Vol. 18, Issue 24 (May 9, 2018) by The Western Howl

WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018 VOLUME 18 ISSUE 24

to jazz greats

SPORTS

The Western Journal Wednesday, May 9, 2018

THE WESTERN JOURNAL

Photo by SIMSON GARCIA

345 N. Monmouth Ave. Monmouth, OR 97361 Student Media Department TERRY HOUSE NEWSROOM 503-838-8347

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ZOË STRICKLAND

journaleditor@wou.edu

MANAGING EDITOR TBD

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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

journalsports@wou.edu

PHOTO EDITOR PAUL F. DAVIS

journalphoto@wou.edu

DESIGNERS DARIEN CAMPO ELISSA SORENSON

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COPY EDITOR STEPHANIE BLAIR journalcopy@wou.edu

ADVERTISING MANAGER TBD journaladvertising@wou.edu

WEB MANAGER LAKE LARSEN

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DISTRIBUTION MANAGER RUBY ESTRADA SANCHEZ STUDENT MEDIA ADVISER RHYS FINCH finchr@wou.edu 503-838-9697

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 Contact information will not be published unless requested.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.

Western’s new soccer team plays third game Women’s club soccer team loses first game at home, 2-1

By Simson Garcia | Sports Editor

The club added 30 players to the roster this season

For the first time in their history, this year Western’s club sports included a women’s soccer team. The club has played two games in the season, thus far and stand at 0-2. One of those losses is owed to the Portland State Vikings with whom the Wolves played a rematch with on May 5. The team fell just shy of their first win, 2-1. Portland State was balldominant throughout, getting two shots attempted at the goal post in the early 15 minutes of the game. The Vikings controlled the ball for most of the first half. Goalkeeper D-Dré Wright,

Wolves end Nighthawks playoff hopes with split Baseball concludes regular season, heads into playoffs as No. 2 seed

By Simson Garcia Sports Editor

sophomore, mentioned, “It’s nice being able play on a field that we know that we practice on. Nonetheless, that doesn’t really change the game because it all depends on where the ball goes.” Wright made a high leap and grabbing save for one ball that nearly got passed her, but Portland State kept on the attack, eventually getting their second goal in the second half off a high 20-yard chip shot that Wright could not reach. The Vikings’s defense created multiple turnovers, allowing their offense to ramp up their momentum towards the goal. The

visiting team increased control of the soccer ball in the latter half. This kept the Wolves on their heels, having to constantly create line defenses. Western finally got their first goal, with under eight minutes left to play, off a long-range shot that went high and up over Portland’s goalie. Western kicked it into high gear as the clock ticked with only one needed to tie, but time soon ran out. “We’ve definitely gotten way better since our first game,” said sweeper and team captain Haylie Shinsato, junior. “I am proud

of how we’ve been able to come together slowly. We still have kinks to work out but eventually we’ll get to where we need to be.” The Wolves will be at home again on May 20 to defend their turf against the Central Washington Wildcats. The match will be played on the turf field starting at 10 a.m.

After locking the second seed of the GNAC tournament, the playoffs are all but an if for the Wolves baseball team. Another game result in the conference would no longer effect Western’s chances. One team, however, in the Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks were vying to fill the final playoff spot, and looked to get past the Wolves for it on May 3 and 4. Western said otherwise, and split the final four games of the season to stall their

opponents chances: 9-5, 8-10, 7-14, 8-6. Northwest Nazarene were mathematically eliminated once Concordia won their final two games. The Wolves got out right from the bat in game one with a sixhit second inning. In the third inning, junior catcher Jared McDonald added to the offense by batting in senior outfielder Jacob Marinez for an 8-0 lead. Western’s offense was active throughout and totaled up 15

hits on the game, and were left on base 14 times. McDonald accumulated four RBI’s in five at-bats. The same could not be said in the rematch as 11 Wolf players struck out. Five pitchers also struggled especially in the third inning, where the Nighthawks put up an 8-0 thrashing. Western rebounded in the

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Continued on the back

SPORTS

The Western Journal Wednesday, May 9, 2018

What athlete inspires you and why? By Simson Garcia | Sports Editor

Photos by SIMSON GARCIA

Aly Raisman: she’s powerful and inspirational. Photo courtesy of SLCD

Photo courtesy of WOUWOLVES.COM Five players made the all-GNAC team

Simon Fraser eliminates Wolves, 6-3

KAYLA BAKER, JUNIOR BIOLOGY MAJOR CLUB ROCK CLIMBER

My brother: he doesn’t know when to quit, but in a lot of ways I admire that. He always has his team’s back.

MADISON MILLER, SOPHOMORE BUSINESS MAJOR INTRAMURAL SOFTBALL

Shalane Flanagan: she has a really good sports mentality and good character.

