BOD MAGAZINE A Student Media Publication
Spring 2020 vol.13 issue 1
Is downsizing killing
journalism?
Task and time management
Five methods to be more productive
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Content
Contributors Editor - in - Chief Hailey Mann Editorial Assistant Leah Jamison
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Designers Hailey Mann Erica Faulkinbury Leah Jamison
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Copy Editors Adam White Abbie Barth Wesley Tabor Writers Maggie Gile Anna-Marie Lauppe Savannah Workman Amanda Zoetmulder Saimon Ghimire Wesley Tabor Joshua Grimmer Abbie Barth Leah Jamison Hailey Mann
Accounting major takes ‘Non Nobis Solum’ to heart
“War Paint” displays great talent
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Interviewing experts offer insightful advice
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Costa Rica offers trip of a lifetime
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Land of dreams: America from a different view
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Washburn sudents: Life after service
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Is downsizing killing journalism?
Photographers Derek Blanchard Cody Dannar Erica Faulkinbury Hailey Mann
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Advertising Josey Trimble Lexie Longbine
History combats accessibility in Carnegie
Ad Designs Erica Faulkinbury Advisor Regina Cassell
Miller explores US societal view on insecurities
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Outstanding internship with the governor’s office
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Time and task management: Five methods to be more productive
Cover photo by Derek Blanchard 3
Letter From the Editor
Hailey Mann
My time in college has been comparable to a roller coaster, complete with all the ups, downs and loop-de-loops. I started off college and quickly realized it was different than I expected and I had no clue what I wanted to do. Eventually I wound up being in charge of a magazine that the whole campus would be reading. I didn’t know where I was going when I enrolled at Washburn, but I found my place in the Mass Media department after my English professor told us we had to interview a teacher from our chosen majors. I had to figure it out quickly, and for me, interviewing people is about as scary as when you are sitting in the first car of a roller coaster at the top of the hill, hanging there until the back end catches up and you drop. I took the plunge because I had to and talked to my Introduction to Mass Media teacher. That teacher has helped me in more ways than she knows. It began with getting me to apply for my major and now with graduation just around the corner, she is still someone I can count on. Between her and all of the other professors in Mass Media, I have grown a lot and I can honestly say I wouldn’t be able to handle the loop-de-loops and bumps without what they have taught me.
One of the biggest plunges in my ride happened when I was hired at Student Media and became the Editor-in-Chief of the Bod Magazine. I’m not sure anyone can tell you beforehand how many details go into creating a magazine, but it’s a lot. In the beginning, I hardly knew anyone and on top of that, I was a leader in an organization that I was brand new in. I needed a team, but it’s not always easy to put yourself out there. So here came another one of those downward tracks that college gives us. I ignored the pit in my stomach and began to ask people if they would write a story or take pictures. This was a challenge that I had to overcome and it may not affect everyone, but it affected me. Now I have created a magazine that Washburn and I can be proud of. So, to anyone who is having a rough time with the roller coaster of college, just know it will get better and you’ll make it through the ups and downs before you know it. 4 | Bod Magazine
Volunteer takes ‘Non Nobis Solum’ to heart
by Wesley Tabor
Brielle McArthur understands that financial circumstances and tax refunds significantly impact families. McArthur, a senior accounting major, volunteers for Washburn’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, VITA. VITA is a national program that provides free tax preparation assistance to low-income individuals and students who need help with their taxes. Washburn’s School of Business and School of Law partner to provide the program from the middle of January to April. “You could see how grateful they were for my help and how important receiving a tax refund is to families,” said McArthur. “Many people depend on getting a refund to pay bills.” McArthur is thankful for the opportunity and believes it has broadened her education outside of the classroom. “I’m a shy person and the program made me break out of my comfort zone,” said
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McArthur. “It was a perfect fit [as an accounting major] and provided insight into the tax world.” Students who volunteer do not have to be accounting majors or have tax knowledge before training. “If they [students] qualify, they may be eligible for various kinds of tax credit. The law school sponsors one of these clinics and recruits law school students and school of business students to work as tax preparers,” said Barbara Scofield, an accounting professor at Washburn. “There is training involved to be qualified, so you have to be willing to do the certification with the IRS, but anyone can take it.” McArthur enjoyed the volunteering activity and said it improved her interpersonal skills. Scofield sees McAurthur as a good model of being a true Ichabod. “She is very interested and concerned about not just herself, but also Washburn and the community,” said Scofield. “She is the model of Non Nobis Solum [not for ourselves alone].” photo by Derek Blanchard Brielle McArthur improves her interpersonal communication skills while volunteering during her free time.
