EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JaymeThompson MANAGINGEDITOR
EdenConrad
DESIGNERS
Eden Conrad
Bulat Ochirov
Jayme Thompson
WRITERS
Mia Anthony
Jeremy Ford
Lexi Hittle
Stuti Khadka
Reid McEvoy
Ethan Matthias
Miles Moore
Jami Morain
Jaycie Regnier
Paris Taylor
Jayme Thompson
COPYEDITORS
Morgan Albrecht
Jeremy Ford
Stuti Khadka
Jayme Thompson
ILLUSTRATORS
Eden Conrad Stuti Khadka
Jayme Thompson
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Eden Conrad
Bulat Ochirov
Jayme Thompson
ADVERTISING
Mia Anthony
FACULTYADVISER
Regina Cassell
This magazine issue's cover is a photo of a child holding up a sign that reads "STOP THE VIOLENCE." This photograph was taken during a protest for domestic violence awareness through Topeka's Young Women's Christians Association. While the photo was taken in efforts to stop domestic violence, it also correlates with many ongoing issues in the world.
COVER PHOTO BY BULAT OCHIROV
Your voice matters.
This issue of Indigo Magazine has the theme of expression and empowerment. Through this magazine, I wanted to showcase important topics and bring forward advocacy for marginalized and suppressed groups.
As journalists, we do our best to get information and truth so that our audience is updated on what is happening across campus. As Student Media, we are a voice for Washburn. It’s important to get the Washburn community's voice across, and many don’t realize the weight that it holds. Journalists have the responsibility to tell stories, whether that’s mine, yours or ours. We get the news out there and bring awareness to things happening, even if some people don’t want to talk about it.
Spreading awareness is not just the job for students of mass media. I have two majors, neither of which are mass media. We are all impacted by these issues of inequality and violence, and they continue to happen even if you’re not paying attention to it. These topics are important and they can’t be ignored. People deserve freedom and human rights. They deserve to feel empowered and know that they can make a change, because we can.
College students are young adults coming into their own and discovering their passions. Regardless of where your
passions lay, we have the power to create change. We can make an impact on the world and help move it in the right direction. However, the first step to creating change is being informed, fully and accurately.
Freedom of the press is incredibly important as it is the backbone of how people become informed. Journalists are literally dying in war zones to get the information out to the public. The issues mentioned in this magazine need to be discussed, and cannot be shut down. Listen to how people advocate for others, express themselves and how it empowers those around them. You can learn a lot by paying attention, whether it’s silly or serious.
Letter from the editor
I hope as you read through the magazine, you will become more informed on these important issues as well as feeling seen and heard. Never stop advocating for what is important to you. Never stop expressing yourself and being true to who you are.
I hope you feel inspired and empowered to share your voice.
We will continue to share Washburn’s voice and write about what matters.
Sko Bods!
Jayme Thompson Editor-in-Chief, Indigo Magazine
Journalism documents history and precipitates change
By Jayme Thompson
News may not seem like an interesting topic to most, but journalism documents history and informs its audience about what is going on. Without it, people would be lost.
If Americans didn’t have freedom of the press, journalists would be censored and important topics would be forgotten and unrecognized throughout society and time.
“The oldest basis for our legal system comes from protecting the right to free speech,” said Kristen Grimmer, associate professor and chair of Washburn mass media.
Journalists document change throughout time and sometimes even aid in the change.
Nellie Bly was an investigative journalist in the late 1800s. At
just twenty four years old, she went undercover in an asylum on Blackwell’s Island pretending to hear voices. By going undercover as a patient, she experienced first-hand the inhumane practices of mental health asylums at the time. When she got out, she wrote an exposé on the mistreatment of patients, which brought international attention to the issue. From this, mental health facilities were reformed and some were shut down. Without her efforts as a journalist, it would’ve taken longer for better practices to be implemented.
“If nobody has the right to say the things and promote the things that they feel like are good ideas, then nothing will ever change for the good,” Grimmer said.
Documenting current events can have a greater impact than one may think.
During the Women’s Suffrage Movement, newspapers were used to disperse editorial pieces regarding opinions on the subject. Susan B. Anthony was arrested in 1872 for voting and she made sure it caught the newspaper’s attention; this was her strategy to advocate for women’s voting rights. While the efforts didn’t succeed initially, the 19th Amendment was approved in 1919 establishing white women the right to vote.
“Through the newspapers, it’s a way that people can be informed,” said David Craft, sophomore mass media major.
The media can also give insight
into events that most people don’t know the details of like war. The more it is documented, the more people can be educated on the subject.
In World War II, journalists reported on and took photographs of the Holocaust. People could look at the photos and actually see what was going on because a journalist was there to document it. During this time, radios came out and Americans tuned in to listen to news about the war and other broadcast channels.
“The photos and videos that are in the media these days, those are real ways to look back on life,” said
Rebekah McIntosh, senior mass media major.
The impact of journalists reporting isn’t always through written work. Sometimes a photo is all that is needed to tell a story, which is known as photojournalism.
Malcolm Browne was an American journalist during the Vietnam War. Browne took a photo of a monk burning himself to death in a show of expression for his passions and beliefs. This photo gained a lot of attention as it was a raw moment of someone dying. Capturing moments like this was something that changed the perspective on the Vietnam War,
and a journalist was the one who did it just by taking a photo.
“For America, it’s [mass media that’s] especially important. It’s had a big impact on world history,” Grimmer said.
Even in the 21st century, journalists document history and start to cause change.
On Sept. 11, 2001, the World Trade Center was the target of a terrorist attack on the United States as planes flew into the twin towers as well as other national buildings. Many people died and many knew they were going to die because of the heat and amount of smoke in the
"If nobody has the right to say the things and promote the things that they feel like are good ideas, then nothing will ever change for the good."
Kristen Grimmer
Photo courtesy of Sam Finch
Students of MM308 attend a live-studio production. KTWU is the television station the students visited, which gave them a hands-on experience of how live-studio production works.
buildings. Some were stuck on higher floors of the twin towers and decided to jump and die quicker than a slow painful death. A famous picture from this is “The Falling Man.” In this photo a man is seen descending alongside one of the twin towers as he leapt to his death. This is a wellknown photo that encompasses the raw action that occurred that day, something so brutal that someone would choose to jump out of a window to end. Without journalists covering this event, it’s possible that 9/11 wouldn’t be as impactful to learn about for people who weren’t there or people who weren’t born yet.
“It’s one of the oldest, and probably has been one of the biggest precursors of change,” Grimmer said.
In 2020, George Floyd was killed by police misconduct and it was recorded by civilians. Media caught wind of it and blasted it on numerous websites catching attention. Because it was documented, it was able to bring
"If you want to reach people, then telling stories through media is one of the most powerful ways to reach them with the upcoming generations."
Rebekah McIntosh
awareness to police brutality and protests broke out across the nation, which was called the Black Lives Matter Movement. Police brutality is still an issue in 2024, and police are being scrutinized more because of the deaths at the hands of police. There are people who are murdered by the police and no attention gets brought to it if there’s no documentation of it.
