WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY | WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2018 VOLUME 18 ISSUE 26
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ENTERTAINMENT
The Western Journal Wednesday, May 23, 2018
THE WESTERN JOURNAL 345 N. Monmouth Ave. Monmouth, OR 97361 Student Media Department TERRY HOUSE NEWSROOM 503-838-8347
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MANAGING EDITOR TBD
James Bay’s second album is a misguided reinvention of his singer-songwriter sound
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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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COPY EDITOR STEPHANIE BLAIR journalcopy@wou.edu
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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 Contact information will not be published unless requested.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.
By Zoë Strickland Editor-in-Chief It’s been three years since singer-songwriter James Bay released his debut album, and I’ve been anticipating his second since I finished listening to the first. “Electric Light” is good, but it’s nothing special. In his second album, Bay seems like he’s trying to reinvent his sound, but does so in such a miniscule way that the changes just seem like slightly overproduced missteps. While the album almost succeeds in showing a different side to the artist’s music, an overall lack of continuity is its downfall. When it comes to music, I love a good connecting storyline — and Bay’s sophomore release seemed like it was going to deliver. “Electric Light,” in a way similar to “Camp” by Childish Gambino, uses interludes of dialogue to introduce the listener to the story that the album is trying to tell. The first track, aptly named “Intro,” consists of nearly a minute of dialogue between Bay and a woman who’s playing the role of his significant other. The conversation comes back halfway through the album with “Interlude,” another minute-long track. While this framework acts as the set-up for a musical story, the album itself fails to follow through. I was expecting the last track to sum up the record in a similar conversational way, but it ended on a bittersweet musical note that housed Kodaline-levels of sadness. Though the attempted storyline seemed like it was aiming for somewhere great, it failed to get there. The first single released and
fourth tune on the album, “Wild Love,” is destined to be one of the songs of the summer. “Wild Love” relies heavily on autotune, nearly to the point of sounding like Bleachers. However, the majority of the song remains low-energy and squanders the pop potential it appears to be aiming for. It isn’t until the track is almost over that the sound drops into a danceable beat.
borders on lackluster. “Just for Tonight” is the song that’s most reminiscent of the artist’s previous releases; the tune feels like it’s reaching into Bay’s singer-songwriter roots, but ultimately winds up relying too heavily on choral voices. Though I’ll probably stick to listening to his first album, it seems like “Electric Light” is Bay’s way of coming into his own sound. The album plays more with autotune, voice layering and different genres. However, the failed continuity of the record makes it seem like Bay was throwing pasta at a wall and hoping it would stick — if the organization was better, I think the reinvention would have been more successful. Contact the author at journaleditor@wou.edu
James Bay released his sophomore album on May 18 Photo courtesy of REPUBLICRECORDS.COM
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ZOË STRICKLAND
Bay’s debut album, “Chaos and the Calm,” was released in 2015 and was a solid record — his powerful vocals and intensely romantic lyrics resulted in three Grammy nominations. While “Electric Light” still houses the same strong sound that was displayed in “Chaos,” the attimes-overproduced quality of the songs took away from how much I enjoyed the album as a whole. While I dislike Bay’s overall sound reinvention, I do have to commend him on the powerhouse that is “Stand Up.” The song begins with layered vocals, but quickly turns into a softer, choral interlude, eventually building up to a climax of boisterous percussion and violin, ultimately winding down to a calm finish that
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Anti-hero franchise gets into a sophomore slump By Stephanie Blair Copy Editor Let me start by saying that I liked the last Deadpool film — I really did — but I felt immediately upon seeing it that it didn’t have the potential to be a good series. I also knew that Marvel would make it one anyway and so, over two years later, here we are. I went into this
By Zoë Strickland | Editor-in-Chief
film with low expectations and they were met exactly. I could spend a lot of time complaining about how mediocre this film is, even though I can already feel my friends’s angry tweets being typed out as I write this. So, instead of going on at length, I’m going to quickly run through my biggest problems with the film and then we can move on to the enjoyable bits. Here we go. The first 20 minutes or so of setup were insufferable. The title sequence was funny as I realized what they
“Deadpool 2” made $125 million domestically during its opening weekend
were referencing, but quickly became overdone. The plot, overall, was simple, dumb and was almost asking for a cop out ending — which it then gave. Any instance of visual humor, rather than a funny line, was ruined by characters in the scene heckling the moment. The biggest laughs in the showing I attended went to gags that were simply call backs to the biggest laughs of the first movie. To be honest though, it’s still fun. It’s the same brand of humor, with slightly different twists. The new characters
aren’t very fleshed out, but I want them to be. The soundtrack is excellent, making it a tradition of the Deadpool films, now. Simply put, it’s not as good as the first film — but if you liked the first one, you’ll like the second. There’s nothing groundbreaking here, like there — arguably — was in the last film. There just isn’t. But if you like light body horror, penis jokes and ‘80s tunes, you’re in for a good time. Contact the author at journalcopy@wou. edu
What’s your favorite underrated movie? ‘Take Me Home Tonight,’ because it’s an epic night … any college student might be able to relate to it.
