 13 women were unable to achieve spaceflight, they’re still invested in future women who want to be sent to space. As someone who’s interested in both space and gender issues, I liked this documentary. “Mercury 13” took two things I love learning about and discussed the crossroads between them. However, I wouldn’t recommend it to people who are hesitant to watch documentaries, or who have little to no interest in the subject matter. It’s slow to start, and admittedly took some trying to get through. Contact the author at journaleditor@wou.edu
Exhibit explores how numbers relate to nature
Photo by PAUL F. DAVIS
Western professor Jennifer Bracy branches out into new fields of fine art By Kevin Reed | Staff Writer “Art is really for oneself and fine art doesn’t really have one finite message that one’s trying to get across,” said Jennifer Bracy, a professor of visual communications design at Western. “It’s often much more about questions and maybe there’s some kind of an answer or a message within, but it’s less important.” Bracy has been teaching at Western for eight years and recently released a new fine art exhibit called “Forces of Nature,” on display in Hamersly Library on the second floor. In the past Bracy has mainly worked as a freelance graphic designer. “I work often with small startups or non-profit organizations that need help with a campaign … or something of that nature,” said Bracy. However, she explained that this display is a new exploration for her: “There’s a specific message and specific audience that has to be communicated in graphic design … It’s much more open to interpretation.” Though she has done art displays and shows before, this “Forces of Nature” explores new mediums and techniques — utilizing ink and printmaking to create contrasting colors, shapes and forms to make each piece beautiful and have its own personality. “I named it ‘Forces of Nature’ because a lot of the themes that I have explored in my art, and some of my personal design projects, really came out in this body of work … the infinite wisdom of nature. What we can learn from it as humans, how we have to respect it … the tensions between the us and the environment and the things we do to it.” Her main focus of many of the pieces in the display was the beauty that is in nature. Bracy drew inspiration from natural phenomena like the honeycomb and the geodesic dome to showcase the random perfection nature can achieve at times. “The bee hive is so efficient and it represents this strong, stable and efficient community of bees and humans can really borrow from that,” she noted. In “Number Series,” a specific
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Bracy’s exhibit will be displayed in Hamersly Library until June 11
Photos by PAUL F. DAVIS
ENTERTAINMENT
The Western Journal Wednesday, April 25, 2018
grouping of pieces, Bracy breaks down the nature of numbers one through ten and what meaning and significance each number has around the world. “What I love finding out is that in a lot of these human constructs with language that, inherent in them, there’s a lot of nature with a lot of those origins of numbers,” said Bracy. Each and every day people see numbers or use numbers but nobody ever thinks about the technical side of it all or asks questions about where they come from or what they mean to other people all the way across the globe. “I had to do a lot of research,” said Bracy. What she found was a whole new meaning for the symbols we use across the world. Another series Bracy released in the gallery, “Color Moods” is purely experimentation art: “It’s a series of purely abstract, meaning they were really just experimental. I was just getting a handle on this new medium. It represents the first experiments I did with monotype printing … It’s called monotype because you can only do it once,” explained Bracy. “You can never recreate it … I think it kinda has a vitality that no matter how hard I try I cannot get back too. Because it was just experimenting and now anything I try is trying to hard.” It’s a fantastic moment for any artist when an experiment comes out perfect. No matter how much effort you put in you can never recreate that first success. However, the shortlived origins of the art is what make it so spectacular and unique. Bracy found the perfect way to display the importance of experimentation in art and how sometimes it’s important to try something on a whim. “The Forces of Nature” is, as the name implies, centered on the features of nature that we as humans could respect and learn from. There are so many little phenomena brought to light within the art and, like Bracy says, “It’s often much more about questions” and nobody really will interpret the art in the same way. Contact the author at kreed17@wou.edu “Forces of Nature” includes some artistic departures for Bracy, such as combining ink and printmaking
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SPORTS
BASEBALL RECORDS 26 HITS,
DEMOLISHES SAINTS
22-4 FOR SWEEP
The blowout win positions Alex Roth for his fourth win. team closer to postseason Roth has not lost a game in his pitching campaign. appearance
By Simson Garcia Sports Editor Twelve straight runs by Western’s baseball team provided the starting point for the four game sweep against St. Martin’s from April 2122. The runs created enough separation from St. Martin’s, as the visiting team went down, 12-4 in game one. The first game set the tone for the rest of the series as scores by first-year left fielder Griffey Halle and senior infielder Jay Leverett would come again in later games. Sophomore first baseman Connor McCord hit a three-shot homer to close game one. Western’s fielding suffocated the Saints so they could not make much of a difference in base running through seven innings. Seven strikeouts were earned by sophomore pitcher
The Wolves almost faltered in the first inning of game two in part to a two-shot from Saints’s first baseman Adam Eskil that ran in right fielder Austin Feist. Ground was eventually made up by senior center fielder Cody Dykstra’s two run-in’s. McCord and Halle returned to home plate to retake command at 5-2. The duo of Eskil and Feist returned to tie the scoreboard at 5-5 but it was Wolves senior pinch hitter Spencer Bennion’s game saving walk-off single that prevailed. Western turned the table completely in game three with 22 runs by the Wolves — the most since they recorded 23 against San Francisco State in 2004. A nine-run fourth inning was part of 17 runs, up until that point. Twenty-six hits tied a team-record and the team hit and scored in every way possible and from every player available. A double, triple, homer, a hit-
WOLVES QUIET ‘JACKETS’S BUZZ,
STUNG IN REMATCH Series goes neck and neck, as with the GNAC playoff race By Simson Garcia Sports Editor The clock’s winding down on the softball season and the race for the GNAC championships. The Wolves looked to four pivotal home games from April 21-22 against Montana StateBillings to stay in postseason conversation. The first game started them out right, defeating the Yellowjackets, 5-2.