Talent musicaL
by Joshua Grimmer
From singing lessons and talent shows to learning to sing with a Polish accent, actor Taylor Molt knows what she is working toward. “If I had a choice to do one thing, it would be to perform,” said Molt. “If I could perform forever, I would.” Molt, who once described herself as shy, loves being able to get up on stage and become someone else. She loves the adanaline rush that comes from bringing the stories of other people to life. Born and raised in the small community of Horton, Kansas, Molt began acting in high school. Before that, she mostly performed as a vocalist in talent shows. Molt came to Washburn as an undeclared major, but as she spent more time in the theatre department, she knew that was her passion.
Georgia Hendricks in Washburn’s spring production of “Curtains” in 2019. “There were a lot of fun songs to sing,” said Molt. “And, it was my first big thing at Washburn, too.” Molt has also performed at the Topeka Civic Theater and with the Ad Astra Theatre Ensemble, which recently said goodbye to the Topeka commnity after 10 years of performing.
“I don’t do a lot of plays; I do mostly musicals,” said Molt, who says her voice type helps her decide which roles to pursue. Although Molt stays busy performing, she has also served as co-president for the Washburn Players student organization.
“I knew I wanted to do something in arts, and theatre combines all of the arts,” said Molt. “I could do everything I wanted, not just one thing.”
The group’s main goal has been fundraising efforts to take nine theatre students to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2020 in Scotland. Molt, who is excited for the trip, says the group has plans to continue its efforts this spring.
In mid-November, Molt was cast as one of the leading female roles in the theatre department’s musical, “War Paint.”
Assistant professor of theatre Julie Noonan also recognizes Molt’s incredible drive and passion.
She played Helena Rubinstein, a Polish cosmetology business woman from the 1930s. To learn the accent, Molt was coached by director Julie Noonan. She also listened to Polish speakers and the performance of actor Patti LuPone, who played Rubinstein on Broadway in 2017.
“Taylor took leadership in any role she was given and was willing to take on any position she was asked,” said Noonan. “She was very quiet on the outside, but when she took over a role, she ran with it.” -Additional reporting by Student Media staff
However, Molt’s favorite role was playing photo courtesy of Washburn Theatre Senior theatre major Taylor Molt, played Helena Rubinstein in “War Paint” in mid-November 2019.
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Interviewing experts offer insightful advice by Student Media Staff
The pressure of talking to strangers while trying to be hired for a job that could launch a career makes most students anxious. Taking the extra steps to be prepared and communicate effectively could make all the difference. There are obvious rules interviewees should follow. At the top of that list is showing up prepared, being appropriately dressed, arriving on time and staying free of any drugs or alcohol. And, perhaps trying to avoid doing things that might come off as weird. Director of Career Services Kent McAnally reminds students about proper phone etiquette when interviewing for a job. He suggests turning off your phone before going into an interview setting and stresses that potential employers want your full attention being paid to the subject at hand. “I’ve heard stories about people who have dressed inappropriately,” said McAnally. “They look like they’re going to the beach and come in for a job interview.” 8 | Bod Magazine
Even if the culture of the company allows employees to dress casually, applicants can easily distinguish themselves by being dressed professionally. Students needing assistance with dressing guidelines can visit with Washburn Career Services. Dan Bennett, a 1976 graduate of Washburn, now works as Cumulus Media’s regional vice president of Dallas and Houston. When he spoke to mass media students a few years ago, he offered this bit of advice for students seeking career opportunities. He suggested telling the interviewer, whether that be a committee of people or an individual, that you are willing to earn a spot in the company – or ask them how you can earn a spot. Carefully review your social media accounts. Online research on job applicants is being used by interviewers more frequently nowadays, but not all companies allow this because it can quickly give information that employers, by law, are not allowed to consider when selecting candidates. Applicants should be aware that online information can reflect
positively or poorly on their suitability for a job. “If we want to bring someone into our organization who has nothing but love for Topeka and goes to our events then we’re more apt to give them an interview,” said Mike Bell, vice president of Visit Topeka.