‘The Way He Looks.’ I believe it’s either brazilian or portuguese.
NOAH SEIBER,
WHITLEY HARREL,
SOPHOMORE AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE MAJOR
SOPHOMORE PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR
‘The Road to El Dorado’ … I really like 2-D animation and I think it’s really funny.
3 Photo courtesy of FOXMOVIES.COM
ENTERTAINMENT
The Western Journal Wednesday, May 23, 2018
EDITH CALDERA,
JUNIOR BUSINESS MAJOR
The original ‘Wrinkle in Time,’ because it’s super cheesy.
NOAH NIEVES DRIVER, SOPHOMORE INTERPRETING MAJOR
Photos by ZOË STRICKLAND
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SPORTS
The Western Journal Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Rounding the bases with
CREACH
By Simson Garcia | Sports Editor Believing starts internally. For Tyler Creach, a first-year business major, and outfielder of the Wolves softball team, this much is so. Whether Creach plays softball, studies, or acts, it’s then about having confidence. “That’s when you can really do things,” said Creach. Creach believed in herself when she led her Portland high school team to a state championship. She trusted in herself: that she could start in her first year at Western, and in proving she could cover all of the bases as a utility. The Portland native drove the belief home, when she finished the 2018 season second in the GNAC in hits, and third in runs scored. Creach also believes in a future business career around sports, and an acting career. “Aspiring,” Creach emphasized. “I don’t think I’ve been in enough things to say I’m an actress.” But it is something she says she’s highly interested in and pursuing while in college. “Well when I was in high school, I took a film class, and that was more of studying different film techniques and doing scene studies … I’m kinda just open to learning more about it,” Creach said. That learning will take its course over the summer, as she’ll continue to look for casting calls in the area, like the opportunity she seized last summer when she acted as an extra in the Netflix series “Everything Sucks!” The big dream, however, is to be in a Star Wars movie. Thrilled from the news that the saga will roll out another trilogy, she followed saying she wouldn’t want to be a Jedi, however. “Oh no, no, I’d want to be a bounty hunter. First of all, I love the Fetts: they’re my favorite characters. And so I’d definitely want to be this badass female bounty hunter,” she commented. It’s a fun thought for Creach, but she says she’d be delighted at the idea of being a part of the growing movement
in cinema that includes strong female characters. The drama also played out on the diamond, with Creach being one of Western’s standout performers. To set the scene: Creach nears the on-deck circle motioning a few full
Creach looks up to NBA athlete LaMarcus Aldridge as an inspiration
Photo by SIMSON GARCIA
Softball’s Tyler Creach gets a movie role, hits first home run
swings, eyeing down the trajectory of her aluminum bat. Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.” plays in the background during her walk to home plate. With quickness and speed, Creach poses a dual threat: she can measure for a bunt and then take off running, or she can full on hit for the outfield. She stares at the pitcher intently, with a pierced gaze, like a statue. When the ball is thrown, it’s no match. Creach crushes it like the gravitational pull had shifted and the ball went far and away. Creach kept believing and stayed dedicated, and that’s when everything came full swing in a playoff game
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against Simon Fraser, on May 4, the last of the Wolves’s season. Six years to the day her team played Simon, Creach had to undergo a heart procedure. Creach was born with WolffParkinson-White Syndrome. “I basically was born with an extra electrical node in my heart,” Creach said. The same heart condition sidelined NBA player LaMarcus Aldridge from playing after having to undergo two procedures. “It can basically put you at high risk for heart-attack,” Creach explained. “and it was really scary. I know it was really scary for me and my family also.” From the moment Creach and her family discovered her syndrome, a heart procedure was soon performed where doctors removed the extra node. “I still have (Wolff-Parkinson-White) but it’s not going to be a problem. I can still play sports and do normal activities … I’m good to go now, so that’s the good thing, and yeah, it’s really surreal that that home run ended up happening on that day,” Creach commented. In that last game of the season — an elimination game — and down 6-2 in the fifth inning, Creach smashed her first collegiate homer: a solo beam over the right wall. It was the last run of Western’s season. “It was pretty crazy how everything had led up to that, and I’ve never hit a home run as a lefty. I’ve hit lots of home runs as a right-handed hitter, when I used to be right-handed. But it was cool how everything had let up to that moment,” said Creach. The former-shortstop started her collegiate season primarily as a utility, but eventually worked her way to right field for the last quarter of the season. The lead off grew with confidence in her offensive ability. In 53 games played, her hitting allowed for a relentless onbase percentage of .483. Another big moment came in a April 15 matchup with Concordia, where she went fourfor-four and scored every time for her team’s 8-4 win. Creach is glad she chose Western, and felt that the team had a great season despite the outcome. “I think we developed a lot and learned a lot this past season so I’m excited to see kind of how we do next year,” said Creach. Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu
SPORTS
5 Photo courtesy of TRAILBLAZERS.COM
Photo by SIMSON GARCIA
Volleyball digs for gold, soccer takes the shot
The Western Journal Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Intramural teams play for championship and t-shirt prize
By Simson Garcia | Sports Editor Western’s intramural teams went after the nets in both volleyball and soccer as men’s, women’s and corec leagues all played for titles from May 15-21. In women’s volleyball, the Gold Diggers, undefeated at 6-0, rematched with the 4-3 Sushi Burritos for the final. Both teams were quick toward the net and sharp in reaction for digs, but it was the former who succeeded in the end: two sets to zero. “This is like the first team that I’ve been on that went undefeated,” said senior outside hitter Breayna Webster. “It was definitely a great feeling. I’m happy we got to win a shirt on my last year.”
Portland only has the 24th overall pick in the draft, but may move up or down to obtain players
COLUMN: No superstar needed, baby steps for the Blazers Trail Blazers are a small market team built by draft picks and deals, stock-in-trade
Continued on the back
By Simson Garcia | Sports Editor
Juhyran Almahasheer, Junior, plays goalie for Bella Ciao
The big debate over the Trail Blazers’s offseason activity is in the process. Help’s sorely needed after the previous playoff outing. But one change that doesn’t hold is bringing over a superstar, like Kevin Durant. The last markee guy to sign with the Trailblazers? Scottie Pippen in ‘99 when he was traded for six players. But who wants to come to Portland right now? A sweep in the first round is a bad look, especially after the team was highly touted for a run. If Portland does move players, it’ll be difficult to trade for an elite with how players like the overpriced Evan Turner underperformed. Also, wonder why no big name has wanted to join the team over the years? It’s simply because no star wants to live in a city like Portland. Compared to metropolis’s like Los Angeles, Miami, Houston? Portland isn’t alluring to a guy like LeBron James. The best thing Portland can do is to not panic and shake everything up — but, rather, to continuously improve through the NBA draft. Damian
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Lillard, 2012 draftee, and 2013 draftee, CJ McCollum are still young: build around them. The 2006 draft and how they acquired Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge is a quintessential example. They traded fourth pick Tyrus Thomas, who had a subpar career, for second pick LaMarcus Aldridge — but didn’t stop there — and moved up one spot to get Roy for Randy Foye. Coaching changes I can go for — a slight shift in play style, most likely — but let’s not look in the wrong places. The Trail Blazers almost went for Paul George on a one-year deal. Portland for him wasn’t alluring, and redirected to Russell Westbrook’s Oklahoma City team and look at how that panned out. The best example Portland can take note from is Golden State. For years, they were terrible, but Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, are all draftees. They improved and finally lured Kevin Durant. Let’s try that formula. Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu
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NEWS
The Western Journal Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Photos by PAUL F. DAVIS
Fostering support, progress and hope Campus initiative educates about foster students for Foster Care Awareness Month By Sam Dunaway | News Editor
Dr. Emily Plec helped launch the WOU Fostering Success Initiative in 2015