TREVOR JULIEN, SOPHOMORE BUSINESS MAJOR INTRAMURAL SOFTBALL

CJ Mccollum: he has a podcast and is real introspective into each sport he talks about.

BRENNAN BUCKLEYNOONAN, SOPHOMORE EXERCISE SCIENCE MAJOR

CROSS COUNTRY AND TRACK

Team tries for a repeat appearance, loses in double elimination playoff

By Simson Garcia Sports Editor Softball season closed for Western on May 5 with a loss to Simon Fraser, 6-3. The loss was their second in the GNAC tournament, after losing first to Northwest Nazarene, 3-0, and technically eliminating the Wolves. However, Western rekindled their championship hopes in the second game by defeating Central Washington, 4-2. The first two-game set was played on May 4, and the Central Washington Wildcats and Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks took to the mound with Western. In the first match up, against the Nighthawks, Western batters faced a premier pitcher in the GNAC; Northwest’s Jordan Adams leads the conference in ERA and struck the Wolves out 13 times. Western found

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success in the first at-bat of the game off first-year outfielder Tyler Creach’s double. Ryanne Huffman, junior infielder, put herself and Creach in scoring position after stealing second, but three consecutive Wolf swing-and-misses afterwards ended the inning. The Wolves never got close to scoring again and the ‘Hawks provided the only three runs in the game by the fourth inning. Facing elimination in the loser’s bracket, and down 0-2 in the second game against Central Washington, Western found life in the sixth inning. Jenna Kelly, junior infielder, doubled two into home. Zoe Clark, senior outfielder, drew in two more scores with her home run for the 4-2 lead and saved their season. The final elimination game pitted Western against Simon Fraser, with the winner advancing to the GNAC ship with Northwest Nazarene. An appearance in the championship would have been a repeat for the Wolves. Deadlocked at 2-2 in the third, Simon Fraser jumped out to a 6-2 lead in fifth. Creach hit a home run in the Continued on the back

NEWS

Photo by PAUL F. DAVIS

The Western Journal Wednesday, May 9, 2018 Traditional African clothing, expressive dance movements and authentic cuisine characterized the African Students and Friends Association’s African Cultural Night on May 2. The evening aimed to educate guests on African culture while celebrating the diversity of the continent. “African tradition is expressed through many different art forms, such as music, dance, art, sculpture and beadwork,” explained dance professor Darryl Thomas. Thomas is co-artistic director of Rainbow Dance Theatre who performed the traditional Mendiani dance at the event. This group was one of many that represented various African cultures through dance. Senior business major Amanda Kiflay performed in several dances throughout the evening. Kiflay is an international student from Sweden whose ethnicity is Eritrean. “As an Eritrean, I can say that dance and music is a big part of our culture, especially during different types of celebrations such as weddings, graduations, church and holidays. It’s a way of celebrating and expressing your emotions,” explained Kiflay. Clothing was another way African culture was expressed at this event. ASFA club member junior Marnasha Fowlkes explained that clothing is specific to the various African regions, and a person could tell where in Africa the garment came from based on its patterns, fabric and style. “What we wear, whether we like it or not, is a reflection and representation of who we are,” Fowlkes commented. “Many African cultures and their

people are proud of who they are and where they come from.” Kiflay added, “It’s a way of expressing the collective shared meanings of that culture. Having something that is different from other cultures helps it to stay alive and passed down to the next generation.” Traditional garments were worn during dances, instrument performances and for the African culture fashion show. While entertaining and highenergy, the African Cultural Night provided an opportunity to educate the community about African culture and its tremendous diversity. “The African continent is one of the most diverse continents in the world and I believe it’s important to share some of the countless numbers of cultures with the students of Western in order to remove some of the stereotypes,” Kiflay expressed. She believes that education is necessary to fight for the rights of marginalized communities and make Western a more inclusive space. Thomas explained that the drum he played during the Mendiani dance is called the “djembe,” meaning “let’s come together (in peace).” “Tonight, at Africa Night, the WOU community ‘came together in peace and harmony’ to celebrate the music, dance, food and art of Africa. In the current political climate, what could be more poignant, what could be more beautiful,” said Thomas.

President. Current Director of State and Federal Affairs Nathan Soltz was elected to serve as ASWOU Senate President, and Logan Doerfler was reelected as Judicial Administrator. Both Jamie Norr and Rowan Hammer were elected Senators — this will be Norr’s second year as part of the branch. At the time of publication, there are pending write-ins for Senate, Judicial Board and Incidental Fee Committee members. There were a total of 511 votes cast, with 10.9 percent of Western’s student body being represented. The new pack of ASWOU leaders have proposed widespread goals, including: reworking the IFC process, encouraging further student involvement, promoting diversity and inclusion on campus and creating an open communication between students

and Western’s administration. Two of Soltz’s goals involve changing the ASWOU governing documents and overhauling the IFC: “Our current Governing Documents are vague,” he said. “I have served, and continue to serve, as the Rules Committee Chair and Parliamentarian for several organizations; I know well what bylaws and governing documents should look like and our current ones check very few of those boxes.” When it comes to the IFC, Soltz plans to mend how the committee operates; “As things are now, the IFC creates its own bylaws and in those bylaws, it dictates to the Senate what the Senate can and cannot do and makes it so that only the IFC can remove one of its members; these are just two of the most egregious parts of the IFC process, in addition to the