“If you want to reach people, then telling stories through media is one of the most powerful ways to reach them with the upcoming generations,” McIntosh said.
Recording history will result in change as long as people are willing
to advocate for things to be better. Organizations such as the Student Press Law Center act as an advocate for student journalists across the country and protecting their rights to free speech.
“Advancing that educational piece is very important so that student journalists know those lines that they’re able to operate within a safe way and not be censored for operating within them,” said Jonathan GastonFalk, staff attorney with SPLC.
Journalists express the voices of the people, and from that differences can be made.
Photo courtesy of Ethan Matthias Washburn University students at KTWU attending the 2nd Congressional District Debate. After the debate ended, students were able to ask the candidates questions.
Photo by Eden Conrad
The Mass Media club takes a photo in celebration of their first club meeting in the fall 2024 semester. The newer club had a theme of a luau party and networked as they did limbo.
Moments of
Seneca falls convention
19-20, 1848
This movement marked the beginning of the organized Women’s Movement in the U.S., with Seneca Falls Convention noted as the “birthplace” for influencing advocacy for women’s rights on a global scale. It began with campaigns for basic rights such as voting, and has since expanded into issues such as workplace equality, reproductive rights and gender-based violence.
Bleeding Kansas refers to a series of violent conflicts that use the state as a battleground for pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups, with notable people like James Brown, a famous abolitionist during this time. Homes were destroyed and people were killed, showing how passionate people were about their beliefs and deep values expressed around slavery. The violence foreshadowed the larger conflict that would ultimately lead to the Civil War.
This Supreme Court case was a landmark that fundamentally changed racial segregation in American public schools. The Supreme Court ruled that state-sanctioned segregation of public schools was unconstitutional. The historic building of Brown v. Board of Education still stands in Topeka, Kansas, and is symbolic in the fact it serves as a moment of expression for civil rights.
Civil Rights Movement
This movement was a big push in ending racial segregation and the discrimination against African Americans in the United States. It brought people together from all over, with all different perspectives to stand up against injustice. This movement showed how collective action can create change.
Photo courtesy of Brittanica.com
Photo courtesy of History.com
Photo courtesy of History.com
Photo courtesy of History.com
expression
By Mia Anthony
Equality house
The Rainbow House serves as a moment of expression by combining diversity and individuality through its color-choice design. The house was painted by an organization called Planting Peace and acts as a canvas for voices, reflecting social issues. The Rainbow House is looked at as a symbolism of inclusivity and expression, currently residing in Topeka, KS, right across from a church that is known for being anti-LGBTQ.
vote "no" decision
First Amendment
December 15, 1971
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, guaranteeing the freedom concerning religion, press, assembly and expression. It laid the foundation for numerous movements and protests throughout American history.
Black Lives matter Movement
The Black Lives Matter Movement began in response to widespread issues of systematic racism, specifically taking flight after the death of George Floyd. It highlights these ongoing issues specifically targeting racial injustice and police brutality. BLM’s protests on campuses and its social media presence are all forms of personal and public activism.
In the 1973 case Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution protects the right to have an abortion. Then in 2022 the court overruled the case, ending the constitutional right to abortion. This sparked the emergence of the “Vote No” movement, which aimed to resist the right to restrict abortion rights. Kansas voters rejected the state’s constitutional amendment that would have removed the right to abortion. This outcome was driven by increased voter turnout, protests, social media activism, grassroot organizations and many advocating for reproductive rights even still in 2024.
2020
August 2022
Photo by Alijah McCracken
Photo by Jayme Thompson
Illustration by Eden Conrad
Photo courtesy of ACLU of Kansas
By Lexi Hittle
Smashing Stereotypes
Stereotypes look different for everyone, but students at Washburn University are breaking them every day.
It’s easy to make assumptions about strangers based on their appearance or background. Everyone is guilty of judging someone without knowing anything about them. People are stereotyped because of their clothes, skin color, gender, social status, financial situation, hobbies and more. What stereotypes are students at Washburn trying to overcome?
Christian Heredia, freshman diesel technology and general studies major, grew up in Ulysses, KS. Heredia explained that he had a reputation of getting bad grades and not performing well in school. As a result, some people didn’t think he’d make it to college and it made him feel less intelligent than everyone else.
“In everyone else’s eyes, my parents didn’t go to college, therefore making it look like I wasn’t going to go to college,” Heredia said.
Everyone learns in different ways and at different paces. Heredia was always told and treated like he wasn’t smart enough, but he just had a different way of learning. Washburn
helped him learn that he can be successful in a different way.
“They walk you through everything and you get to do it hands on while you’re learning it,” Heredia said. “I can't sit at a book all day and learn everything I'm supposed to learn. I just need to do it.”
Another student who is trying to break stereotypes is Aaron Henson, freshman biology major. He is wanting to change the narrative on athletes being uneducated.
“The best thing I’m trying to do is not be a dumb athlete,” said Henson. “I think you very much can be an educated black man and play sports.”
Henson is not only hoping to make it to the NFL, but he is also working towards becoming a surgeon. He has high goals and wants to prove to people that athletes can be well educated, have high attendance and make great careers for themselves. Many college athletes are labeled as “dumb jocks” and may be treated differently in class. Henson wants to prove that he has the skills, motivation, determination and capacity to be a successful athlete and have a substantial career.
Henson has battled these assumptions in high school and
"The best thing I'm trying to do is not be a dumb athelete."
Aaron Henson
continues to work to overcome them now. Stereotypes follow people throughout their lives, but as people change, they can acquire new stereotypes.
Heredia never thought he would have joined a fraternity, yet he is currently a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. He explains that people give him a look when he mentions he is a part of a fraternity. People assume he is messy and judge him without knowing anything about him.
No one likes being judged for learning differently, being a part of a certain group or having hobbies such as sports. It can be frustrating and discouraging; however, stereotypes don’t define people. Overcoming them can be challenging, especially when it is associated with someone’s identity.
Lillian Tallant, freshman psychology and criminal justice major, would describe herself as a girly-girl. She loves pink, looking nice, doing her makeup and having her nails done so much that it’s a part of who she is. Although most of the people in her life support her and her future career, there are some that judge her based on her feminine qualities.
“A lot of times when I’ve met law enforcement officers they say, ‘don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty’ and
"So what if I'm a girl?"
Lillian Tallant
‘don’t expect that once you join law enforcement that you can keep doing all this stuff,’” Tallant said.
She has been told by numerous male officers that as a member of law enforcement, she needs to blend in with everyone else. However, when Tallant spoke with female detectives, they told her they still enjoy all of those things. They tell her that she can be both and that she doesn’t have to stop doing girly things.
“A lot of men look down on women in general in law enforcement and I try to embrace the femininity in it more,” Tallant said. “So what if I’m a girl?”
Tallant continues to prove herself and show the men in her field that she can amount to anything.
People are judged for a variety of reasons. Although sometimes it’s subconscious, everyone makes assumptions about people without knowing them, especially in today’s society. Stereotypes are unfair and not always true.