similar work or projects. Practice explaining how your work relates to the experience. Washburn Career Services provides free services to help students prepare for the job market. From resume reviews and mock interviews, Career Services can be a valuable tool.
Do your research and be prepared when going into a job interview. Read as much as you can about the company. Prepare and ask questions that reflect your research. Think critically about the kind of employee you would want to hire and strive to represent someone who is willing to work hard.
Students should keep their Handshake, LinkedIn and other accounts up-to-date. At the end of each semester, add new skills and experiences. Students at Washburn are eligible to sign up for Handshake, a website that is similar to LinkedIn and helps students find jobs across the country.
Growing in skills fits well with life experiences. If an individual has a goal or a motive, they should let those motivations challenge and push them to new boundaries.
“It allows us to interact with companies and it provides a space for students to post resumes and look for jobs at thousands of companies,” said McAnally. “It also helps with setting up interviews and managing events. You log in with your Washburn credentials, so it’s seamless.”
Bell said one interview strategy that has worked for him was to talk about his relevant life experiences. Study the job description carefully, and share experiences that show how you handled
photo by Derek Blanchard Kent McAnally and Career Services work to make sure all students are prepared for life after college. They offer advice and interview training.
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a c i R Costa
Costa Rica offers trip of a lifetime
by Amanda Zoetmulder
Sara Schlange, 22, a senior biology major, spent five weeks of her summer studying abroad in Costa Rica.
Schlange is originally from St. Joseph, Missouri. She came to Washburn because she liked the size of the school and the teacher to student ratio. The school also creates an environment where students can find opportunities to grow and chase their dreams.
“Seize the moment, you’re only in college for so long. So, make the most of it,” said Schlange. With bubbling excitement Schlange showed no hesitation to see Costa Rica’s beautiful hot springs, volcanoes and a mesmerizing cloud forest. Schlange went waterfall rappelling at 193 feet and enjoyed white water rafting. She also visited Tortuga Island and saw sea turtles, dolphins and sloths. Study abroad trips can be very expensive, especially when you go to a place as exciting as Costa Rica. According the Washburn’s study abroad coordinator Tina Williams, Schlange won a study abroad photo contest. “[Sara] has a genuine and curious spirit about her, she’s not afraid to navigate out of her comfort zone. She was a great candidate for study abroad,” said Williams. Though Schlange’s trip was full of excitement, she also kept it down to earth with some of her daily activities. In the mornings she would wake up and eat breakfast with her host family. Then she would tour
the city she was in, have class in the afternoon and eat dinner with her host family. Her host family included her host mom Rosa, but Schlange referred to her as “Tica,” which means mama. “It’s comforting to have a family that’s 3,000 miles away, it shows you just how small the world can be,” said Schlange.
photos courtesy of Sara Schlange Schlange spent time exlporing nature and all the country had to offer during her time in Costa Rica. It was something she will always remember.
While abroad, Schlange learned Spanish from her host mom. Spanish is the primary language in Costa Rica, and prior to visiting, Schlange didn’t speak a word. From her travels in Costa Rica, Schlange picked up a phrase that sticks with her to this day: Pura Vida. “[Pura Vida] embodies the whole attitude, there’s no rush, everything is going to work out,” said Schlange. Schlange is not done with her travels yet, as she plans to go to Japan next summer.
photos courtesy of Sara Schlange Schlange was able to experience many adventures that most can only dream of during her time in Costa Rica.