Teal blue ribbons adorn the trees around Western’s campus, bringing to light a community that is often overlooked: foster students. The WOU Fostering Success initiative is hosting Foster Care Awareness Month throughout May to help inform the campus community about foster students and provide support for individuals that have been a part of the foster care system. Senior Sean Stephen is a foster youth peer mentor with WOU Fostering Success. With a personal history in the foster care system, Stephen strives to reach out to prospective Western foster students and ensure that current students have the resources they need to be successful. “Coming from a foster care system into college is a pretty big transition for most students, and for foster care students it’s a really big transition because a lot of foster care children don’t have the support that they need,” explained Stephen. “That’s one area that I want to be there for them where they have, if they need it, support and advocate to what they need to help them be successful.” The initiative was established in 2015 by Dr. Emily Plec, a professor of communication studies. She was impacted by students at Western that had experienced the foster care system and felt that there was more she could
do to support them. Teaming up with “It’s just a whole day to meet a representative from Polk Youth students who are making the dream Services and the previously established of college happen,” Plec expressed. Wolves Fostering Hope club, Plec And, for the first time ever, graduating introduced one of the first initiatives to foster students will be presented with provide resources for foster students on graduation honor cords during the campus, help them navigate financial luncheon. Stephen, who is involved in aid and give general support that they the Wolves Fostering Success club that may not get from other people in their made this possible, believes this is a big lives. achievement for foster students. “We tend to assume that everybody’s Stephen explained the difficulties got a family,” Plec acknowledged, that he faced coming to Western as a whether that’s someone to provide transfer student from the foster care emotional support, financial stability system and not knowing anyone in or just a place to stay during holidays. the school. He encourages everyone “There was a group of students that to reach out to people that may need a that just wasn’t the case for.” hand. Help with advising, learning about “If you see somebody and you federal financial aid benefits and even know that they might be struggling, putting together finals week survival just reach out and say ‘hey, how are kits can enhance a foster student’s life you?’” Stephen suggested. “Don’t let at Western. Plec commented that the somebody slip into the cracks.” initiative is “just trying to do the things To learn more about the WOU that families do that are the intangible Fostering Success initiative and Foster parts of just getting you through.” Care Awareness Month, visit wou.edu/ WOU Fostering Success planned foster. several events during May for Foster Care Awareness Month including Contact the author at journalnews@ a socks and shoes drive for foster wou.edu youth in the community, educational tabling and a duffle bag and suitcase collection, as part of the No More Trash Bags movement. “In the foster care system, usually when you’re being transitioned from home to home, all you have is a black trash bag full of your stuff,” Stephen explained. “We’re trying to give foster kids backpacks and luggage and suitcases and duffle bags so they don’t have to be carrying around a black trash bag because that’s really dehumanizing.” One of the most recent accomplishments of the initiative is creating a Preview Day focused on high school foster youth in Oregon. The event on May 25 is open to all foster youth interested in attending Western and includes a campus tour, assistance from the Student Success and Advising Office on transfer articulations and a luncheon featuring a panel of foster students sharing their experiences at Western. Foster mentor Sean Stephen strives to help foster care
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students overcome struggles and obstacles at Western
NEWS
The Western Journal Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Latino culture takes the spotlight at Western
The sound of Latin music and the smell of tacos filled the air outside of the Werner University Center on May 18. Multicultural Student Union’s annual event, Nuestra Fiesta Latina, encouraged students and community members to come together and experience Latino culture with a variety events and activities throughout the week. The union’s collaboration with several organizations around campus transformed the typical day-long event into a week-long celebration. The week’s events kicked off with dance lessons instructed by members of the Omega Delta Phi fraternity, a Lip Sync Battle hosted by the Kappa Delta Chi sorority and stand-up comedian Jesus Trejo was sponsored by the Student Activities Board for a Thursday night of laughter. Friday brought the traditional Nuestra Fiesta Latina day event with food, music, piñatas and a jalepeñoeating contest on the WUC plaza. The celebration continued during Freebie Friday with Lotería — a traditional Latino game similar to bingo — and pan dulce. The evening brought dinner and entertainment by Karol Posadas, a tribute artist that portrays the popular Mexican-American artist, Selena. Sophomore early childhood