IFC being mentioned only in passing by our governing documents without it ever being clearly established.” Senate member Norr stated in her candidacy mission statement that she wants to focus on making Western accepting and receptive to student needs: “I believe that our student government should be an open space where everyone can voice their opinions and have their ideas heard … I hope to assist in creating a safe and accepting school by listening to fellow students, advocating for changes, speaking out against discrimination or notions that may harm students, and working towards a better community.” For more information regarding ASWOU, visit wou.edu/aswou.

African tradition shared with Western community

African Cultural Night celebrated diversity with art, fashion and food

Darryl Thomas plays the drum, one of the most significant instruments in African music, for the Mendiani dance

By Sam Dunaway News Editor

ASWOU elections come to a close

Results in for 2018-2019 elected officials By Zoë Strickland Editor-in-Chief

After a nearly-two-week campaign quest to meet the mandated 10 percent student voting quota, the 2018-2019 Associated Students of Western Oregon University leaders were announced on May 4. Evelyn Guzman, who currently serves as ASWOU Vice President, was elected to the position of President for 2018-2019, while Erik Morgan Jr. was elected to fill Guzman’s seat as Vice

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Contact the author at journalnews@ wou.edu

Contact the author at journaleditor@ wou.edu

NEWS

The Western Journal Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Photo by PAUL F. DAVIS

D.R.E.A.M. club supports students with disabilities

New club discusses disabilities, accessibility on campus

By Sam Dunaway News Editor

The D.R.E.A.M. Club meets every Monday at 6 p.m. in the Calapooia room

A new organization joined Western’s campus in April; D.R.E.A.M., which stands for “Disability, Rights, Empowerment, Awareness and Mentoring,” is a club that aims to provide a judgement-free zone for Western students, faculty and staff to talk about disabilities and the challenges that individuals with disabilities may face at Western. “It’s kind of a place for us to talk about our lives but then also find ways to change the campus and change people’s perspectives,” explained D.R.E.A.M. club founder and sophomore Frankie Holborn. Holborn participated in a discussion panel for Western Accessibility Awareness

Month where individuals talked about their experiences with a disability. She realized that many students with disabilities were facing similar challenges and took it upon herself to create a way for these students to help one another. “For a lot of disabled people, it’s very hard to want to come out and ask for help, and want to join clubs like this,” said Holborn. While the club is still new, they hope to do big things at Western. Club leader and sophomore early childhood education major Faith Van Putten aspires to help future educators learn about disabilities in the classroom. “I want to focus on the teaching

aspect of it and do the parts with the future teachers and getting them more educated on disabilities,” said Van Putten. She claimed that Western’s education program does not teach extensively about working with students with disabilities, explaining, “There’s so many different (disabilities) and no two people with the same disability are alike and their accommodations are never the same. So, I want to focus on that.” To erase the stigma around disabilities, Holborn invites everyone to attend club meetings and ask questions. “We want people to talk to us about it,” Holborn expressed. She hopes that

both students and professors take the time to learn more about disabilities and ways to make Western more accessible for individuals with disabilities. “If you don’t know if you want to identify with the community or if you don’t know if this club is right for you, I’d say come. We’re very open-minded. We want to talk with you. We are a judgement-free zone,” encouraged Holborn. “Anyone is welcome.” To learn more about Western’s D.R.E.A.M. club, visit OrgSync or attend a club meeting Mondays at 6 p.m. in the Calapooia room. Contact the author at journalnews@ wou.edu Date: May 4, 2018 Time: 10:06 p.m. Incident: Near campus, Campus Public Safety was notified of a non-injury motor vehicle accident.

Date: May 2, 2018 Time: 10:43 p.m. Incident: Campus Public Safety was contacted about a medical situation in Heritage Hall.

Date: May 5, 2018 Time: 10:17 p.m. Incident: A marijuana violation in Heritage Hall prompted a response from Campus Public Safety.

Date: May 3, 2018 Time: 4:00 p.m. Incident: A theft was brought to the attention of Campus Public Safety at Hamersly Library.

Date: May 6, 2018 Time: 10:09 p.m. Incident: Campus Public Safety was contacted about a mental health concern in Heritage Hall.

Date: May 3, 2018 Time: 8:19 p.m. Incident: Campus Public Safety provided medical assistance at the Public Safety office.