They had the help of their premier hitters on the year to nudge them ahead of the Yellowjackets in game one. Second in runs scored in the conference, and first-year right fielder Tyler Creach turned home after a steal to second to start Western’s scoring. Tied for first in the GNAC in doubles, junior outfielder Cheyenne Rimer had another to score in, team home run leader and senior outfielder, Zoe Clark. The sixth inning came and so did the load up on bases for scores. Junior infielder Ryanne Huffman batted in first-year
by-pitch — even a balk by a St. Martin’s pitcher — provided the win. In all, 13 different players on the roster scored. Almost letting game four go and down 6-1 in the third, the home team kept their composure and stopped the Saints from adding to their score. In the fifth inning, Halle’s 2-RBI double tied it, and scored himself afterwards off of Dykstra’s double. Senior outfielder Jacob Martinez’s single in to Dykstra put a cap on the series. Now, at 19-12 in the GNAC, the team’s run of four straight has come at a turning point in the season. Just ahead of them, and atop the conference, is Montana State-Billings, who recently have won six straight. Four games were forfeited versus Montana earlier in the season because of location difficulties and could mean the difference in seeding for the playoffs. Western continues a six game home stand starting with Lewis & Clark State college on April 25. They hit the diamond at 2 p.m. Contact the author journalsports@wou.edu
Photo by PAUL F. DAVIS
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The Western Journal Wednesday, April 25, 2018
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No. 1 in pinch hitting average 0.370, Western put it on display in the 22-4 win
infielder Sydney Bowers for the game clincher. The series and score flipped, as the Yellowjackets took game two, 5-2. Montana was bolstered by their own power hitters. Two solo-homers did the damage including one by Montana State-Billings’s pitcher Megan Dettling. A second doubleheader on April 22 saw Montana and Western even. The ‘Jackets returned again to their batting ways in game one, led by current GNAC home run leader and infielder Cameron Cassinelli who homered in the first run. Montana-State sought to take a commanding series lead up 5-3 going into the seventh inning, but the Wolves made their run.