Artist Spotlight: Conner Sowles
"
Title of work: Spitfire"
"'Spitfire' is another wearable I created, this time by modeling it digitally and printing it out. As a child and as an adult, I have often been told I was too loud -- to quiet down, to be more soft-spokensomething I think is caused by my assigned gender. In response I often became even more brash with my words. The wolf represents my audaciousness, and the hand the words I speak that others often meet with contempt."
Prove them wrong and smash
the stereotype.
HAS PRESIDENTIAL POWER GONE TOO FAR?
By Jeremy Ford
On July 1, 2024, the Supreme Court gave future presidents a superpower that has the potential to tip the scales of democratic equilibrium.
Former-President Donald Trump was indicted on several accounts after attempting to overturn the 2020 election results, which he claimed to have lost due to voter fraud on behalf of the democratic party. awaiting trial, the Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision that the president is given immunity involving all actions under their core executive powers to eliminate a chilling effect that may restrict them from carrying out necessary duties.
Although the Supreme Court did not rule on whether or not Trump’s actions to overturn the results were a part of his official acts or not, the decision required Trump’s case to be pushed back, causing it to more likely than not take place after the November general elections. And, even if the charges can proceed, the trial was forced to be delayed, allowing Trump the opportunity to be reinstated as the president of the United States.
Just like the six Supreme Court justices who voted in favor of presidential immunity, some
see this decision as a requirement for an individual to properly run the country without fear of being imprisoned.
“I think that presidents need to have the ability
Photo Courtesy of Daily Mail Protesters gather outside the Supreme Court. The conservative majority ruled that Former-President Donald Trump was immune from prosecution for official acts during his presidency.
Photo Courtesy of Jeff Kowalski Trump stands on stage, pointing toward the crowd with a confident smile. He spoke earlier at a rally, addressing his supporters.
was brought to light prior to Trump’s court case.
He referenced a predator drone strike carried out in the Middle East that killed seven Americans at the order of Former-President Barack Obama. In Watt’s opinion, Obama should not be held criminally accountable for the deaths, just as Trump should not be charged for his efforts to overturn the election.
However, not everyone is in agreement. Zoe Lofgren, U.S. congresswoman for California, stated that this new decision will lead to disaster, giving the president an overwhelming amount of power that can’t be reversed.
“During arguments on this case, a question was posed to Trump lawyers about whether a president could dispatch a ‘SEAL Team’ to kill his political enemies,” Lofgren said.
“Like the dissent articulated, the Court’s decision … answers that question with ‘yes.’ Under this ruling, if a president, in their official capacity, orders the military to kill other
Americans – judges, elected officials, reporters, your neighbor – they can do so. I think most Americans, and I include myself, think that should be a crime.”
Although extreme, these worse-case scenarios do, in fact, fall under the official acts of a president as the commander in chief. This means that presidents would be immune from accountability of those actions, and Maggie Bourell, sophomore political science major, sees that as a major issue.
“I think that’s a bad thing,” Bourell said. “I think there’s a reason for a vice president, you choose this person because you trust them. Even your own actions deserve consequences, no matter what kind of political hierarchy you hold.”
Though it seems like a political disaster waiting to happen, Watt sees no cause for concern. He believes that even if a president were to use his presidential powers in a dangerous or ill-mannered way, the act itself would not fall under his official acts, making them susceptible to indictment.
Similarly, Bourell doesn’t see the possibility of a president, present or future, ordering such extreme actions.
“You can make all the jokes and assumptions about these candidates and these presidents, but honestly, … I realistically don’t [see it happening],” Bourell said.
With such a new decision put in place and a new president running the country, it’s hard to say where this ruling will lead the U.S. in the coming years.
Photo Courtesy of White House Some people believe that Former-President Barack Obama should be excused of his actions when an order he gave accidentally killed innocent civilians. Others thought that the same principle of immunity should be applied to President-Elect Donald Trump.
Photo Courtesy of Jacquelyn Martin, Drew Angerer Protesters hold signs demanding accountability, emphasizing that presidents are not kings. They gathered earlier to voice opposition to Trump’s claims of immunity for alleged crimes.
Ruby Bridges comes to Washburn to speak on her famous history with Brown v. Board
By Ajah Banks
On Nov. 14, Kansas Civil Rights Icon Ruby Bridges captivated a Washburn University audience, sharing her journey as a six-year-old who became the first African American child to integrate an all-white school in New Orleans in 1960.
The event, hosted in honor of Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, was organized by the Kansas Kids Bring Ruby Bridges to Kansas Initiative.
Bridges reflected on her childhood experiences, recounting the chants of angry protestors as
federal marshals escorted her to school.
“I remember them chanting, ‘2, 4, 6, 8, we don’t want to integrate.’ I didn’t know what it meant; the word was too big for me,” Bridges said.
With her innocence, she faced a monumental challenge she didn’t understand at the time.
Bridges also addressed contemporary issues, including book bans, calling for an accurate retelling of history:
“Let’s take all the books off the shelves, rewrite them, and start telling history the way it should be,”
Bridges said.
The discussion underscored the ongoing fight for equality and the role of education in shaping future generations. Volunteer Patty Martella expressed admiration for Bridges’ courage.
“She speaks from the heart and the mind, and that’s exactly what we need in these times,” Martella said.
Bridges closed her talk with a call for unity and understanding:
“You cannot look at a person and know their heart; you have to give yourself an opportunity to know them,” Bridges said.
Bridges' talk at Washburn is hosted in honor of Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. The event was organized by the Kansas Kids Bring Ruby Bridges to Kansas Initiative.
Bridges reflects on her experience, recounting her innocence. At the time, she was too young to understand the impact that this experience would have on both herself and the country.
comes to Washburn University to speak to children from elementary school to high school. Bridges became famous for being one of the first Black children to go to an integrated school.
Volunteer Patty Martella expresses admiration for Bridges' courage. Martella mentioned Bridges' was the exact person that was needed during these times as she spoke with her heart and mind.
Photo by Bulat Ochirov
Ruby Bridges
Photo by Bulat Ochirov
Photo by Bulat Ochirov
Photo by Bulat Ochirov
Unpacking the Connection between dei and Washburn University
By Ethan Matthias
When students and visitors enter the Memorial Union at Washburn University, they are greeted by the Latin motto “Non Nobis Solum,” meaning “Not for Ourselves Alone.”
In the Memorial Union, which houses LLC Dining, OSID, WSGA, Washburn Student Media, there is another thing that is visible to students. The Washburn motto, “Non Nobis Solum” is visible for all to see. Photo by Eden Conrad
“The faculty and students are always there to see you succeed,” said Derica Mercer, a junior political science major. “That’s what makes this place special.”
Washburn’s history of admissions reflects its founding commitment to these ideals. From its earliest days 1865, Washburn opened its doors to students regardless of race or gender, a stance that was revolutionary at the time.
“Washburn has always prioritized the inclusion of women and BIPOC students,” Mercer said. “It’s important and speaks to the culture here.”
Today, that commitment continues in the form of scholarships for first-generation students, support programs for veterans and initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students and students of color.
But the work is far from finished.