Annual Nuestra Fiesta Latina recognizes and celebrates Latino culture By Sam Dunaway | News Editor
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Photo and cover photo by PAUL F. DAVIS
education major Blanca MirandaAguilar worked behind the scenes to plan for Nuestra Fiesta Latina as MSU’s Public Relations officer. Miranda-Aguilar experienced the festivities of Nuestra Fiesta Latina in 2017 and was eager to step up as cocoordinator this spring. Miranda-Aguilar noted that MSU strives to represent various cultures with annual events such as Women of Culture, Out and Proud, Dia de los Muertos and the Pow Wow. “It’s just a way to show respect toward that culture,” said MirandaAguilar. She explained that many people view cultures through a stereotypical lens, and events like Nuestra Fiesta Latina aim to break those stereotypes and educate the community about a diverse array of cultures. As a part of the Latino culture herself, Miranda-Aguilar is excited to have an event like this on campus. “We’re being seen and recognized,” she expressed. Miranda-Aguilar encourages everyone to venture out of their comfort zone and explore all the events and activities planned by MSU. Contact the author at journalnews@ wou.edu
Mariachi band performs at the Nuestra Fiesta Latina day event
Encouraging unity, celebrating diversity
Diversity Week highlights various backgrounds and identities at Western
By Sam Dunaway | News Editor “Diversity” is a term that covers a broad range of topics including race, gender, ethnicity, age, religion, socioeconomic status and other components of a person’s identity. ASWOU aimed to educate the Western community on these topics during Diversity Week.
“I think a lot of people get divisive on things that involve politics, race, class — those are all big issues,” said ASWOU Director of Equity Natalie Dean. “But I think people get really hung up on the things that divide us, and I think that this was just to highlight the ways that we are all together. And not to ignore those differences, but rather to address them and recognize that they do happen.” The week-long event, spanning from May 14-18, was hosted by ASWOU and involved several student-led organizations on campus, including: Unidos, Student Veterans of America and the D.R.E.A.M. club. Each club provided their own unique perspective and informed Western students about different aspects of diversity. Unidos and MEChA teamed up to host a film screening of the movie “Food Chains” which discussed the working conditions of migrant
farmworkers in Florida, the D.R.E.A.M. club presented information about the disabled community and accessibility on Western’s campus and the Student Veterans of America organized an open house in the Veterans Resource Center that encouraged students to learn about the various branches of the military. ASWOU worked with the Oregon Student Association to provide workshops centered around diversity including Intro to Queer and Trans Justice, Intro to Disability Justice and Understanding Your Privilege. Western’s Food Pantry hosted a cooking tutorial, led by former Foodservice Director Karen Nelles. The presentation demonstrated basic baking and knife skills as well as nutritional meals to make in a mason jar. Additionally, senior community health major Paula Waldron discussed topics of food insecurity and socioeconomic
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status to tie the event back to Diversity Week. “Food insecurity affects millions of people in the United States — with college students being no exception,” Waldron explained. “Addressing food insecurity is important because hunger has the ability to negatively impact other areas in life and, as a result, may diminish one’s quality of life.” Dean believes that Diversity Week provides a good opportunity for students to ask questions that they might not otherwise ask and explore the various topics of diversity. “Learning can be scary, especially dealing with topics like this,” said Dean. “People don’t really want to talk about it ... (Diversity Week) is a space that’s inclusive and is open to educating people in a way that’s not demeaning.” Contact the author at journalnews@ wou.edu
Simple instructions for silky smooth skin By Caity Healy Lifestyle Editor For many, using pore strips is a satisfying experience that results in softer and smoother skin. By pulling out the existing oil and dirt from your pores, it can give the illusion that you’re removing the blackheads — this isn’t entirely true. What you’re actually removing is called a keratotic plug; this is comprised of dead skin cells, dirt,
hair and oil. The removal is entirely surface level and the deeper blackhead isn’t entirely removed. Nonetheless, it can still make your skin feel amazing and silky smooth. While it may not be removing the entire blackhead, you’ll still feel that confidence boost that comes with healthier skin. An easy addition to any facemask night, using this DIY pore strip will get you an exceptional result that comes at little cost and is hassle-free. Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu
INSTRUCTIONS:
LIFESTYLE
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin (this can be found at Walmart), 1 tablespoon of any kind of milk and an optional 1 teaspoon of any essential oil. Heat the mixture over a double boiler until it is warm. Using a double boiler helps to make sure it’s not too warm to apply to your face. Wash your face with warm water to open your pores and remove any oil and dirt. Spread this mixture on the areas you deem necessary. For many, target areas are often the bridge of their nose and their chin. Just make sure to avoid the eyes, nostrils and mouth. Allow this to dry for about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how thickness. It’s important that it’s completely dry before removal for optimal results. Once dry, remove the mask starting from the side or the bottom, and slowly pulling it away from your face. Rinse your face with cold water to remove any of the leftover mask and close your pores. Then, finish by applying a fragrance-free moisturizer.
Instructions based on diynatural.com
REPETITION:
NOTE SHARING: Small steps for making study time more efficient By Rebecca Meyers Freelancer Students may have just finished midterms, but finals are fast approaching. The last few weeks of the term can be the most stressful — even more so when feeling underprepared. Having a study system can not only help combat this stress, but also ensure that students don’t sit down to a test and find themselves staring blankly at the first question. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as students countdown to summer break.
For those not feeling confident about the thoroughness of their notes and the lectures aren’t on Moodle: invite other classmates onto a Google Doc so everyone can compile notes. This allows students to go over them when they have time, rather than trying to coordinate a study group. Google Docs allows for comments to be made in the margins, and can be used to ask questions if someone needs clarification on a certain topic. Of course, studying in a group in person works best for some people. However, everyone has different schedules to work with and if meeting before a test is not possible, it’s still an option to help each other out.
Contact the author at rmeyers17@wou.edu
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Repetition works wonders for retaining information. For those who look over notes every day, even if it’s only for five minutes, it will help information stick much better than cramming the night before. For those who find it difficult to read their notes without their mind wandering: try writing the important parts out again, as the act of writing forces the brain to process the information again. This works for memorizing anything: from vocabulary words and definitions, to formulas and equations.
ENVIRONMENT:
Students should be aware of the environment they study in and whether it’s helping or hindering their efforts. When studying at home, sometimes students don’t realize that a cluttered desk is adding to their stress. Those like me probably have trouble keeping everything nice and organized. This means that every so often it’s helpful to make a reminder to do some simple adjustments, even if it’s just tidying up a bit. It will relieve a bit of stress that some students carry without even realizing it.
Photo by PAUL F. DAVIS
All of the necessary ingredients for pore strips can be found for under $5
Photo by PAUL F. DAVIS
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The Western Journal Wednesday, May 23, 2018
LIFESTYLE
The Western Journal Wednesday, May 23, 2018
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Graduating students share the meanings behind their decorated caps
Photo courtesy of SAVANNAH KUMAR
Photo courtesy of VICTORIA EDWARDS
Photo courtesy of JESSICA FREEMAN
By Caity Healy Lifestyle Editor
There are a few reasons why I decorated mine the way I did. First, I have always been fascinated by the human heart, and my career will be based around cardiothoracic surgery — open heart surgery and the chest cavity. Also, while at (Western), it was the first time that I was willing to accept that I have very high anxiety … I learned that mental health is a very real and very important aspect of life. I have spent the last four years accepting that notion and working on finding ways to manage my anxiety as I get closer to adulthood.
WITH
It comes from the show ‘Parks and Recreation.’ It is one of my favorite shows and I feel like the quote is really applicable to anyone who is graduating, myself included. The things that we achieve in life are not only a testament to our own hard work, but also to the people who support us, love us and root for us along the way, and I really wanted to make sure that I highlighted that in my cap.