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A solo-homer by sophomore left fielder Ayanna Arceneaux brought them within one. Then, with the bases loaded and after a Creach run to tie, infield sophomore Chandler Bishop hit a walk-off single to win it. Montana State came back stinging, however, in the final game for the 12-8 victory. Five home runs were smashed out of the park, including a big, grand-slam homer by Dettling in the second inning. The Yellowjackets continued their momentum scoring three more runs to go up 9-0 in the same period. Western made a significant return as Clark, Huffman, Creach and company scored runs to pull them closer late in the innings but the visiting
team created too much cushion between them. As it’s been all season, the remaining games played by any of Western’s conference foes can shape the playoff picture as one team’s already clinched. “We have to make sure we take care of ourselves and let the other teams fall where they may,” said Bishop. They have four remaining games on the season-all played at home-to make up ground. The four games will be played on April 28-29 with the first doubleheader against Simon Fraser. First pitch is at noon. Contact the author journalsports@wou.edu
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5 BARBER’S PROPELLED BY HIS PURSUITS SPORTS
By Simson Garcia Sports Editor Numerous passions have kept junior Bernard Barber determined. In football, rugby, his major in business and his dream of firefighting, Barber contains a love for those things he’s committed to. The way Barber sees it, a love for what he does tells him he’ll never have to work a day in his life — something his mother instilled in him since childhood. A desire has always been there for him: football became his first love, growing up 10 minutes from the beach in west Long Beach, California. The game drove him up through his Lakewood High School days, to joining Western Oregon’s football team in his first year attending, to flag football and, now, rugby. Not stopping at the football return or the rugby drop: ambition, fervor and will positioned Barber to excel in multiple sports. He’s thrown himself into the net of all that Western Oregon’s club and intramural sports offer. This term, he’s signed up to play in intramurals for softball and volleyball, and soon will be involved in basketball. In a day’s work, once these obligations are met with his teammates on the field or on the court, and after much time has been spent expelling efforts to the many demands from those sports he’s in, Barber will drive up to Keizer to work in his managerial position at Sonic. “There’s different personalities, customers you have to deal with, but it’s taught me how to prioritize, and different obligations” said Barber. Prioritizing and keeping the right balance in
anything, in general, is another lesson his mother raised him with. Barber said sometimes he knows he’ll have to miss practice because of a work schedule, but it’s something he says he’s learned to manage. Understanding the different
of his grandfather’s fire station and the engine he worked on during weekend visits. Looking back on the experience now, Barber mentions that his grandfather’s coworkers, “the ones that were on the same engine as him, say to me he really took a passion for what
I feel comfortable knowing the steps to become a fireman, I know what to do after I graduate obligations of the various sports and activities he’s in, Barber has found not only the right leverage, but success even with some of the constraints. He was a part of Western’s all-star intramural rugby team that competed in the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association championship in January 2018. But football, the friendships he inherited with it and the family bond that’s been created has also had a strong influence to his willingness to be involved in many campus sports. “The first thing I did when I came here was sign up for football, but I didn’t know anybody,” Barber noted. So, he built connections, like rugby teammate Chris Davis, who urged him to play rugby his first year. Since then, Barber’s started in every rugby game he’s played in. “Ever since then, I’ve met people who I now call my brothers. It would be weird if I go a day without seeing them,” said Barber. His competitiveness and work ethic may have been ignited at the age of six, after first experiencing the workings
he did, and I’ve always looked up to him, as I have several pictures of us being at the fire station.” Barber says becoming a fireman has been a dream since being around the fire station a number of times as a child: “I will never forget it, and at the time you’re just amazed at what’s around you … But after studying up and going to seminars, I know that this is 100 percent what I want to do.” If there was ever an urgent demand for firefighting, Barber realizes that time is now. “I feel comfortable knowing the steps to become a fireman, I
know what to do after I graduate, I know classes I need to take, I know the physical shape I need to be in,” he explained. From the summer until late fall of 2017, California experienced some of the worst wildfire hazards on record. According to the LA Times, the ten most destructive wildfires in California history have all occurred between September and December. Barber saw what happened in his home state and, after hearing from friends who live Continued on the back
Photo by PAUL F. DAVIS
Athlete Bernard Barber looks to acquire business and firefighting careers
The Western Journal Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Barber plays the fullback position for his rugby team, a 6-2 team that beat the likes of Oregon State and Eastern Washington
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NEWS
The Western Journal Wednesday, April 25, 2018
The Pacific Island
Photo and cover photo by PAUL F. DAVIS
A Pasefika dancer performs in the traditional Samoan dance, the ‘Fa’ataupati’
experience
Hawaii Pacific Island Harmony Club hosts 12th annual lu’au By Caitlyn Nakatsukasa Staff Writer