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ENTERTAINMENT

The Western Journal Wednesday, May 9, 2018

music from the

Photo and cover photo by PAUL F. DAVIS

The violinist’s set consisted of music from the ‘20s and ‘30s

Heartstrings

Emmaly Basaraba shares her lifelong love of jazz violin

Basaraba’s brother Wyatt played guitar for the performance

By Zoë Strickland Editor-in-Chief

Emmaly Basaraba was three-yearsold when she discovered that she wanted to learn how to play the violin; “I remember going to the living room and on TV there was a man playing violin and I was like ‘I want to do that.’” Five years later, her parents offered to get her lessons. On May 3, the Bachelor of Music major walked on to the Smith Hall stage to perform her junior music recital. The recital, titled “Ain’t Misbehavin’” after one of the songs that Basaraba performed, featured jazz music from the ‘20s and ‘30s. Music students Noah Adams and Justin Kayler accompanied Basaraba on the drums and bass, respectively. Her brother, Wyatt Basaraba, played both the guitar and tenor banjo. Between songs, Basaraba pointed out that certain selections — namely, “Georgia on My Mind” and “Ain’t

Misbehavin’” — were chosen because the biggest musical inspirations in of her association between the songs Basabara’s life. In addition to him, she and her late music teacher, Gene Hall. also finds inspiration from her current She chose the title of her show music teacher: “Christopher Woitach because of how it represented the era — he’s really inspired me too,” she said. of music she was focusing on in the set, “Then there’s like greats like Stephane as well as her memory of Hall playing Grappelli and Joe Venuti.” it; “I felt it captured the essence of the When she isn’t playing music, time period that I was going for — jazz Basaraba works on campus at the music from the ‘20s and ‘30s … I have Wolfstore, watches “The Office” and a lot of fond memories of Gene playing looks after her two guinea pigs — it with his granddaughter, because she Wilbur and Orville. But music remains would sing it while he would play it. I her primary passion. thought it just captured the essence of “Music is my hobby and the thing the era.” I study and the thing I love to do,” A Polk County local, Basaraba was Basaraba said. “It’s hard to think of raised in Dallas, where she and her other things I love as much as music — brother were homeschooled. both listening and playing.” Music is more than just a degree or The recital ended with “Five Foot a pastime for the violinist. Rather, it’s Two” by Ray Henderson. As the lights part of her identity. came up, Basaraba’s brother got up and “Music is kind of the central part of gave his sister a hug. who I am as a person … I love doing a It’s clear that Basaraba’s own lot of different things for fun but music experience as a music student has is my escape,” she said. “Whether it’s made a lasting impact. listening to or playing music, it’s what I “My dream would be to have a do to feel whole and to express myself.” private studio to teach out of. I love For Basaraba, this love of music teaching private lessons, I have a few comes from Hall. The instructor taught students right now,” she commented. both her and her brother music from “To be honest, I don’t have a set plan the time she was eight until he passed of what I want to do, but I’m very open away when she was sixteen. to whatever comes my way. I’m excited “It’s hard to find a starting point. He for what the future has.” was my teacher, but he was a lot more than that. He was kind of a grandpa Contact the author at journaleditor@ figure to me,” she said. “Not only was wou.edu I learning how to play music from him … but Emmaly Basaraba has been playing the violin since she was eight he would be interested in what was going on in our lives … he was the person who really impacted me and kind of instilled music into my soul … it’s Gene’s fault that music is what I live and breathe.” “When I’m performing especially, that’s where I feel the most open with my music. I’ve been performing for a long time … I don’t really get stage fright,” Basaraba’s love of performing stems, in part, from Hall as well — he would invite her and her brother to play gigs with him. “I really feed off of being in front of a crowd and showing them what I’ve got,” Basaraba noted. Hall is one of the

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ENTERTAINMENT

Campus pianists take the stage

Western music students, professors gather to perform music

By Zoë Strickland | Editor-in-Chief The sound of music filled Smith Hall as music students and professors alike played through piano performances. On May 2, “An Elegant Evening of Piano Music” was held as part of the 2017-2018 Smith Concert Series. The two-hour event consisted of pianists playing the compositions of Chopin, Rachmaninoff and Debussy, among others. Professors Diane Baxter and Jackie Morelli opened the evening by performing “Celebration” by Rollin. The duo played two other songs throughout the night; “Fantasy

The Western Journal Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Op. 5 ‘Larmes’” by Rachmaninoff was also played in the first half of the night, while “Jubilation” by Vandall opened the show after intermission. Junior music major Levi Polasek played two songs in the latter half of the evening. The first performed was a short, lively piece by Kapustin, titled “Prelude Op. 53 No. 17” and the second was “Nocturne Op. 27 No. 2” by Chopin. “The great part about performing is audience reaction, which honors both the performer and the composer,” said Polasek. “My favorites are the beautiful and timeless piano compositions from Liszt, Beethoven, Prokofiev and Chopin.” Senior Bachelor of Music major Jessica McCutchen enjoys performances like these because of the moment after she reaches the end of a song; “There’s this moment of silence afterwards before people clap, and it’s when you exhale all the air you’ve been