“DEI is about the inclusion of students and staff in all aspects of the university. The purpose is to include people and make sure everyone is seen and heard,” Mercer said.
Washburn’s efforts extend beyond academics, focusing on creating a campus culture where everyone feels valued and respected. However, recent changes in state policies have complicated this work. In July, the Kansas Board of Regents required public universities to remove DEI questionnaires from hiring processes, a move that has sparked concern among faculty and students.
For some, these changes threaten to undermine the progress Washburn has made.
educators can teach all of their students, not just those who look like them or share their background,” said Lindsey Ibañez, associate professor of sociology and the associate director of the Honors Center.
universities from building a truly inclusive community for its students and faculty. Yet, the Washburn community remains committed to finding a way forward.
making clubs or showing people we’re trying to do better,” Mercer said. “It’s important that we face the attacks headon and make sure there are people from every walk of life to make sure people feel and are heard.”
are calling for a broader dialogue about what inclusion means and how to protect it.
sharing more about how it works, at least on a Washburn or Topeka scale,” Frank said.
programs could help bridge the gap between intention and perception, fostering greater understanding.
“It’s not about what we call it,” Ibañez agreed. “It’s about whether it’s working and how we’re supporting our students.”
For students pursuing a degree in a traditionally white male-dominated field, DEI efforts aren’t just about abstract ideals. They’re essential to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
“I hope that in the future, DEI efforts aren’t eradicated,” Frank said. “When I look at graduate programs, I’m looking for schools that show evidence of a commitment to creating a supportive environment. Seeing that faculty and administration have put these values into action, whether through student committees, mentorship programs or department-level initiatives, can make a world of difference.”
Despite the challenges, Washburn continues to push forward with its mission of creating an inclusive campus where every student has the chance to succeed and give back to their community. Programs like Bods Feeding Bods and Bods Moving Forward have helped create a sense of community, resilience and belonging. And while legislative restrictions may work to limit the terminology used or the scope of certain initiatives, DEI ensures every student is valued.
Ibañez led a simple offer in response to the misconceptions of DEI.
“As legislators listen to their constituents, they should
Photo by Eden Conrad
The messages we send on the road
By Reid McEvoy
Everyone knows not to text on the road. But there is a completely legal way that people are constantly sharing messages, jokes, opinions, beliefs, loyalties and more. And most of the time, those doing it aren’t even thinking about it. This is achieved through the many ways in which people accessorize the exterior of their cars.
Something unique about car accessories is how one can see the same car and same decals every day at school or work and then interact with the vehicle’s owner in the confines of school or work, but they may never be able to attach the car to the driver. Once cars are parked, they are completely removed from the owner.
It’s not quite the same thing as wearing a graphic tee or a hat with the logo of one’s favorite sports team. These things are immediately attached to the person. It’s obvious that they are endorsing the things they wear to whatever extent they considered the content displayed on them. Contrarily, when a car is
parked, it is soon-to-be vacated. This leaves its decals as a display for all to see. But the display has no curator's name attached.
Becca Schlief, sophomore forensic investigations major, explained how and why she uses her car for selfexpression.
“I have some stickers on my back window. I have a
Marine Corps sticker and an ‘FJB’ sticker,” Schlief said.
“All of those things kind of have a big part of my life. I have a lot of close people who are in the Marines, forensics is my major, I've always been big into sunflowers and
Illustration By Stuti Khadka
then the ‘FJB’ has always been like, that's just how my family is,” Schlief said.
Schlief laughed when describing why she chose her car decorations. Schlief spoke on how she thought others may perceive her sticker collection.
“Those are just my personality, what I do. So I don't really care what people think. Let them think what they want,” Schlief said.
Just like with outfit choices, rarely does one dress for other people, instead doing it for themselves. Maybe the use of car accessories isn’t so dissimilar.
Caylee Kloiber, a sophomore biology secondary education major, stepped out of a thoroughly decorated Jeep.
She explained that it has become a tradition to get a bumper sticker from anywhere that she has vacationed or even just places that her family members have visited. However, her collection began with a Christmas gift.
The first bumper sticker she ever received was of Prison Mike, a character from the TV show, “The Office.”
She also has a bumper sticker of a bearded dragon, which she has because of her pet bearded dragon, Davey, whom she loves dearly.
Despite having a collection of vacation spots, something which is very carefree in regard to others’ opinions, Kloiber says that she does notice when other people are enjoying her decals.
“I love when I see people all the time look at my back window and they're like, pointing it out and laughing at it. And I think it describes me. I mean, I am worried that people are gonna think I’m a crazy lizard lady, which I am not. But I like to just put them on there for me. And I don't really care about
how other people think, she said.”
She also explained how her car decals give her car a feeling of home and belonging. Like it really makes her car “hers.” She said it wouldn’t be the same if her car were plain and just the same as everyone else's.
Maybe it shouldn’t be so surprising that people do this for themselves. It’s similar to the purpose of nearly every form of self-expression. However, Eli Strawn, freshman biology and biotechnology major, explained how he had made changes to his car with outsiders’ opinions in mind.
“I have two decals just to cover up the emblems that were on my car because they were super faded, which kind of looked gross,” Strawn said. “It's just the Chevy logo because the gold emblem was only like halfgold, and the other half was just a faded gray. It looked pretty ugly, so I wanted to clean it up a little bit. It’s just stickers that cover up the old logo.”
Strawn explained further, saying he felt his car looked like it was owned by a smoker.
“When I first got the car, I was super excited. Then everyone was like, ‘Dude, it looks like a smoker car.’ And I was like, ‘shit, it does look like a smoker car.’ So I wanted to get rid of that stigma.”
Strawn said this has “hopefully” had the desired effect on people’s perception of his car.
Strawn, amusingly, recalled after a few minutes that he also has a bumper sticker on his car that says “Washburn Track and Field.”
Only a select few things about oneself are voluntarily displayed repeatedly. Even fewer are those that are displayed so often its presence becomes forgotten.
Car decals may be on par with tattoos in the sense that once it is there it is there forever. This would put it into a special category of expression. Unlike a t-shirt or a hairstyle, one does not have to remember to put it on or to maintain it. Instead, a single action can lead to something experienced repeatedly by all in the vicinity for years to come.
“Make it so that people are more aware of the differences between themselves and other people. I feel like if we are more aware of those differences, then we can better accommodate those differences.”
Kira Roth sophomore, philisophy
“Probably world hunger, to be honest.”
“The way people treat people. We need to stop thinking about things the way that we want to think about them because people are going to perceive things differently.”
Ayden Olguin freshman, forensic anthropology
Chance Keller sophomore, electrical technology
“All of the hate and negativity, because I feel like it would just be a nice world to live in if everyone was nice to each other and didn’t fight over the stupidest things.”
Gabi Sharpe freshman, forensic chemistry
“As a history major, I would probably want to make better relations with Russia, because I studied a lot of the Cold War and I think if we were allies with them it would really benefit the world.”
Quinn Wanzenried, freshman, history
Ariel Curtis freshman, art
“I would love to bring more people together. When it comes to race, beliefs and cultures, I would just bring everyone together.”