Western’s Hawaii Pacific Island Harmony Club’s 12th annual lu’au took place on Saturday, April 12. The lu’au was hosted by the WOU Hawaii Pacific Island Harmony Club and Pasefika, a group from Salem, Oregon that introduces the spirit of island dances to others. It was held on campus in the New PE building where both dinner and performances were provided. The evening began with brief music from singers and traditional Hawaiian food: rice, kalua pig with cabbage, macaroni salad, pineapple and coconut cake. Dancers then came together and performed the Oli Aloha chant, which welcomed the guests to the lu’au. Hawaii Pacific Island Harmony Club President and sophomore Hannah Perreira explained that the song is dedicated to the Polynesian people and brings them together as one. The chant was followed by the Hula Kahiko performance, which embodies the true Hawaiian culture using traditional percussion instruments, such as the ipu keke. Throughout the show, many dances were performed that express and highlight various cultures. “Not many people in Oregon know much about the Polynesian culture,” said junior Kameron Acebo, hula dancer and Hawaii Pacific Island Harmony Club member. Acebo is a third-year dancer and performs outside of school. “I think the best way to share (the culture) is to celebrate it and throw this huge lu’au.” The dances at the lu’au ranged from gentle and flowing hula moves to fast and lively dances. Perreira explained what each song meant and how it’s relative to the Pacific Islands. Dancers performed the song Aloha Oe, which was written by Queen Liliuokalani to express her love and farewells to the islands. The song, Perreira described, is related to the
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illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom in 1883, and its statehood shortly after. Pasefika performed the ‘haka’ to the audience, a traditional war cry and dance in the Maori culture that consists of violent chanting and foot stomping. The group also demonstrated the ‘Fa’ataupati,’ a Samoan dance that represented the invasion of mosquitos in the kingdom. The dance mimics people slapping mosquitoes off of each other’s bodies. Many of these dances represent the storytelling traditions and passion of the islands. Aside from the performances, there was entertainment involved with the guests and dancers. Hula dancers invited children to the stage and taught them how to dance the ‘ote’a,’ a Tahitian dance with rhythmic hip shaking. The hosts had a ‘chee hoo’ contest, a celebratory exclamation used by many Pacific Islanders. The performers invited volunteers to come up on stage and express their loudest and powerful ‘chee hoo.’ “I enjoyed all of the energy and good vibes at the lu’au,” said junior Kui Silva, hula dancer and Hawaii Pacific Island Harmony Club member. This is Silva’s second year participating in the lu’au and had fun spreading the Aloha spirit through her performances, explaining, “I enjoyed dancing with all of my friends beside me and for my family who came up to visit me.” Acebo enjoyed performing with individuals that became close friends. “This was important to me because the club has introduced me to so many new people over the years and it’s great being able to meet new people every year through this club,” Acebo explained. The event concluded with the announcement of the next Hawaii Pacific Island Harmony Club’s new officers for 2018-2019 and the Aloha Hawaii song, an anthem for Native Hawaiian people and residents. “Mahalo nui loa!” the hosts exclaimed. “Thank you for coming out tonight.” Contact the author at cnakatsukasa15@wou.edu
NEWS
Advocating for student rights
Oregon Student Association works to support Oregon universities By Sam Dunaway | News Editor
With clipboards in hand, several individuals were out on the sidewalks in mid-April encouraging students to register to vote for the upcoming primary election on May 15. Among these advocates are members of the Oregon Student Association, or OSA: a student-led organization that represents close to 130,000 college students in Oregon. OSA board members spend much of their time at campuses across the state working with student governments to run campaigns, register students to vote and advocate for policy change. Their work aligns with their three main goals: leadership development, social advocacy and policy implementation.
“We prepare students to be civically engaged and advocate for higher education affordability and accessibility, both in the institutional level and statewide,” explained Ricardo Lujan Valerio, Legislative Director for OSA. OSA has been working closely with ASWOU at Western to assist in voter registration campaigns and successfully registered over 850 new voters for the 2016 election. The organization is also aiming to create a more inclusive and knowledgeable community with sessions on marginalized communities during Diversity Week from May 1418. In addition to working on-site at campuses, OSA advocates to the state legislature regarding issues that affect Oregon students. This often includes issues such as affordable tuition, support for undocumented students, K-12 sex education reform and increased mental health resources for
The Western Journal Wednesday, April 25, 2018 students. Lujan Valerio encourages all students to get involved with OSA. “As an organization, we succeed based on the student leaders that direct us … Not only would they get a sense of what OSA is all about, but they would gain leadership experience and networking opportunities that transfer into professional careers post-college and have the ability to make higher education reachable for the next generation of students at WOU.” Additional trainings occur at OSA’s various conferences, including the Oregon Students of Color Conference and the Oregon Student Equal Rights Alliance Symposium. These conferences provide leadership development training for students across Oregon. For more information on attending conferences, visit the ASWOU office on the first floor of the WUC and learn about upcoming opportunities. Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu
Photo by PAUL F. DAVIS
OSA members and volunteers get Western students registered to vote in the Vote OR Vote campaign