Jessica McCutchen performed “Antumbra,” an original compostion

building up the entire Photos by ZOË STRICKLAND time you’ve been playing — it’s the most relaxing moment.” Also included in the setlist were performances by Leo McLean, a sophomore from Sprague High School in Salem, Oregon and Li Jing, a visiting scholar from Guangxi Arts University in China. McLean performed Chopin’s “G minor Ballade Op. 23” while Jing played Liszt’s “Harmonies du Soir.” The evening of Lingyu Zhu performed Chopin’s “Nocturne Op. 9 No. 1” piano music ended with the only appearance at McCutchen’s senior composition of the night, “Antumbra,” recital on June 1. which was composed and played by Other student performers for the McCutchen. night included seniors Xia Yun and “(Antumbra) came from a place of Xudong Yang, first year masters transition in my life … I went through students Julia Harrington and Yuzhou this huge writing block and I couldn’t Huang and second year masters write any music for two months, student Lingyu Zhu. anything substantial,” said McCutchen. The next performances hosted by the “So I went back to my old approach music program include the joint junior of writing music, which is just sitting recital of Cole Johnston, Jacob Marsh down at the piano and playing until and Keagan Wall on May 9, and the I figure out what I like … it’s not an junior recital of Adam Hyland on May effective use of time, but it really 17. Both events are at 7:30 p.m. changed how I write music now. It got me back on track.” Contact the author at journaleditor@ “Antumbra” will be making an wou.edu.

Review: “Can’t Wake Up” Shakey Graves’s newest album embraces the darkness, reworks old sound

Graves’s newest album was released on May 4

By Zoë Strickland | Editor-in-Chief

Photo courtesy of SHAKEYGRAVES.BANDCAMP.COM

Alejandro Rose-Garcia, also known as Shakey Graves, announced his fifth album with a warning: that fans should prepare to sell their suspenders. While Graves set out to release “Can’t Wake Up” as a departure from his previous albums, the record houses the same down-home feel that can be found in his earlier work, with a touch more gloom and a little less fingerpicking. I was introduced to Graves’s music through an episode of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts. The concert emphasized the sort of music that the artist is famous for — a combination of folk and blues, with a touch of rock n’ roll rolled in — the same kind of music that he’s trying to take a departure from in “Can’t

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Wake Up.” In “Can’t Wake Up,” Graves has set up a world of mystery, reminiscence and surreal situations. His lyrics are self-analyzing, dark and dreamy, while the music itself is somewhat psychedelic and layered — these things work together to create an audio representation of the world depicted on the cover of the record. Though the album’s core still houses the warm vocals and strands of guitar-heavy backing that punctuates his previous four albums, Graves has shifted his sound to being more pop- and rock-heavy. Rather than embracing a low-budget, found-onthe-street sound, “Can’t Wake Up” is noticeably different when it comes to production. Each track has a larger and more robust presence. “Counting Sheep” is possibly the catchiest song on the record. It was one of the first singles released and

Continued on the back

LIFESTYLE

Understanding the Deaf community to increase cultural awareness By Caity Healy Lifestyle Editor Western offers an award-winning English/ASL Interpreting program, has several Deaf teachers and an ASL club — yet, for many, the concept of Deaf culture or the Deaf community is one that is unheard of. For those who haven’t taken any ASL courses, the idea of it contrasting at all from what hearing people grew up around is often not understood. So, what does it mean to be a part of the Deaf community? To get a grasp of what this term truly means, I had a conversation with Professor Kara Gournaris, an instructor of ASL and American Sign Language Studies coordinator. It comes down to the concept of capital “D” versus lowercase “d”. “Capital D means to be heavily involved in Deaf culture, to use strong ASL and to live in the Deaf world everyday,” commented Gournaris. To look at your Deafness and be proud, to get involved with the several Deaf events and to be immersed in this world gives you the title Deaf, with a capital D. Lowercase d, on the other hand, is the opposite. “Small d means you possibly can speak, you might have a hearing aid or you aren’t involved in the Deaf world — more so just the hearing world,” Gournaris added. But, Gournaris added that, ultimately, “the Deaf community varies across America. Some are strong Deaf, some aren’t, and some travel between the Deaf and hearing world.” The hearing and Deaf world differ in many ways. What is acceptable in one culture might not be in the other. For instance, in the Deaf world, “the Deaf are more open and blunt. We cherish communication and connection more,

whereas in the hearing world there’s a lot more privacy. The Deaf are close and share everything. We cherish each other,” Gournaris explained. It’s simply a part of the culture to be straightforward and get straight to the point. There are many other ways the two worlds differ. Take, for example, the setup of an ASL classroom; the chairs and tables are arranged around the room, rather than in rows. This is essential, as in the Deaf world, maintaining eye contact is necessary to

still “is now very small,” Gournaris mentioned. “Awhile ago, we had a large number of Deaf students. Now, overtime that number has slowly diminished. We aren’t sure why,” Gournaris mentioned. She explained that in order for the Deaf community to fully develop, more Deaf people need to be welcomed to Western. An example of what the Deaf community does look like can be seen through Western’s ASL Club. This spring, club meetings are held