Justin Hall junior, nursing “Healthcare. I would change insurance and I think we should have universal healthcare.”
“I would get rid of political parties because all those do is create polarization instead of encouraging people to speak
Jullian Hastings freshman, political science and philosophy
“The way we come about issues. For example, with gun violence and stuff like that, I wish we would take it more seriously and not just joke about it.” freshman, medical imaging and social work
Nicholas Johnston sophomore, biology pre-med
“I want everyone to have a better science education."
By Lexi Hittle
Grecia Carlos-Oliveros freshman, exploratory “I would try to solve climate change or try to help the climate. I think it’s really important and I am a really strong advocate for it as well.”
Mary Jane Alvidrez freshman, medical imaging
“I would probably change the taxes and pricing because I think there are certain things that a lot of people struggle to afford like housing and food.”
Washburn joins other universities in national protests against genocide in Gaza
By Miles Moore
As the conflict in Gaza escalates, Washburn University students are increasingly concerned about the issue of genocide. However, some students feel that their concerns are being overlooked by the Washburn administration even though the university's response is similar to other colleges regarding this topic.
On May 3, 2024, students organized a protest to stand in solidarity with other universities and to urge the administration to clarify how student funds might be connected to the conflict. While Washburn issued a statement, it did not address students' questions about the university's funding.
The statement Washburn University issued:
but chose to watch rather than engage with students.
“Have a conversation. How about you encourage the conversation between this dude and this group. Are we not here to have conversations with people?” Grant said. “It honestly bummed me out.”
However, it's not just Washburn students feeling a lack of communication. On May 1-2 2024, KU students had their own pro-Palestine protest because they also wanted to know if their university had any financial connections with the conflict as well as any grants with companies that have contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense.
Artist Spotlight: Shea Freeman Title of work: Grave Statements"
"It
was inspired by the war in Gaza, graffiti I saw in France following protests, my dissatisfaction with world governments and the feelings of desperation and pain war inspires."
“Washburn University is committed to the academic and personal growth of our students in a premier campus learning environment that includes the right to free expression and peaceful protest,” said Lori Hutchinson, executive director of strategic communications and marketing. “Opportunities for open, respectful dialogue play an important role in the college experience and beyond, and we support the right to free expression. The exercise of the right to free speech and free assembly is not permitted to interfere with or disrupt normal University operations or educational activities. Participants are expected to follow established Washburn University policies, specifically written for these activities, to best ensure safety for all who are involved.”
["A BAS L'ETAT" translates from French to English as "DOWN WITH THE STATE"] "
In an article from the Lawrence Times, the protestors had four demands: That the university divest any financial ties with Israeli government and military interests; that KU disclose those ties; that KU refuse to accept grants from companies that contract with the U.S. Department of Defense or Armed Forces; and that the university grant amnesty to the protesters and protect their First Amendment rights.
KU did not give any information regarding their financial ties, grants or contracts.
Washburn students hold strong feelings about the Palestine and Israel conflict and how the university is responding to their concerns. JoAnna Marks, former director of diversity, equity, and inclusion for Washburn Student Government Association, describes her struggle to focus on school amid the crisis.
Erin Grant, associate professor and undergraduate coordinator of criminal justice and legal studies, attended the protest. She observed that administrators were present,
“I hear about these atrocities going on, and I feel sadness for the victims, especially for civilians who don’t want to be participating in a war,” Marks said. “I also feel anger at how our government is participating in it. I just feel they are on the wrong side of the issue.”
echoed these sentiments, expressing that students have a moral duty to oppose severe human rights violations.
“It’s honestly heartbreaking,” Bourell said. “It makes me very upset to see that we could honestly be doing a lot more to help or to take action, but we haven’t. These are real humans, real people, being displaced and murdered because of one belief system.”
Yet not all students have the time or capacity to engage in activism. Grant noted that financial constraints and class demands often take priority for many.
“Here on campus, I don’t know a lot of students that come from a background of activism,” Grant said.
“As an open-admission college, people are just trying to fucking make it through the day, like get through classes.”
The divide between passionate student activists and those less engaged highlights the complex perspectives within Washburn’s student body regarding global issues like the Gaza conflict.
Some students are deeply invested in raising awareness and calling for accountability, while others, often due to financial pressures and academic demands, feel they lack the time or resources to engage in activism. This divide suggests a need for greater inclusivity in campus discussions on such topics, where students from all backgrounds can feel supported in
expressing their views in a civil and non-violent manner.
Establishing a more open and responsive dialogue between students and the administration could bridge this gap, enabling meaningful engagement and fostering a deeper, shared understanding of complex global issues. This could also create a more transparent and expressive campus culture.
Regardless of one’s stance on the Gaza conflict, both students and the university have a responsibility to establish clear and consistent communication. Ignoring these pressing issues or keeping heads down only delays the meaningful conversations that can lead to real understanding and action.
Students across the nation wish colleges had no associations with Israel as they feel it's funding genocide. As students participated in a protest against the Gaza genocide, Washburn issued a staatement about student's rights to freely protest and stand up for what they believe.
Photo Courtesy of JoAnna Marks
Photo Courtesy of Sierra Jeter
One of the protest signs reads a quote from Desmond Tutu, a wellknown South African human rights activitst. He gained fame from his efforts to end apartheid and won a Nobel Peace Prize for that in 1984.
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Finding a passion for peace
By Paris Taylor
The irony is striking. I served in the military, where my primary responsibility was to handle missiles, and now I find myself advocating for peace. Isn’t it a beautiful transformation? Laying down the weapons of war and embracing the powerful words of peace is something we should strive for.
Peace is deeply important to me. I cherish living in a country where individuals can freely express their religious beliefs, celebrate their native culture, and embrace their ethnicity without fear. Yet, this freedom isn’t a universal experience. Many people are denied this right every day. As a disabled veteran, a Black woman in a multiracial family, and a non-traditional student (Go Bods), I know firsthand that thriving amidst adversity can be challenging. However, like many individuals,
my way. While my struggles can be significant, they pale in comparison
worldwide. What about those around the globe? What hardships are they death, and the unheard cries of the innocent. In recent years, I’ve realized that my experiences are intertwined with others across the globe. I feel this collective pain deeply, simply by observing the people around me.
Today, Americans experience loneliness like never before. We have drifted away from community and compassion. Above all, peace seems to be the last priority on our
minds. Now is the time for a shift. We must choose to foster connection and empathy, not just for ourselves, but for every person who suffers. Together, we can turn our focus from despair to a united call for peace.
Before I discuss why we should unite under peace, I want to address the elephant in the room. Yes, I served in the military, where it was my job to handle dangerous weapons. I understand how it can be misleading to talk about peace. But can’t a person change? Can we not evolve? Can we not turn away from the ways that we have become accustomed to? I used to be a very hostile person. Some might say that my appearance hasn’t changed from the old Paris. But have you ever tried smiling while in agonizing pain? I’m fortunate if my face doesn’t resemble a grimace. Every day, I wake up not determined to hurt anyone, but I am human. Every day, I strive to be welcoming and inviting, but I am still human. Every day, I aim to grow in character and love, but I am only human! This is to say that I make mistakes just like anyone else.