sessions that are open to all students, including “When Good Cats Go Wild,” which discussed feral cats, and “It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s a Raptor!” which educated students on predatory birds. Both presentations were given by Natural Science Club Western professor Jim Dawson during winter term. The club also brings in provides opportunities for guest speakers from around the area adventure and learning to discuss topics relating to the natural world. By Sam Dunaway | News Editor The club’s most anticipated events are their three annual field trips: during fall term, club members have the opportunity to hike in various parts of the Willamette Valley, as in the 2017 trip to Silver Falls; during Memorial Day weekend, the club takes nearly 20 members to the Deschutes River in Central Oregon to go white water rafting and camping; and, for Photo by PAUL F. DAVIS spring break, students pack up their Natural Science Club President Karisa Merrill encourages all students to get involved in the organization gear and prepare to spend a week From crusading through Death way,” explained Natural Science Club hiking and camping at a national park Valley, whitewater rafting on the president Karisa Merrill. or campground. This spring break, the Deschutes and exploring the wonders The Natural Science Club is an Natural Science Club took 16 students of Oregon — the Natural Science organization that encourages students to explore Death Valley in California Club gives students the opportunity to to meet new people, learn about and Nevada. experience the natural world outside of various scientific topics and become Each trip is catered to the interests a classroom. informed about career options in the of the club members and what they “It provides these opportunities that field of science. want to explore. The spring break and aren’t available to students in any other The club holds various information Memorial Day weekend excursions
Exploring the great outdoors
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have limited space and cost close to $100 per person which covers transportation, food and all additional fees. In her two years as president, Merrill has seen the impact that these trips have had on the participants. Some individuals go into the trips without any camping or hiking experience whatsoever and come out with excitement for future excursions. “That just kind of shows you the experience, the fun, the things that we’re able to provide for students that you wouldn’t really have otherwise, and I think that’s really wonderful,” said Merrill. Merrill emphasized that all students can attend monthly club meetings and sign up for the excursions. She explained, “We’re not specific to science majors. We are open to any major.” For club updates and meeting times, visit the Natural Science Club OrgSync page. Contact the author at journalnews@ wou.edu
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LIFESTYLE
The Western Journal Wednesday, April 25, 2018
THE INCLUSIVE NATURE OF YOGA By Emily Wanous | Freelancer
First,
you will begin standing up in an “upward salute,” where your hands are outstretched toward the sky. From there, you move into a “standing forward bend.” In this pose, you slowly outstretch your hands toward the ground. All the while, your back is strengthened to assist you and dilute the possibility of injury. When you reach your personal limit, release your muscles and focus on your breathing.
Then,
place your hands on the both sides of your front leg and step your other foot back with your left foot. This pose is called “downward dog.” This is a vital position, yet this can cause numerous injuries. Make sure to keep your muscles tightened and your back straight, so your body can have full support. Contact the author at ewanous15@wou.edu
us to be mindful of things that we often do not focus on: ourselves, our breathing and our minds. So, here, I provide you with the simple Vinyasa flow “Sun Salutation” to introduce you to the beauty that is yoga. I chose this flow because, as students, we are often sitting down at a desk. This forces a lot of strain on our lower back and neck. Theses poses will focus on strengthening those areas of our body.
Stay
in this position for a few breaths and then begin transitioning to the next pose in the sequence, the “half-standing forward bend.” In this you will place your hands on the top of your ankles and press your back into a straight position. Exhale your breath and step your left foot back, while your hands connect above your head into a high lunge. Stay in this position for a few breaths.
Once
here, begin to lower your glutes toward the earth, eventually leading you to a plank position. Hold this position for as many breaths as you would like and then begin bending your arms into “chaturanga.” This can be a difficult pose, so do not feel like you have to hold it for a long time.
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Photos by PAUL F. DAVIS
A beginner’s guide to a practice that only requires an open mind and willing heart
When the topic of yoga comes up in conversation, many people become uninterested. I believe this is not due to uninterest but, rather, the daunting feeling of the unknown. A reason this may occur is because information on yoga is vast and in depth. Many people think that in order to bear the fruits of yoga, they need to understand its history, the tools and what each Sanskrit word means — this is far from the truth. Yoga is here to give one solace in a fast, distracting world and teaches
From
this pose, push your arms forward so your arms and back are fully outstretched. Your pelvic bone is facing the earth, with a few inches between the two. Then, begin moving your butt upwards toward the sky into “downward dog.” To finish the Vinyasa sequence, crawl your hands back towards your feet and slowly rise to a standing position.
LIFESTYLE getting active
The Western Journal Wednesday, April 25, 2018
The importance of spotting
together
RED FLAGS
Western’s fitness classes offer exercise in a community setting By Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor
For those who find working out with others helps them push harder, Western’s fitness classes are a valuable option. While several are offered, the following list includes only the sessions that are offered this spring. For more information, head to wou.edu/campusrec/programs/fitness to get prepared before making your way over to one of these sessions.