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photo by Erica Faulkinbury Each year Washburn welcomes many new students from all over the world to learn and participate in what the United States offers.
Land of Dreams: America from a different view Column by Saimon Ghimire
The United States of America is the land of dreams for a number of people outside of the United States. While Americans are busy in their everyday lives, those living on the outside are watching how its pattern of education, employment and the economy blend together. In many parts of the world, the United States seems like a mysterious realm in the cosmos, that requires big dreams to reach. In the south Asian country of Nepal, America is not only a dream, but it’s a dreamland where you can actually achieve your dreams. In the last decade, the number of Nepalese students coming to study in the United States has increased drastically. A survey conducted by Brighter Future Chitwan, a non-government organization based in southern Nepal, shows that one out of every 10 high school graduates in Kathmandu plan to go to the United States for higher education. History shows that people study abroad because of better education, career opportunities and globally accepted degrees. International students come to the states seeking things they cannot find in their home country. For Prithvi Raj Kunwar, a Nepalese student majoring in entrepreneurship and innovation at Washburn University, the lack of political stability in Nepal is the major reason to come to the States for further studies. “We have political instability in our country. Because
of this reason, Nepalese students want to pursue their degree from American universities thinking that they will get better career opportunities when they return,” said Kunwar. Despite the demand, Nepal has sharply decreased the number of student visas being granted in the past few years. All students must get a No Objection Certificate from the government before they can study abroad. “Most of us are probably rejected for the first [or] second time,” said Kamana Adhikari, freshman actuarial science major. Students who are granted visas are now are seen as talented and intelligent, which only makes the opportunity even more coveted. Students with good grades and scores often fail to get a visa, which can lead to additional pressures. Those who are actually granted visas and arrive in the States currently represent only a fraction of those who have applied. Within American universities, you already have competition of academic excellence. Students from a country 8,000 miles away or from corners of the world must first compete to simply have the chance to study in America, which does give them a sense of victory ahead of the number of challenges they will face after getting here. The author of this article is from Nepal, and is one of the lucky few to have made it to the United States. 11
Washburn Students: Life after service
photo by Cody Dannar
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by Anna-Marie Lauppe
Veterans have risked their lives for our country and we are forever grateful. However, veterans continue career searching after their service and some return to school. Chris Bowers, military transition coordinator for the Student Success Center, understands the transition can be difficult. Bowers started working at Washburn in 2015, when he became a peer educator. He’s passionate about getting veterans connected to the Veterans Affairs, checking class progress and providing support. “Some of us have battle wounds -- some are internal, some are external. We take care of those wounds,” said Bowers. “We may have to address those issues and help them get through the trauma.” In 2017, Washburn was honored as a Purple Heart University for its continued service to veterans and members of the military. Washburn University is the only university in the state of Kansas to be awarded the honor. According to Bowers, Washburn understands and recognizes that when a veteran serves, so do the people closest to them. “Above and beyond, we’re a small community with a big heart for everyone,” said Bowers. Additionally, Washburn supports its veterans by
photo by Erica Faulkinbury Washburn University is home to many veterans who are choosing to further their education after serving their country.
maintaining a relationship with the TopekaVeterans Affairs. “I make sure they have their veteran’s ID card made so they have access to medical and mental health care,’’ said Bowers. “We have an excellent rapport with the V.A.” Bowers considers the program’s relationship with the Topeka Veterans Affairs extremely important as it ensures veterans are getting the best service on and off campus. Figuring out budgets due to the rules of the GI Bill stipend rules is one of those needs, according to Bowers. “They only get their living stipend to live off of while in school,’’ said Bowers about a flaw in the GI Bill. Washburn’s commitment to serving members of the military extends to its administrative staff and university president. “The veterans may have skills that they’ve already learned in the military,” said Washburn University President Jerry Farley. “Veterans are typically older students, and they may have family issues. We have to establish resources to assist both the veteran and their family.”
photo courtesy of Chris Bowers Veterans at Washburn have the privilege of their own lounge on campus. The military success center is a place for them to study and relax.