Mercy and grace are essential attributes of peace within oneself, in the community, and around the globe. To fully name and expound on what constitutes peace would take longer than the allotted time I have, so I have decided to break it down into a few categories for optimal reflection, engagement, and learning.
Peace is reflective.
As previously mentioned, I face conflicts that I overcome on a daily basis. Some of these include chronic pain, PTSD, neurodivergence, and my own thoughts and actions. Of these challenges, my own thoughts and actions are the hardest to overcome because they require the most reflection. I ask myself, “If I want to be a peacemaker, how am I demonstrating that through my words and actions? Am I a person who shows regard and empathy?
Peace is community.
Peace is learning.
Please show mercy to me. Please show mercy to yourself, and please show mercy to others.
Graphic by Eden Conrad with adobe AI
Where to find Washburn across Topeka
By Stuti Khadka
Lawrence, Kansas, is known to be associated with the University of Kansas, but when people think of Topeka, they don't think about Washburn University. Topeka is working to promote Washburn through various spots across town.
Being part of Topeka, Washburn surely has created strong relationships over the years. An establishment standing tall for more than 150 years, one can guess how much experience and expertise the institution has accumulated. This rich history not only impacts the community but also lets faculty and student organizations collaborate and work closely with people outside of campus.
There are several establishments outside of Washburn that actively support the campus and have affiliations with Washburn.
Ichabod’s Grille is one of them. Brady Barnes is the regional manager of the Ichabod’s Grille along with the Thunderbirds Grille and Vikings Grille. Having the grille be at 1521 SW 21st St. creates a perfect walking distance for students to hang out at the restaurant while enjoying the perks of being an Ichabod.
The name Ichabod’s Grille was not how the restaurant started. With Henry T’s being its previous name, Barnes explained the reason behind the switch.
“We wanted to follow our business model there and ingrain ourselves in the community,” Barnes said. “... work with Washburn and their students and create a place that’s specifically theirs. We wanted to be Washburn
University’s home bar and grille that they can go to.”
There are student organizations around campus that organize events that are relevant to campus but take place outside of campus. At the beginning of the academic year, the Office of Student Involvement and Development hosted Skate Night. This took place at Sk8away Inc., a skating rink over a nine-minute drive from campus. This was the first time that Washburn hosted an event outside of campus.
Under the umbrella of OSID lies the Campus Activities Board, where events around campus get organized and programmed. ChapLynn Askin, assistant director of OSID and CAB advisor, described how Washburn collaborated with artists outside of campus on various events.
“Whenever we bring in acts or different singers, different DJs, different vendors, [they are] most of the time from outside sources,” Askin said. “So we have a DJ that we really like to work closely with. His name is DJ Mac and anytime you are hearing music at an event, that’s DJ Mac.”
Local artists and businesses benefit a lot from being invited to regular events through paid promotions as a form of advertisement. Askin shared her opinion on how Washburn is doing in building connections with Topeka through these events.
“We work very hard on manifesting relationships and keep them growing at all times,” Askin said. “So even if names change, our values, our morals don’t change and we want to make sure that we are working with Topeka’s
"They always have study nights and just stuff trying to be centered towards Washburn students because it is so close by. It's awesome. So, World Cup Coffee and Crepes, they are fantastic."
ChapLynn Askin
by Jayme Thompson
businesses to help them grow and flourish as much as we can.”
The admissions office deals directly with engagement outside of campus. Askin was previously an admission officer for Washburn Tech. She would go to different places to talk to the students about what Washburn Technical College had to offer.
“At those events, college fairs, we would talk about different jobs,” Askin said. “It wasn’t just schools that were there, and [Washburn] Tech specifically partners a lot with small businesses in Topeka that hire Tech students.”
Washburn has been welcoming the idea of inviting and promoting businesses. Barnes explains the time when Ichabod’s Grille had to go through the process of changing its name.
“We talked to Washburn and the university okayed it,” Barnes said. “They loved the idea of creating a place for all Washburn staff, all Washburn students.”
After the change in the name of the restaurant, there was an increase in sales. The dynamic of the restaurant
has been mostly toward the university with special offers and discounts exclusive to the Washburn faculty and students.
“Talking to some of the staff from the former place, Henry T’s now to Ichabod’s Grille, have seen an uptick in the students that come over, and obviously a lot of faculty will come over,” Barnes said. “We offer Washburn Wing Wednesday so every Wednesday we offer them eight boneless wings for only $6.99 so it is a really good, cheap meal that the students can come eat.”
Jesús Mendez, sophomore molecular biology and biotechnology major, is the student ambassador at the Multicultural Intersectional Learning Space. He works to support any students who want to come in and learn about diversity, equity and inclusion.
“I think that Washburn in the past four years has become more promoted and more advertised,” Mendez said. “That’s kind of biased because I come to Washburn but just like other people know about Washburn like family members and friends and people from out of
Photo
Many Ichabod statues are across Topeka after Washburn University's 150th anniversary in 2015. The statues consisted of 5-foot-tall Ichabods made by Chicago Fiberglass Works.
state. And I am like ‘How do you know about Washburn?’ and they are like ‘Oh, I have seen ads and I have seen events and things on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram … so, it is very surprising and I am excited.”
World Cup Coffee and Crepes is one of the places around Ichabod’s Grille that has been building a great relationship with the campus. Askin gave the cafe a shoutout.
“They always have study nights and just stuff trying to be centered towards Washburn students because it is so close by. It’s awesome. So, World Cup Coffee and Crepes, they are fantastic,” Askin said.
Mendez has been an active member at the campus to connect more people outside the university. He is the president of the Spanish Club and he is planning on hosting an event for the Day of the Dead on Nov. 4 where the university is inviting four different high schools to come learn about the Hispanic culture and Spanish department at Washburn.
Mendez also talked about his connection to Scott Dual Language Magnet Elementary School through Washburn where he learned to use the opportunity to know the
community better.
“Working with [Scott Elementary], going to meetings and stuff, I learned more about how important it is to have Washburn-promised scholarships and informing other kids,” Mendez said. “College is super expensive … and there are a lot of scholarships that we offer and students can come in and really get higher education and that’s important.”
Over the years Washburn has made connections and grown to be well associated with Topeka. But do people think of Washburn when they think of Topeka?
“I absolutely do,” Barnes said. “It is the only major university we have here. I definitely believe that people know that Topeka and Washburn go hand in hand. Similar to other places, Lawrence is obviously KU and Manhattan is K-State and Topeka is Washburn.”
Across Topeka, there are many little hints of Washburn, including the various Ichabod statues throughout town. Try to find where Topeka and Washburn connect outside of campus.
Photo by Jayme Thompson
The Ichabod Grille is renamed from it's previous name of Henry T's Bar & Grill. Brady Barnes was named the regional manager for the Ichabods Grille as well as the Thunderbirds Grille and the Vikings Grille.
"We
talked to Washburn and they okayed it. They loved the idea of creating a place for all Washburn staff, all Washburn students."