Aquatic Exercise Aquafit: Offered Monday to Friday from 8:05 a.m. to 8:55 a.m., and Tuesday 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m.
Hydrosculpt: Offered Monday to Friday from 8:05 a.m. to 8:55 a.m.
AquaCardio: Offered Wednesday 5:30 p.m. to
6:20 p.m. Each offering low impact exercise, these programs are geared toward any level of fitness.
Step N Sculpt: Offered Monday and Wednesday
from 12:10 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. An aerobic class designed for strengthening muscles, it involves stepping onto an elevated platform, and uses light weights to create variety.
Pilates: Offered Monday and Wednesday from
3:30 p.m. to 4:20 p.m., and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. Focusing on strength, flexibility, stamina and balance, this class will offer a core-killing workout that can be easily modified to fit anyone’s ability.
Yoga: Offered Monday and Wednesday 4:30 p.m. to 5:20 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 8:50 a.m., and Thursday 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. Led by trained instructors, this class will give you a workout that intersects your mind, body and spirit and does so while challenging your muscles and flexibility.
Spin: Offered Tuesday and Thursday 4:00 p.m.
Photo by PAUL F. DAVIS
to 4:50 p.m., Tuesday 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m., and Friday 12:05 p.m. to 12:55 p.m. With very little impact on your joints, this class will give you intense cardio modified to fit any ability level and will make you push yourself at whatever resistance works for you.
Zumba: Offered Tuesday and Thursday 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m, Wednesday 4:30 p.m. to 5:20 p.m., and Friday 12:05 p.m, to 12:55 p.m. Working out to the beats of exotic rhythms and highenergy Latin and international beats, this fitness class feels so much like a party that you’ll get your heart pumping without even realizing it.
Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu
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Warning signs to look for in relationships that can easily escalate By Caity Healy Lifestyle Editor
I was 16 when he told me I had to delete the picture on Twitter of my sister and myself in a hot tub. “Only a certain type of girl would post a picture in their bikini,” he told me. To this day, I still question if it’s wrong for me to post a photo similar to that. I was 16 when he told me that I couldn’t hang out with guys. “Let’s make it a rule that you only hangout with girls, and if you’re with guys I’ll be there,” he told me. To this day, I still feel guilt and find myself questioning if it’s okay to hangout with my guy friends. I was 17 when he made me take pictures of celebrities off of my bedroom walls. I couldn’t find a celebrity attractive, because “that’s like cheating.” Now I wonder, is it okay to have celebrity crushes? I was 18 when he crushed my already weak self-esteem. “You’re such a s----y person,” he told me. To this day, those words still linger in the back of my mind. My experience in my past relationship was chock full of red flags; I chose to ignore them, and it’s caused me pain and confusion for the last five years. At the time, none of them felt like a big deal. I thought it was normal, I thought that everyone experienced these types of things. I wish I knew then what I know now. It would have saved me years of misinformed, unrealistic understandings of what a healthy relationship is. According to Dr. Aislinn Addington, the director of Abby’s House, a red flag is “anything that instinctually doesn’t feel right.” When one is in a relationship and a partner does or says something
that your gut feeling tells you is not right, it shouldn’t be let go. It’s worth considering and looking into. Everyone’s version of what a red flag is may differ, but there are some general patterns that red flags tend to follow. Oftentimes, it will start with insulting. This means name calling, labeling your partner’s faults or repeatedly humiliating them. This is followed by controlling your partner or manipulation. Often this will look like not allowing your partner to make decisions, telling them lies or playing mind games with them. From there, it goes to isolating your partner. By removing your partner from their friends and family or manipulating people to dislike your partner, you are isolating them. After this, it goes to threatening. Threatening violent acts against the partner, their family, their friends, or themselves is what will escalate to the final stage: violence. Violence can look like hitting or breaking things, hurting themselves or their partners, or attempting to hurt either party in any way. These are the stages of intimate partner violence abuse. While it may seem at the beginning to be small, it typically won’t end there. “The overall point, and something I’d love people to understand, is that these things escalate. They just do,” Addington noted. To prevent it from getting to those final stages, red flags are incredibly important to spot. But, similarly to my experience and that of many others, it’s not always easy to find. “When you’re in it, it’s so easy to overlook things or overcompensate for things. It’s so much easier (to spot) from the outside.” Addington commented. But even if it is perhaps seen,
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that doesn’t mean it’ll always be acknowledged. “There are many reasons people don’t acknowledge red flags,” Addington said. “We learn from what we see around us.” Red flag behavior has become normalized: through films romanticizing this type of conduct, such as “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” or “Love Actually,” it’s believed to not only be normal but desirable. When these kinds of things happen in real life, such as the persistent pursuit seen in these romantic films, it can lead some to believing that it is normal behavior. It’s not. “Because of this, people can learn unhealthy habits and unhealthy responses,” Addington explained. For those who notice red flags in their own relationships, there are resources available. Abby’s House is a place to go where they will believe you, listen to you and support you if you need it. There are other resources here on campus as well. Student Conduct can be contacted at 503-8388930, Public Safety at 503-8388481 and the Student Health and Counseling Center at 503838-8396. However, if it feels like there is immediate danger, call 911. As for off campus, there are resources as well. There is a 24Hour Crisis Hotline that can be called if you need to speak with someone at anytime, which can be reached at 1-866-518-0284. Also, there is the Sable House in Dallas, which is a domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center that offers housing. They have a 24-hour hotline, which can be reached at 503-623-4033. For those who notice red flags in the relationships of those close to them, there are some actions to take as well. Continued on the back
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HUMOR
The Western Journal Wednesday, April 25, 2018
ARIES | 3/21-4/19
TAURUS | 4/20-5/20
GEMINI | 5/21-6/20
The sun is finally making an appearance — you should probably go enjoy it while it lasts. Or, y’know, you can stay in bed and just look at that bright yellow orb through the blinds or whatever. You do you.