Bowers served in the U.S. Army and Farley served as a teacher in the Army. Both men have a personal connection to service, ensuring that everyone who served in the military are looked after, taught properly and supported in every possible way. 13
is Is downsizing killing journalism? Journalism? by Maggie Gile
by Maggie Gile
The short answer is “it’s complicated.” The long answer is “it’s incredibly complicated.”
The Problem News readership is down. In print newspapers, journals and magazines, readership has been on a steady decline. This doesn’t mean that people have stopped reading newspapers. In fact, many newspapers have websites where you can read articles for free or pay a subscription fee Local papers have shut down and bigger newspapers have downsized to a degree. What’s the problem? Journalism is often credited with capturing history as it happens. 14 | Bod Magazine
There are two major aspects of journalism: personality and social media that contribute to the issues above.
News Travels Fast Where do you hear breaking news first? The answer, for most, is social media. We live in a time where information travels from New York to California in the blink of an eye. Depressing news tends to travel the quickest. Tragic news will reach you before you have gotten out of bed. This can lead to people feeling depressed or to believe that only bad news exists. “News/media fasting” is something I was introduced to during my research. This is the practice
of avoiding the news for a given time. “When I choose to news fast, I can’t listen to or read the news for a couple of days. I feel better and feel calmer,” said Louise Krug, an English professor at Washburn University and a member of the Student Media Board.
Personality
“Personality” covers a lot of what is wrong with journalism. It can be broken down into sub-sections: political standing, gratification and humor. Think about your political standing. Do you read news from like-minded people or from the people you want to throw across the room? One of the issues here is journalists are trained to be unbiased. Sometimes the unbiased written word can be bland. It’s like trying to get through a poorly written scientific article for your research project. Newsflash! People like to be entertained! They want to feel something. With the rise of social media came the desire for instant gratification. Six-second vines were popular because they required low effort to consume. Introducing a little personality into a story to spice things up in the newsroom would be a possible way to bring readership back.
Late night shows deliver the news and present it with personality. For example, Rachel Maddow, John Oliver and Trevor Noah deliver news segments with individual flair. They rely on comedy to help soften the blow of hard news.
The Solution
I cannot give a quick and easy solution to journalisms shortcomings. Journalism has evolved since the beginning. Print, radio, television and the internet. News will not die -- it’s too important to society. The downsizing is the issue. What can we do? There are far more causes to downsizing than lack of personality and over coverage of depressing news. There is the country’s financial situation and freelance epidemic, its political standing, “fake news” and social media. Maybe it is just time for newspapers to become smaller as other forms of media take over. News broadcasts, online newspapers and magazines will be around in the meantime. The solutions will differ depending on the audience and circumstances. photos by Derek Blanchard All Washburn students have access to many different types of journalism on campus. “The Washburn Review” is available online and as a paper. Bod Magazines and the Kaw Yearbook can also be found on campus.
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photos by Hailey Mann
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Along with Miller’s love of drawing, she also enjoys handbuilding with clay in Advanced Ceramics. Miller uses both mediums to express her artistic vision.
Miller explores societal view on insecurities by Hailey Mann
Art major Kyra Miller is a talented, creative genius who uses life experiences to produce masterful pieces of art. Having spent a great deal of her childhood drawing every chance she got, Miller would often find herself in trouble at school. Miller recalls fond memories of people who pushed her to follow art as a career path. Originally from Valley Falls, Kansas, Miller spent much of high school and middle school in art class seeking inspiration from a former teacher. “I think he saw something in me,” said Miller. Washburn faculty member Harvey Flowers, who started in 2018 teaching a summer ceramics class at the Mulvane Art Museum, had the same feeling about Miller. “Along with her achievements, she is involved with student organizations and is the active secretary for the Art Club,” said Flowers. “She gives her time to the community and cares about what she is doing.” Washburn University wasn’t always Miller’s first choice - as she applied to the Chicago Art Institute and was offered a scholarship. After calculating moving costs, Miller shifted her search. Washburn awarded Miller with a full ride through the Buzick scholarship - it was official - Miller became an Ichabod..