Photo by CAITY HEALY

The Western Journal Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Kara Gournaris has been teaching at Western since 2009

communicate. To break eye contact in the Deaf world would be the equivalent as covering your ears while someone is talking in the hearing world — it’s a sign of disrespect. The arrangement also makes it so that it’s easier to see and read someone’s signs; in rows, this can be fairly difficult. While there are several Deaf teachers at Western, the Deaf community

every Monday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in RWEC 106. There, participants get to see Deaf culture firsthand, with a mixture of Deaf and hearing people coming together to play games, have conversations and just interact. Led by students, but with involvement from all over, you’ll develop your ASL competency in a fun and interactive way.

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Those who identify as “capital ‘D’ Deaf ” have certain viewpoints that they continue to stand by and want people to understand about how they should be viewed. “Deaf people are not disabled. We’re not. We’re bilingual, we’re bicultural. We travel between Deaf and hearing worlds, between ASL and English. We are not disabled,” Gournaris defended, because the term “disabled” insinuates that they are unable to do something. Gournaris wants people to understand that this is false. They don’t want to be viewed as being unable to do something, when in reality, the only thing that Deaf/deaf people cannot do is hear. For those interested in learning more about the Deaf community, on top of gong to ASL club, Western has many opportunities. For those who don’t know any ASL, they’re welcome to begin with ASL 1 and work their way through the nine-part series. However, many classes that are offered also have interpreters, so anyone of any skill level can elect to take them. “There are three important classes I’d recommend that anyone can take,” Gournaris mentioned. “In Deaf History, you understand our background and why the Deaf community exists. You’ll become a better ally and supporter. In Deaf Culture, you’ll understand how to become more sensitive to our community, more of a supporter and how to better communicate. And finally, in VGC, Visual Gestural Communication, you learn how to better communicate not only with ASL but be more comfortable using your body and communicating with other people around the country.” For those interested in learning more, Gournaris urges you to continue expanding your knowledge on the community and becoming involved. With such a small community, it can be difficult to get support. However, she notes that “Deaf people need (hearing allies) to join in. Your support as an ally can help our community progress...to make our community more noticed and help build it up.” At Western, a school where one is likely to run into someone using ASL frequently, understanding the basics of what the Deaf community looks like can be beneficial; it leads to a greater respect for others and greater cultural awareness. With many options for getting involved, becoming more knowledgeable on the Deaf community at Western is at the fingertips of anyone interested. Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

LIFESTYLE

The Western Journal Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Photo by CAITY HEALY

New restaurant offers vintage atmosphere and appetizing dishes

While the Monmouth area offers restaurants serving a number of different dishes and kinds of foods, one thing it lacked was a simple, classic diner that doesn’t feel like fast-food.

By Caity Healy Lifestyle Editor

By Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

Recently, that has changed. Sitting on 286 Main St. in Independence, is a new petite eatery: Breakfast & Burgers. With old electric guitars hung on the walls, vintage portraits of rock ‘n’ roll greats posted around the restaurant and cozy booths to lounge in and chat with friends, the only thing that kept this from being the perfect ‘50s style diner was the lack of any music to hum along to. I started my meal with an appetizer of hot wings. Not too long after ordering, a plate of hot, crispy wings were delivered. They were cooked perfectly and it was hard to resist getting entirely filled up on those before my actual meal came. As for the entrees, I ordered the avocado burger with hand-cut fries and a blackberry milkshake. My boyfriend, trying to decide between getting breakfast or lunch, decided to order the bacon and egg burger with regular fries. Fairly quickly, two heaping plates were brought over to our table. As for the burgers, the patty itself wasn’t anything too special; we weren’t asked how we’d like our burgers done and they seemed like they were just plain burgers. However, they didn’t hold back on the toppings which definitely

added a lot. All of the produce on the avocado burger seemed fresh which made every bite enjoyable. On the bacon and egg burger, the bacon was cooked just right and the egg made for a messy, yet delicious, meal. Personally, I enjoyed the handcut fries more than the regular. They were thick, seasoned well and tasted different than the fries I was used to. My only complaint is that they probably could’ve been cooked a little bit longer to make them slightly more crispy. The milkshake was the perfect addition to this meal. Sipping on that while enjoying every bite of my food helped complete that flawless diner meal — full of classic favorites, yet distinct from any basic diner I had been to before. My experience at Breakfast & Burgers was a satisfying one; the service was friendly and fast, the food was enjoyable and the location was full of throwback fun. For anyone in the Monmouth area missing the feel of a simple diner, head to Independence for a dining experience that won’t disappoint. Contact the author at chealy16@wou. edu

What is your advice to students for midterms? Most of the learning comes before the test. If you try to cram it all in midterms, you’re going to have a hard time.