Spring approaches, and the stars sing out about changing weather and new growth. Try not to be overwhelmed, Taurus; there is still time to do what must be done. Look around you, then continue forward.
This is week four? So, if this term were “The Lion King,” we’re at the part where you’re hanging on for dear life. RIP Mufasa. RIP early coursework you won’t be able to make up. No worries, by week six it gets better.
CANCER | 6/21-7/22
LEO | 7/23-8/22
VIRGO | 8/23-9/22
That chill down your spine wasn’t someone walking over your grave, but someone looking through your old MySpace profile.
HEY-O, so you have three tests this week, Leo. I know it sounds like a lot but you have this, just set up a study schedule and struggle through!
Resist using your free Dutch drink on a Rebel this week, Virgo. Just because you can be more caffeinated, doesn’t mean you should be.
LIBRA | 9/23-10/22
SCORPIO | 10/23-11/21
SAGITTARIUS | 11/22-12/21
If the sun is ruining your witchy vibes this week, have no fear — invest in some quality blackout shades.
You know, if you update your phone … it’ll stop asking you to update every time you open it. Think about it.
Bad things come to those who Snapchat an entire concert and put it on their story.
CAPRICORN | 12/22-1/19
AQUARIUS | 1/20-2/18
PISCES | 2/19-3/20
It’s been a long week, Capricorn. At least the term is almost over, right? Oh, wait...
For the sake of your own body, invest in sunscreen this week. You and the stars both know that you’ll be doomed without it.
It’s that time again, Pisces: get ready to change your fall candles out and welcome your summer ones in.
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Compiled By The Western Journal Staff
EDITORIAL
week
Balancing full schedules with near full-time work forces students to prioritize livelihood over education By Zoë Strickland Editor-in-Chief
When I set out to apply for college four years ago, I didn’t think that my full credit schedule would be coupled with an equally as full work schedule. And while I love my job and value the education I’m getting, I find it interesting that higher education is one of the only places wherein you’re supposed to devote 100 percent of your time and energy on your education as well as whatever job(s) you may have. Instead of focusing on their education, more and more students are having to decide what to prioritize — their grades or their livelihood. The more I talk to my peers, the more I find students who are taking an upward of 15-20 credits per term and working 25-30 hours per week. These students are then committed to doing class or work for 40-50 hours per week, while still having to find the time to do the homework for each of their classes. It’s no wonder college students are known for anxiety and caffeineaddiction. To an extent, taking on hours at work while managing school can be beneficial, “I think the combination of work and school has impacted my role as a student in both positive and negative ways,” noted senior Amanda Owren, who has maintained an average of 16 credits per term, while working 25-30 hours per week. “Working so
many hours alongside homework has forced to truly take responsibility for my time — but sometimes so much that my entire week consists only of work, school/homework and then what little sleep I can fit around the two.” However, there’s also a question of if the benefit outweighs the choices that students have to make in order to manage both their school and work schedules. As someone who, for the greater part of her higher education, took 20 credits while working 30 hours per week, I’d be lying if I said that I always prioritized my schoolwork over my professional work. There is at least one system in place at Western to help students who may be struggling financially; the WOU Food Pantry is available to students as well as people in the community. However, students still have other necessary expenses that may not be aided by the food pantry or any financial aid they may receive, “I know that a lot of students do needs jobs in order to pay rent, tuition and the cost of living,” said Matthew Ciraulo, a junior who averages 16 credits per term and works around 30 hours per week. “(Working) changed my role as a student because suddenly I have to figure out whether it’s worth going to class, or having the money to get groceries,” said Linzy Griffin, and alumnae who took an average of 18 credits per term and worked 40 hours
Some students work more than 20 hours per week on top of a full credit load