“It’s been a wonderful experience and I’m happy that I chose Washburn,” said Miller. Miller wants others to join Art Club on campus and wishes to see it grow and inspire. “Something that needs to be improved is extraciccicular involvement,” said Miller. “We have a lot of students in the art building but they are not participating in Art Club.” Miller believes these students are missing out on discovering new opportunities and developing professional networks. Recently, Miller finished a series of drawings inspired by creatures and their insecurities. The images on the left are from the collection. Miller’s inspiration to create the drawings came to her while weeding a garden. She explains that weeds represent insecurity. “As a creature tries to remove the weeds from itself it is also trying to pull out its imperfections,” said Miller. “Weeds can be beautiful but we still see them as flaws and try to get rid of them.” Miller’s work shares an underlying message of the importance of self-acceptance. Attempting to fit society’s ideals - a person can instead end up hurting themselves. “Kyra is an extremely talented and hard-working artist who I believe will make a difference in the world with her work,” said Flowers. “She is extraordinary in the way that her mind works and this translates into wonderful works of art.” While preparing to take the next big step in her own life, Miller is confident she will find fulfillment no matter what lies ahead. “I’m interested in going to grad school and teaching at the college level,” said Miller. “I also want to be a children’s book illustrator. That’s kind of my dream.”
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History combats accessibility in Carnegie by Wesley Tabor
Carnegie Hall has accessibility issues. Students and faculty argue that mobility barriers still existing in the building causing distress for those who may struggle with accessing a staircase. However, Carnegie is also a registered historical building and any proposed structural changes have been met with criticism by those seeking to preserve history. “There was a lady attempting to get up the staircase she just had knee surgery,” said Emily Gile, senior elementary education major. “It was a struggle for her and I feel horrible that I couldn’t assist her on the narrow staircase.” According to Washburn University Equal Opportunity Director Pam Foster, providing reasonable and effective accommodations is something the university takes seriously. “If there’s an undue hardship in terms of providing an accommodation, what we have to do is provide an accommodation that’s effective,” said Foster. “We don’t have to provide the Lamborghini but what we provide has to be effective.”
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An undue hardship is defined as an action requiring significant difficulty or expense. These factors include the nature and cost of the accommodation in relation to the size, resources and structure of the operation. Americans with Disabilites Act requires accessibility to programs and services. Carnegie Hall challenges this requirement since the second and third floor programs and services can only be accessed via stairs. “We cannot deny anyone the benefits or privileges of those [programs or] services. Currently, if there is an issue with accessing the second or third floor then we move the classroom” said Foster. The first floor of Carnegie Hall houses the education department library. Classrooms are stationed on the second and third floors of the building. “This semester we have a faculty member teaching a class in the living learning center,” said Cherry Steffen, chair and professor of the education department. “That decision is made on what’s easiest for accessibility as well as what space was available at the time.” The accessibility of Carnegie Hall has been investigated in the past. An elevator has come up on the discussion
photo by Hailey Mann
table according to the Washburn University executive staff. “We have looked at elevators and decided that it was an undue hardship [significant financial expense] to do that,” said Foster. “Carnegie is a historical building so there are qualifications to what you can and cannot do to that building.” The difficulty comes from keeping the expenditure cost effective. Donors and grants play a large role in institutional finances at Washburn University. Its buildings, programs and services are often aided by the generosity of donors. “Donations are usually directed funds,” said Foster. “Donors tell you that they will give money for certain projects. Donors get to decide how their money is spent.” The conversation always results back to “what do we do with Carnegie?” and does the solution result in Carnegie becoming completely accessible? Washburn University Director of Facilities Services Eric Just explained that a change in usage would have to result in the space being used for something unrelated to the university’s programs and services. This pursuit would require a department shift. The education department says they’ve had such conversations regarding the possibility of a move.