Brady Barnes
Photo by Eden Conrad
West Ridge Mall has an Ichabod on display as part of the "Ichabods Across Town" project. The Ichabod was placed by the Bath and Body Works store in the local mall.
Photos by Jayme Thompson
Kansas voted to protect abortion rights but the fight continues
By Jaycie Regnier
After the reversal of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, the state of Kansas gained international attention being one of the first states to vote to protect a women’s right to an abortion in Aug. 2022. The state immediately took action and so did the voters, resulting in a landmark vote of almost 60% of votes rejecting the “value them both” amendment.
Two years after one of the most controversial supreme court decisions in U.S. history, the fate of abortion rights post-Roe remains a polarizing issue amongst voters, especially in the red midwestern states like Kansas.
Although the pro-choice vote was victorious, the post-Roe era is a concern to many as pro-life laws continue to be introduced into the Kansas state legislature.
The Aug. 2022 results defied expectations and was a surprise to many as Kansas is considered one of the most pro-life, conservative states in the country.
According to the Kansas state legislature, the “value them both” amendment proposed that the state constitution does not protect the right to an abortion, therefore granting the elected legislative bodies to pass more restrictive laws on abortion. However, that amendment was not voted in and the Kansas constitution does now protect abortion rights.
The vote in Kansas was a highly anticipated issue with the younger
"Use that worry and that anger to make a difference. No matter what, we show them that we fight for what we believe in. You really have to think about these things in our world, especially in the next four years."
Abigail Marcial-Chavez
voters as it attracted a record number of voters to the polls.
“It was almost heartbreaking, because I feel like that should always be a decision women have,” said Kenya Mejia-Cortez, sophomore education major. “It’s such a big topic that younger people care about, that's why a lot of people went out and voted.”
Many Kansans attribute the win to younger voters, specifically young women. According to the data analysis from the Secretary of State’s Office, young women seemed to have greatly shifted the vote, with around 41% of women between the ages of 18 and 29 participating in the 2022 primary election.
Abigail Marcial-Chavez, freshman medical imaging major, shared her discussion with her older sister about the vote in 2022.
“I honestly really wasn’t that shocked in the decision,” Chavez said. “My older sister was always pretty vocal and the type of person to get her voice out there, so I think
that’s what helped me with my views. I hope that we can continue to have safer abortions and have safer rights.”
Although abortion rights in Kansas remain unchanged, organizations such as Kansans for Life and members of the republican legislature continue to fight for more restrictions on abortion in the state of Kansas.
Representatives from the Kansans for Life movement felt that voters were misled by the movement in 2022. Danielle Underwood, director of communications of Kansans for Life, discusses the decision and how it doesn’t look out for the best interest for women. She claims the abortion industry is profit-driven, clinics operate without safety and sanitation standards. Underwood discusses how abortions in Kansas will continue to skyrocket as will the deceptions of the abortion industry. Since the rejection of the “value them both” amendment, other amendments have been introduced in the Kansas Legislature and two new
MY BODY MY CHOICE MY BODY MY CHOICE MY BODY MY CHOICE
MY BODY MY CHOICE
MY BODY MY CHOICE
MY BODY MY CHOICE MY BODY MY CHOICE
Conner Sowles "
Artist Spotlight: Conner Sowles
Title of work: Roe"
"I created 'Roe' after the overturn of Roe v. Wade back in 2022. I created it from a roll of transparent pink vinyl (a feminine color). If you look closely, you can see the impression of small babydolls imprinted via heat into the plastic, which is melted together into makeshift clothing. Though there are no actual dolls on the sculpture, you can see the imprint of what COULD be there, much like the non-existent children that may exist inside me and others that determine what laws govern our bodies."
"It was almost heartbreaking, because I feel like that should always be a decision women have. It's such a big topic that younger people care about, that's why a lot of people went out and voted."
Kenya Mejia-Cortez
amendments were introduced in 2024. According to the Center of Reproductive Rights, the Kansas legislature introduced a plethora of abortion restriction laws including a D&E procedure ban. The court's ruling struck down the restrictions reaffirming that the Kansas constitution now protects the right to an abortion.
“I hope Kansas comes to a good conclusion that we should just leave it how it is,” Mejia-Cortez said. Things like this take a toll on your life, your goals and some people are not financially ready.”
Protests continue to erupt across the country leading movements such as pro-choice women's marches and pro-life/anti-abortion rallies.
Following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024
presidential election, many Americans are worried that the abortion rights are at a great risk in the states and the possibility of a federal abortion ban.
“Use that worry and that anger to make a difference,” Chavez said. “No matter what, we show them that we fight for what we believe in. You really have to think about these things in our world, especially the next four years.”
Kansas will be a battleground for the pro-choice and pro-life movements, challenging the status quo of politics in the red state. The political landscape in the state continues to shift since the 2022 primary, leaving Kansas questioning whether or not this decision will stand in the future.
Photos by Bulat Ochirov
The Young Women's Christians Association has a protest against domestic violence. People throughout
Finding yourself in the music
By Jami Morain
Through art, creativity, writing, clothing and more, people have found ways to express themselves. Music is another viable option that allows listeners to convey their emotions in a variety of ways.
Whether lyrics are used to communicate for someone else who doesn’t know how to say what they want, a composer uses certain notes to give their feelings a comprehensible noise.
Individualism can be shown through music in other ways than just the physical sound. For example, if someone listens to punk music and finds they share similar values, they might dress in a punk way. Most people seem to agree that creating
music is the best way to make a statement.
To Von Hansen, the assistant professor of percussion, music is a way to communicate things that can’t be communicated through words. He also thinks writing music is the quickest line to self expression.
“I write and perform music, so as a composer, writing, it’s a way for me to process thoughts and get my ideas and the way that I hear things out into the world,” Hansen said. “Then as a performer, I can see what other people wrote, and I can put my own version on that. It’s kind of a way of us expressing the world in a different way.”
Deborah Silva, senior music performance major, said since she was born she’s been surrounded
by music because her dad was a musician.
She started practicing at six years old and now it’s how she expresses herself.
“I put a lot of my emotions when I’m playing and you can tell how I’m feeling, depending on how I am playing,” Silva said.
Hansen shared a similar statement about how performing allows you to reveal the way you feel about the world.
“There’s just this moment where you’re playing something, you see somebody’s actually listening to what you’re doing,” Hansen said. “There’s that expression of just the different ways people play. We’re really expressing the way we feel about the world.”
Artist Spotlight: Samara Miller
Title of work: Musical Vibrations"
"It is a visual statement that embodies a representation of what music feels like to me personally, and perhaps the way others feel listening to music as well.
Silva believes music’s meaning could change depending on how each person receives it.
“Well I think the funny thing about music is everybody understands it in a different way,” Silva said. “Like go to a concert and understand what I’m playing in a different way than the person sitting next to you, and I think that’s the best part about it, because everybody can walk away from a concert with a different point of view from the music.”
little bit more.”
Lawrence Abernathy, director of choirs, said music is a form of self expression, but that expression can go beyond just one’s self and speak on behalf of a community.