things you have to do. “I think that its impact is a little bittersweet because I do love what I do, and this is valuable experience that I can use for getting into grad school or a job,” explained Ciraulo. “On the other hand I struggle academically, because I have prioritized work over school ... Learning for me is getting the work finished when I should actually be absorbing what I’m doing.” While it’s not my personal belief that professors should give slack to students in these situations, I think it’s important to recognize student commitments in a holistic way. Though many students take on jobs as a way of paying their tuition, there are things besides lowering tuition — like lowering textbook prices, reevaluating if assignments are beneficial or just busy work and trying to develop a better understanding of the commitments that students have — that could be done as a way of aiding those students who have to devote time to their work. Though it’s clear that stretching oneself thin can be a result from taking on a heavy workload, Owren has found that it’s also had an impact on her availability to explore new opportunities: “Working alongside
I’D BE LYING
if I said that I always prioritized my schoolwork over my professional work per week across multiple jobs. “When you are attending a university for a quality education that you already have to take loans for, it’s a very bitter pill to swallow when it comes down to choices like that. Or even calculating what assignments aren’t worth doing, to take some time for self care or even an extra shift.” Even for students who love their jobs, the combination of working while in school can take its toll. If anything, it makes it more difficult to prioritize the
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Photo by PAUL F. DAVIS
50 hour the
The Western Journal Wednesday, April 25, 2018
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classes has definitely forced me to pass on potential career development opportunities in my major, in favor of picking up hours to afford my necessities.” The education at Western shouldn’t suffer because of student schedules, but there are things that the school can consider doing to help struggling students. After all, if a student has to forego class or an assignment to make ends meet, are they really getting the best out of their education? In regard to some of the changes Western can consider making to help students who are balancing a busy work schedule with a busy class schedule, Griffin suggests: “More online classes, even hybrid classes. More options on times, it always seemed that I could only work nights because of classes … Being more frugal with textbook pricing … Shoot, even more (financial aid) for rent. That’s the real killer.” The schedules of students aren’t going to change over night, and neither is the way we handle students with busy schedules. The difference comes when we think critically about the busy schedules of our peers and try to address the causes. “I wish teachers would take into account that many students in their classes don’t decide to work four jobs because they want extra spending cash, but is a necessity if they want to pay their bills or rent,” said Ciraulo. Contact the author at zstrickland14@ wou.edu
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TAIL-END
The Western Journal Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Barber moves forward Continued from page 5 around the San Bernardino area and of the effect the recent fires have had on them, Barber has felt a calling to help communities in need. But Barber’s relieved he’s one year away from graduating, and how soon he will get his chance to pursue a firefighting dream with efforts to aid. He’s hoping to attend fire school after graduation. After college, he also plans to have a business career to fall back on. While he’s working on his degree, he’s narrowed his focus to marketing. Barber commented, “I’d like to own my own business. I’ve always been a good people-person and business is something I can always fall back on. My mother is the CEO of her own business and so that’s a big reason why I’m in pursuit of that.” Through the sports he’s involved in, degrees he’s focused on and embellishments of multiple activities, the work he’s putting in now can only move Barber forward in pursuit of his ultimate dreams and aspirations.
Photo by PAUL F. DAVIS
Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu
Throughout his club involvement, Barber’s been a part of 11 teams and has won 37 times over 57 games played
Red flags
Continued from page 9 “I am all for just asking,” Addington commented. “Say something like ‘I noticed that fight or that threat... Is that okay? Do you feel okay about that?’ Just ask.” Be supportive of them. Believe them. Remind them that it’s not their fault. “Then ask them what they want to do, and how they want to get out of (the situation,)” she added. I was 16 when the first red flag
appeared. They continued to appear for the next two years. To this day, I’m still affected. Red flags are serious and should not be taken lightly. If they happen to you, it’s not your fault; there are people with open ears who will listen and believe your story. To those who see it happening to someone else, be their ally. “If we all on this campus start by believing,” Addington said. “We can start that culture change.”
Photo courtesy of PEXELS.COM
Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu
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