“Donors tell you that they will give money for certain projects” “We discuss it. We try to make the administration aware of this issue and we need to do something about it. When we put in capital improvement requests – we request access for our students,” said Steffen. The most recent public document is the Washburn University Campus Master Plan that was released in July 2013. The plan lists out several facility renovations across the university’s campus. These renovations are listed out in categories: 1-5 years, 5-10 years & 10+ years. Carnegie Hall is listed in the 10+ category. Slating any possible changes in the timeframe of 2023 and beyond.
photo by Erica Faulkinbury Carnegie Hall faces many challenges such as staircases being hard to navigate. Even with the many complaints, Washburn has to respect the historical integrity of the building, per the state.
However, Washburn University Facilities Services has stated that there are no current plans to make any changes in regards to the building’s accessibility. According to Foster, a transition team meets monthly to address the issues related to accessibility and accommodations. Additionally, they design a plan every three years that’s goal is to monitor, check and improve accommodations related to Americans with Disabilites Act accessibility on campus. Yet, some students and staff still consider the mobility barriers in Carnegie Hall too disruptive to ignore. “The education department needs to be moved into a building where all our students can come in and feel welcome,” said Rose Hockenberry, senior elementary education major. “The education department agrees that the issue is worthy enough to be of concern to the university.” The education department is striving for all-inclusive participation. “What we would prefer is to get all our students into our classrooms,” said Steffen. “One of our goals is that everyone is treated equally and I believe there may be other options to succeed in that goal.” 19
Outstanding Internship with the Governor’s office
by Student Media Staff
Cassidy Precht, a junior political science major from Colorado, found herself in an honors U.S. Government course with the right teacher in 2016. She discovered a passion for learning more about who controls our country and how legislation gets passed. This passion followed her from high school to Washburn University, where she enrolled in the fall of 2017. Precht found her home away from home in WU 101 class – a course 20 | Bod Magazine
designed to help students transition to college life. After completing WU 101, Precht joined the First-Year Experience [FYE] program as a peer educator. FYE hires peer educators to help other students acclimate themselves to campus. “I loved WU 101 because I needed help transitioning from out of state,” said Precht. “I knew no one here.” Chris Jones, assistant professor of religious studies/ philosophy, has worked with Precht
handling phone calls and casework and writing birthday, retirement and wedding letters. The internship works perfectly into her coursework and has helped Precht develop interpersonal skills while connecting with potential voters on campaign trails. Though most of the phone calls she fields are from Kansans who are unhappy about something, she is gaining valuable experience. “She’s one of the most diligent, hard-working, detail-focused students I’ve ever worked with,” said Jones. “She’s a kind, friendly, compassionate and empathetic person who goes out of her way to help others.” Precht traveled with Governor Laura Kelly to the Kansas State Fair for a proclamation ceremony. Precht said she was nervous at first about how people would interact with the governor, but everyone was friendly and positive.
photo courtesy of Cassidy Precht Particpating in Amy Klobchar’s campaign, Cassidy Precht carried a sign during one on her many trips to Iowa to join the Iowa Caucus.
for almost three years and has been a mentor to her throughout college. “As a peer educator, she takes a devoted interest in the students she works with,” said Jones. “She assists them in applying for jobs and refers students to counseling and career services.” Fast-forward a year or so and now Precht interns with the Kansas governor’s office. The opportunity came when Bob Beatty, chair of the political science department, received an email from the governor’s office seeking recommendations for an intern. Precht primarily works in the constituents department,
“I was in charge of corralling people,” said Precht, who helped people navigate between the ceremony and the line for photos with the governor. During the fall of 2019, Precht learned more about elections through a course with Beatty, PO 371 Iowa Caucus. She traveled to Iowa several times. In late September, she walked into the Iowa Steak Fry in Des Moines in support of United States. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. Like democrats everywhere, Precht is most interested in finding out who will be the best candidate to possibly beat Donald Trump in 2020. Precht will graduate in May 2021 and looks forward to the possible career opportunities in the political arena, but she is also considering pursuing a law degree. Until then, she plans to continue working her three jobs while finishing up her courses. Precht also works at the front desk in the library and will continue her internship at the governor’s office. 21
Time and Task Management: Five Methods to be More Productive
by Leah Jamison
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The Pomodoro Method
The Pomodoro method is a schedule for studying, which is said to maximize learning and keep your brain from tiring out. Valerie Peckham, a newly hired professor of psychology, recommends this method of task and time management. “Study or do your task intently for 20 minutes [and then] take a five to seven-minute break and completely come away from your task,” said Peckham. “That allows your brain to fully engage for 20 or so minutes, especially if you move around. It allows memory to start to integrate and build all the neuro-networks and it is more effective than trying to pay attention to something for hours at a time.”