A quick guide on how to style a cap that stands out from the rest
By Caity Healy Lifestyle Editor
GRAD CAPS When taking the step from being a Western student to a Western graduate, adding flair to a graduation cap to display during commencement can be the ideal way to stick out from the rest of the class. It gives graduating students one last opportunity to showcase who they are, whether it be through humor, a memorable quote or simply a design they think represents them well.
For those considering adding some style to their caps, it’s not too late. Designs can be intricate, simple or anything in between. Here is a quick description on how to form an idea and get going on making yours look distinguished from everyone else’s. Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu
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I chose to decorate my cap with the iconic statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse at Disneyland and one of Walt Disney’s famous quotes. My parents have been bringing me (to) Disneyland since I was a little girl, so it has a special place in my heart. And I find Walt Disney’s story very inspirational, so I thought it would be the perfect representation of myself and my college experience. For some, their caps are a dedication to those who helped them get to this point; for others, it can simply be a statement of pride they have in themselves; and, of course, for some, graduation caps are based on a show, movie, book or other quotable material. To get inspiration on what to base a graduation cap on, students should think of what would best represent them. For those struggling to come up with something, a good idea would be to watch a movie that has meaning for them or to speak with someone of importance to them. The basics for decorating a graduation cap include colored or designed paper and cut out letters. This will ensure that it looks well put together and the letters are evenly sized. Anything beyond that depends on the cap; sparkles, studs or other fun flair are worth looking at to see if it might add to the look. Head to a craft store such as Michael’s or JOANN stores to look at all of the options. It’s important to take time on the project. Keep in mind, this is the cap that will be featured in every graduation photograph; when thinking back to commencement, this will be an image that will reappear. Take the time to fix up the small details, and have fun with it. Ultimately, all that matters is that the one who is wearing it is happy with the final product.
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HUMOR
The Western Journal Wednesday, May 23, 2018
ARIES | 3/21-4/19
TAURUS | 4/20-5/20
GEMINI | 5/21-6/20
Okay, guess who I am: “Ugh, I have soooo much homework. Guess I’ll play video games for 10 straight hours, then be upset 10 hours later when my homework isn’t done. Ugh.” It’s you! Did you get it right?
The stars can’t hear anything but TV static and echoes of a forgotten name. Check back again next week for clarity. Good luck, Taurus.
“Don’t be a goofus, don’t be a goofus, don’t be a goofus!” Wise words from the classic, “The Sandlot.”
CANCER | 6/21-7/22
LEO | 7/23-8/22
VIRGO | 8/23-9/22
DAY AND NIGHT, THE STARS ARE SCREAMING AND YET, YOU ARE DEAF TO THEIR ETERNAL ANGUISH. It will be your downfall.
“Gotta catch them all, gotta catch ‘em, HAVE TO CATCH THEM,” said Ash in his cell years after the accident.
As the end of the term gets closer, remember to do your daily stretches. Stress can definitely manifest itself by making you feel like you’re 80 years old.
LIBRA | 9/23-10/22
SCORPIO | 10/23-11/21
SAGITTARIUS | 11/22-12/21
Embrace the Libra stereotypes this week! While other people may be committing to job offers, let the offers linger — you never know if something better might come along.
Your sign is known for being passionate and assertive — it’s time to focus those energies into your school work. The sooner you get it all done, the sooner you can bask in the glory of summer break.
Remember, Sagittarius, bad things come to those who have loud conversations on the third floor of the library.
CAPRICORN | 12/22-1/19
AQUARIUS | 1/20-2/18
PISCES | 2/19-3/20
Capricorn, it’s probably not the best idea to skip classes for three weeks straight, then schedule a meeting with your professor to talk about grades. The class is at noon; get out of bed.
Does spring term have you in a rut? Drink some water. We hear it’s great for detoxing.