Don’t panic. Study hard and make sure you prepare yourself and always try to go into that classroom with a positive mindset.

AMBER MOORE,

NEFF ALMANSOUR, FIRST-YEAR INFORMATION SYSTEMS MAJOR

Work hard and prepare yourself, and everything will be okay. As long as you prepare yourself, you will be fine.

FIRST-YEAR EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT MAJOR

JOSE LUIS ARREOLA, JUNIOR BUSINESS MAJOR Photo by PAUL F. DAVIS

Studying is important, but sleep is too. Remember the three S’s: support, sleep and study.

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TIFFANIE WIKOFF,

SENIOR INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES MAJOR

Photos by CAITY HEALY

HUMOR

The Western Journal Wednesday, May 9, 2018

ARIES | 3/21-4/19

TAURUS | 4/20-5/20

GEMINI | 5/21-6/20

Look, you can speak in movie quotes all you want, but you can’t be upset when nobody understands your obscure reference to the deleted scenes from some random ‘90s sequel.

Hey, Taurus, sleep deprivation isn’t exactly a smart plan for this week. Try and prioritize a normal bedtime, no matter how much The Sims calls your name.

This star’s already burned out from midterms. No worries, Gem. I’ll return as a supernova in week eight. We got this.

CANCER | 6/21-7/22

LEO | 7/23-8/22

VIRGO | 8/23-9/22

Today the stars are recommending that you… DUCK! Right now!

If worse comes to worst, Leo, you can just be smothered by puppies ‘til you die. Seriously, go check out smotheredbypuppies.com.

As the funds in your account start to dwindle, just remember that there are people who actually enjoy flat soda — drinking it to save money is totally fine.

LIBRA | 9/23-10/22

SCORPIO | 10/23-11/21

SAGITTARIUS | 11/22-12/21

As summer begins to loom, think about going through your phone contacts and getting rid of people. That one person from first-year history class? You probably don’t need their number.

Might be time to get on that spring cleaning, Scorpio. It’s either now or when you have to move, and you already know that you’re going to need as much study time as you can get in June.

It’s time to spruce up your resume, Sagittarius. And, even though it’s accurate, make sure to leave “power napping” and “stress crying” off of your skills list.

CAPRICORN | 12/22-1/19

AQUARIUS | 1/20-2/18

PISCES | 2/19-3/20

No Capricorn, you did not turn that online essay in early. Four minutes and 34 seconds before it’s due does not count as early.

Graduation announcements can be a representation of who you are. However, the stars advise against sending out announcements on Post-It notes — regardless of how much you love office supplies.

You know your music streaming website loves you when it starts to only play songs from your childhood — that’s also a sign that the AI knows too much.

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Compiled By The Western Journal Staff

EDITORIAL

For some communities, ignoring the upcoming election is not an option By Sam Dunaway News Editor A few weeks ago, I was driving around with my boyfriend and began thinking about the upcoming midterm elections. “Have you registered to vote?” I asked him. He didn’t respond. I asked, “Did you update your current address online?” He replied with a small shrug. “Are you voting at all?” I inquired. “I’m just not interested in politics,” he replied. And we left it at that. If you’re curious, my boyfriend is a white, cis-gender, middle-class male — one of the most privileged groups out

The Western Journal Wednesday, May 9, 2018

there. So, it’s no surprise that he can turn a blind eye to politics because he’s “not interested” or

in since they were children. Politics govern whether or not they can get married, own a

politics taking away our rights. So, if you’re a person who is generally not affected by federal

Some individuals don’t get the choice to ignore politics doesn’t “get into politics.” But, for some people, politics aren’t something that they can brush aside and choose not to participate in. For many, if not all, minority groups, politics govern their lives and well-being. Politics determine whether or not they have to stand in front of a capitol building and ask to stay in a country that they’ve lived

home or get a job, based solely on their sexual preference or gender identity. Politics can dictate if a person’s religion will ban them from their home country and label them as a terrorist. Some individuals don’t get the choice to ignore politics. It’s easy as a white male — or even for me, as a white female — to not have to worry about

and local policies, why should you care about politics? It’s the same reason that men stand alongside women during the Women’s March, why I witnessed a room nearly full of white, older adults demanding support for DACA recipients at a town hall with Ron Wyden and why individuals living 2,000 miles away showed solidarity for members of the Standing