“It has the ability to allow us to express our innermost thoughts, but music is often, and at its best, not a solo activity,” Abernathy said. “It’s a group activity, and it gives voice and expression to a much wider, at its best, it can give voice to a much
"There's that expression of just the different ways people play. We're expressing the way we feel about the world."
Von Hansen
Hansen said how each person plays conveys something personal about the performer that the audience might not have picked up on before.
“There’s some people who play very introspective and light,” Hansen said. “There’s some people who play really aggressive and you can kind of get that personality, even if that’s their inner personality. You talk to somebody on the outside, and they may be some way, but when they are playing music, a lot of times what’s actually on the inside comes out a
wider group of people.”
Music has the ability to express emotion when words aren’t enough, and this was mentioned multiple times. Cameron Arnold, senior music education and music performance major, said composition is the easiest form of self expression when using music. However, performing someone else’s music with a personal touch works for him.
“A lot of people make their own songs to express something that words just can’t sometimes describe,”
Arnold said. “As a performer, it’s our job to communicate what the composer’s intent was, but also to put a little bit of our own thoughts and expression into it. I know for me, when I’m playing a piece of music, I try and channel what the composer themselves wanted, but also what am I feeling in his moment, what can I say about myself through this piece of music?”
Hansen encouraged anyone who is considering using music as a form of self expression to try playing an instrument, to listen to lots of music and to understand how it works. He doesn’t mean everyone has to try replicating someone’s sound, although people can. He said people don't even have to share their music with anyone else once it's written.
“I tell my composition students that you need to write what you want to hear, because then at least one person likes it, right? If you write for what you think other people are gonna like, and then none of them like it and you don’t like it, then nobody likes your music,” Hansen said.
Abernathy suggested joining the choir because
he said music at its best is a group activity.
“The thing about music is that it's a noun and verb at the same time, so the only way to express yourself through music is to engage in music making, not just listening to music, but an actual engagement of music,” Abernathy said.
Arnold recommended trying new ways of music to release those feelings.
“I would say just be free and let whatever you're feeling inside, just try and find some songs that resonate with that feeling or try, for people who may be musicians themselves, try and see what ways you can get those feelings out within music,” Arnold said. “Whether that’s playing with a different style or singing in a different way or singing different songs or genres that you haven’t done.”
Not only can music be expressed by playing it or composing it, but the way people dress, their attitude, even what other interests one has can come from the music they like.
John Hopkins Medicine supports with their own research, that music also provides multiple health benefits such as reducing anxiety and lowering blood pressure while also improving sleep, mood and memory.
The Sound of Washburn
Individualism can be shown through music in other ways than just the physical sound.
Along with this story, Washburn Student Media asked 100+ members of the campus community for songs that represented them.
This playlist also includes songs from WSGA President George Burdick, WSGA Vice-President Bella Wood and Vice-President of Student Life Eric Grospitch.
Scan the code in the spotify app, or search up "The Sound of Washburn," to give it a listen.
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Advocacy is all around State and local organizations fight
for change
By Jayme Thompson
Advocacy is all around campus at Washburn University with multiple organizations advocating for students’ needs and social issues.
One of Washburn’s largest groups for campus advocacy is the Washburn Student Government Association. The organization is made up of a from a senate as a legislative branch then an executive branch as well.
WSGA President George Burdick, senior majoring in political science and philosophy, described the organization as having two main functions.
“One is educating people, making sure that they understand parliamentary procedure, they understand government’s advocacy,” Burdick said. “And then the other bit being to represent and defend the interests of the students at Washburn University.”
Student Government tackles many issues and tries to connect with students to hear what they want changed. Burdick has met with multiple student organizations and asked them what issues that specific group is facing.
“My opinion is that anything that is affecting any students is within the bounds of our work,” Burdick said.
There are several diversity clubs across campus such as the Washburn Black Student Union and the Hispanic American Leadership Organization.
A newer club on campus, is called WU Sisterhood, that focuses on women of color.
“This is different from HALO and BSU because it’s specifically very niche for black and brown women, although anyone can join if they want to,” said Alexis Mitchell, sophomore business major. “We are definitely advocating for women of color advancement and community service and just unity as a whole.”
Outside of Washburn, there are other organizations in
the Topeka and Kansas communities for students to check out. In Topeka, there is an organization called Loud Light. Within the state, there is the ACLU of Kansas.
Loud Light is a nonpartisan non-profit organization run out of Topeka, but is ultimately statewide for Kansas. Chloe Chaffin, fellowship manager at Loud Light, is a Washburn University alum who helps get young adults aware of advocacy and voting rights.
“Advocacy is important because it’s just what we should do to be good neighbors,” Chaffin said. “We think that’s only reserved for politicians, and we don’t know how to get involved because there’s so much noise and misinformation out there. But it’s something we all need to realize that we’re capable of doing.”
Chaffin encourages young people to get involved in political issues because Kansas is tied for being the ninth state with the largest proportion of young adults.
“Young people are incredibly influential in the state of Kansas,” Chaffin said. “Even though we don’t think of ourselves as a very youth-centered community, we really are. It’s only because of our lack of participation that doesn’t get better represented.”
Chaffin is just one of the people trying to encourage and empower younger generations.
“The power is within us if we want to make that change,” Chaffin said.
A statewide branch of a national advocacy organization is the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas.
Esmie Tseng, communications director of the ACLU of Kansas spoke about their organization and what they want to accomplish.
“We’re a nonprofit organization that is based in Kansas, that is dedicated to protecting the civil rights and civil liberties of people living in Kansas,” Tseng said.
"The reason I'm here is simply because the rights that we don't protect are the rights that we're going to lose, and I think we're seeing that everyday."
Esmie Tseng
The organization does advocacy work in the state legislature, talking to media and field organizing work, which is working with Kansans who are trying to encourage local officials and elected officials to take action that protects civil rights.
“Without protecting our rights, they’re more likely to be infringed upon,” Tseng said. “We see that both in terms of laws that the legislature might pass, we see that in terms of how individual actors of the government might treat regular people like you and me.”
A lot of the ACLU of Kansas’ work is focused around racial justice, gender justice and defending reproductive rights. Some other things of focus are voting rights, criminal legal reform, privacy rights and even first amendment rights.
“I think our work is incredibly important,” Tseng said. “The reason I’m here is simply because the rights that we don’t protect are the rights that we’re going to lose, and I think we’re seeing that everyday.”
While the ACLU is a national organization, the ACLU of Kansas specifically focuses on issues that people within the state are currently struggling with.
“I wanted to be part of something that I think protected ordinary people,” Tseng said. “The community and sort of vision of a place that we can all live and thrive and be treated equitably, really depends on all of us to take part in.”
Students have many ways to take part in advocacy and activism for what they believe in whether it’s on campus, locally, at a state level or nationally. Nobody can make change alone, but everyone can take part in something bigger.
Artist Spotlight: Samara Miller Title of work: Reaching for Hope"
"The
inspiration behind this piece is that sometimes we can feel defeated in our lives and want to give up. But, if we find something to look forward to or hope for, it can be the light to our darkness." "
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