Turn to the tarot this week, Pisces, but be weary of the cups.
wou.edu/westernjournal
Compiled By The Western Journal Staff
EDITORIAL
The Western Journal Wednesday, May 23, 2018
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Professional sports’s best playoffs Why you should be watching this year’s Stanley Cup Finals By Lake Larsen | Digital Media Manager Photo courtesy of NHL.COM
The Golden Knights knocked out the Jets en route to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance
The NFL draft was a few weeks ago, the MLB season just began and the NBA is deep into their playoffs — but there’s one major sport missing from the discussion: hockey. The final three teams left in this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs, the Las Vegas Golden Knights, Washington Capitals and Tampa Bay Lightning, duke it out to hold one of sports’s most historial trophies, the Stanley Cup. While all sports have their fair share of amazing feats of athleticism, hockey takes those highlights to the next level. Of the four major sport leagues in North America, the National Hockey League seems to be forgotten. But, if you’re a true fan of sports, then there is nothing like the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Seemingly every minute of every game is filled with superhuman-like efforts to win or unbelievable underdog stories. And this year’s Stanley Playoff race is no stranger to such events. Here are a few reasons why hockey playoffs make for the best sports playoffs. Whether you watch sports just to pass the time or because you’re a true fan, check out the Stanley Cup Finals. You’re sure to see some history in the making. Contact the author at llarsen13@wou. edu
GIVING EVERYTHING FOR THE NAME ON YOUR SWEATER Hockey, as with all sports, sees many players fall victim to injuries each season. However, the players in the Stanley Cup Playoffs simply don’t hesitate to put their bodies
on the line for their team. Against the advice of doctors, in this year’s playoffs fans saw Sean Couturier of the Philadelphia Flyers suit up for, play in, and score the game
winning goal in game five while skating on an MCL he tore less than a week before.
AN UNDERDOG STORY FOR THE AGES The brand new Las Vegas Golden Knights are the 29th team added to the NHL. They hosted their first game as a franchise mere days after the Las Vegas shooting. The horrific tragedy led the Golden Knights to retire the number 58, in
THE FANS
Every sport has its fair share of crazy fans, but the fans in hockey adhere to some awesome — if rather strange — traditions. This playoff season has seen some of those traditions carry on into the finals, and some are yet to come.
memory of the 58 lives lost in the shooting. As has happened in the wake of many tragedies, a town in pain looked to their hometown team for hope. The Golden Knights set record after record for new franchises as they stormed their
way into the Stanley Cup Playoffs on the backs of players that were picked up after other teams deemed them unworthy of a roster spot.
In Winnipeg, home of the Jets, the fans dress head-to-toe in white for a white-out at every home game. The sea of fans throughout the crowd sends a chill down the spine of the teams entering the frosty Winnipeg stadium. But once the
winner of “Lord Stanley’s Mug” is announced, one of the strangest traditions takes place; each member of the winning team gets to spend one day with the trophy over the summer.
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TAIL-END
Intramural Continued from page 5
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Tournament champions in each sport won a t-shirt. Also winning a t-shirt in corec volleyball was Rough Sets who defeated Dalls Beep, 2-1. The first set was a rotation of games with Dalls Beep winning 25-19. Dalls Beep’s Mia “Felicia” Medina, senior, said their team looked to their strong advantage in communication to help them prevail. It helped them win past matches and the first set, but Rough Sets were also communicative with their rotations. Rough Sets also never lost a match at 7-0, and they kept it that way winning the remaining sets, 25-17 and 15-9. In men’s soccer, We Probably Won’t Win didn’t win as Take the Shot’s protection at the post by goalkeeper Keegan McMurry, senior, and junior striker Hatim Alhamdin’s offensive push helped rally their team for the 5-1 win.
Alhamdin also plays in co-rec soccer where his team, Bella Ciao, outmaneuvered team Chaos, 6-0 on May 15. In the closing minutes of the first half, the team started right in with a goal that screamed past the hands of Chaos’s goalkeeper Peter Puettmann, sophomore. Chaos’s back line could not match up with Bella Ciao’s constant attack for the remainder of the game. Bella Ciao stands at 4-1 and is involved with compact competition. Big Baller FC and Ballkickers are also at 4-1, after having picked up victories on May 15. All three teams will play in the corec championships which concludes on May 24. Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu
Email journaleditor@wou.edu for more information.
Photo by SIMSON GARCIA
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The Western Journal Wednesday, May 23, 2018
applications due May 25
The soccer title is the third for Alhamdin
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