graduates will be far better off than I am and get out earlier. Or, at least, they would, if the minimum credit requirement Minors are now optional, but credit requirements still block path to a timely graduation hadn’t remained the same. It’s true that my minor plan The adults in my life have almost my entire life — and so, was a mess and I would have always been surprised by finding something else that I By Stephanie Blair this requirement. And for wanted to put my tuition and benefitted from not being Copy Editor good reason: it’s a ridiculous time into almost as much was required to complete one, On March 29, Western’s requirement. a struggle. I ultimately ended but it’s also true that I needed Registrar announced the Had it not been required up enrolling for a humanities every credit I took along the Faculty Senate’s decision: it was when I started here, I would minor, because it has no real way to graduate. With all of voted that Western Oregon have avoided taking 16 credits structure and made the most of my wandering through the will no longer require students that I didn’t need — a full my random grab bag of upper course catalog, I’m graduating to graduate with a minor. after attending for four years term’s worth, for many — divisions. Western was the last public simply because I kept trying In fact, with no minor — 12 terms — and taking university to require a minor, to force myself into a minor required, I could have 187 credits. That number is, and was in the minority of that fit. I love my major — it’s graduated two or three terms as I’ve been informed by past universities in the nation. what I’ve wanted to pursue for earlier than I am. And so, future graduates, current classmates

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Rock Indian Reservation — to look past your privilege and stand up for those that need it. That support begins with the candidates you choose to represent you and your community. It’s one thing to be slightly uncomfortable when the name “Trump” comes up at family dinners, but if you’re actively not voting because the outcome of the election wouldn’t affect you, you’re turning away from the minorities in your community that are fighting for their lives because of politics. It’s a choice not to vote, and not voting is relying on your privilege to protect you. I just hope you consider the people around you who don’t have that luxury. Contact the author sedunaway13@wou.edu

and professors, extremely low for a Western student. All of this to say: dropping the minor requirement is a start, but Western’s graduation requirements need an overhaul. If Western wants what’s best for it’s students, rather than what will make them the most money, they need to stop telling students that it’s “perfectly normal” to take five years to graduate and start examining why students are getting trapped for an extra year. Contact the author at sblair13@ wou.edu

TAIL-END

The Western Journal Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Baseball

Continued from page 2 early part of the third go-round, going up five to nothing by the third inning. Back-to-back homers from infielders Nyles Nygaard, senior, and Connor McCord, sophomore, were the catalyst in the start. Nazarene’s batters, however, produced a 13-1 run. In all, seven Nighthawks had at least one RBI. The conclusion of the series ended in Western’s favor and with a familiar face; Nygaard and McDonald helped

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applications due May 18

Softball

Continued from page 3 sixth: her first collegiate homer, but the last for the Wolves. Western finished the season out with a 28-25 record. With only two seniors leaving, the experience next season may be a huge asset, especially with the return of Creach and Huffman, two players that were top ten in hits and stolen bases in the GNAC. “During this last off season I worked

Shakey Graves Continued from page 7

Job descriptions and applications are available on the Student Media OrgSync portal: https://orgsync.com/104229/ Any Western student with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 who will be enrolled for the 2018-19 academic year may apply.

provides a dose of shock regarding what the album will be like. The track marries the sound that Graves is pushing away from with the one he’s embracing. Rather than focusing on a solo voice, the song employs the use of Graves’s own different pitch backing vocals to fully immerse listeners in the hazy world that’s being created. I challenge you not to sing it at the top of your lungs. The album then shifts into the ultimate summer dance anthem; “Kids These Days” is an indie-sounding bop that spends time reminiscing about the feeling of indestructible youth. Though many of the tracks are powerhouse anthems, “Climb on the

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open the first three innings by going up 4-2, but it was first-year designated hitter Spencer Bennion who got the game winning nod after singling in McDonald in the eighth. For Bennion, this comes off after having hit three walk-offs in less than a month. With all seeds set, the Wolves get Central Washington in the first round of the double elimination 2018 GNAC championships. First pitch is at 11:30 a.m. GNAC playoffs will be hosted by Central in Ellensburg, Washington. Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu

on getting faster and will continue to do that during this off season,” said Huffman. Creach felt that her first homer culminated from her constant work ethic that she worked on all season and hopes to keep developing her hitting and speed. “I think that for next season it’ll be important to utilize more of my short game ability,” said Creach. “My speed is such a huge asset, so I’m looking forward to improving that area for next year.” Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu

Cross,” “Neighbor” and “Mansion Door” show a slower side of the album; while the starting tracks are bellowing, the slower songs work to combat some of the more high-energy pieces and bring both the album and the listener back into the the dreamscape. Though Graves billed “Can’t Wake Up” as a great departure from his earlier music, the album still feels like Shakey Graves — it still feels like the warm country-folk songs that he’s been playing since his first album. Simply put, “Can’t Wake Up” is a great album. Though die-hard fans of Graves’s older work may be discouraged, this album is worth the listen. It embraces a lot of what’s currently being done in popular music, but the record retains a sense of originality. Contact the author at journaleditor@ wou.edu.