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Chunking
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“Everybody has competing priorities. When things in life happen, it is easy to forget [your priorities] in that moment,” said James Barraclough, director of undergraduate initiatives at Washburn University. The practice of “chunking” comes in handy when a person finds themselves overwhelmed with too many different tasks. Through chunking, more important tasks become prioritized, tasks are easier to mentally process and less time is wasted. Since the tasks are organized into like-item categories, there is less down time in between each task. If you have 10 different tasks to do, but several of them are similar or can be done at the same place, group those like-item tasks together so that you waste less time. Chunking takes small tasks and organizes them into big pictures so they are easier to remember.
Utilizing “N.E.T.” Time
N.E.T. stands for “No Extra Time.” N.E.T. is time that is spent doing everyday tasks like commuting, cleaning, cooking and errands. Although this time may seem wasted, it can be very productive and useful. N.E.T. time can be used for a multitude of things such as planning, personal time or listening to a podcast or audio book. When doing mundane tasks, one can take
advantage of the time by multi-tasking. If you’re cooking breakfast, start planning out your day at the same time. If you’re cleaning, take that time to be alone with your own thoughts. Driving time can also be the perfect time to listen to a podcast or audio book. Take some time to download a few, so that they are readily available when you find yourself bored while driving or doing another similar task.
What method or tips do you recommend for time management? “I am a big fan of staying organized as a method of time management because I feel like if I’m spending a lot of my time trying to find things I’m wasting time. When I was a student, I liked to have a very detailed study plan.”
“Be realistic with what you can accomplish. Make sure you give yourself time for you and make sure that you’re giving yourself enough time to do the things that you enjoy and that you’re passionate about.”
Amanda Luke
Andrew Anglin
Open Access Librarian 22 | Bod Magazine
Assistant Professor, Mass Media
Eisenhower Matrix
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The Eisenhower Matrix, named after U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, is a method for sorting and prioritizing tasks. It is also known as the urgent-important matrix. When you have too many things to do and you’re not sure which you should complete first, this matrix can be a very helpful tool.
s ’ n o s n i k r a P Law
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Deadlines are something that affects us all. Long deadlines are easily put off till the last minute and short deadlines are stressful, but deadlines don’t always have to be your enemy. In fact, deadlines can be a very useful tool in time and task management.
Once you have the matrix set up, you can start organizing your tasks into four quadrants and then begin prioritizing. Below is a guide for how to prioritize. Urgent Not Urgent
Procrastination is something we all struggle with on some level. When we self-impose deadlines, it ensures that the work gets done. Generally, the task will also be done more effectively, especially if you are shortening a deadline.
Important
If you have a task that doesn’t have a set deadline, consider giving it one. If it has a long deadline, make a new one that is shorter. Parkinson’s Law is the idea of putting time-constraints on everything you do, even when it is unnecessary.
DO NOW
Not Important
The matrix functions on an x and y axis. On the horizontal x-axis are the categories of “not urgent” and “urgent.” On the vertical y-axis are the categories of “not important” and “important.”
Delegate
Decide and Do Later Delete
The Eisenhower matrix creates a more comprehensive awareness of the tasks. The matrix is a simple way to easily see which tasks should be prioritized and which tasks can be eliminated.
Start thinking about deadlines as your friend instead of your enemy. Stop Procrastinating and Start Doing Anyone can utilize the methods discussed above to more effectively manage tasks and time. Although tasks may seem daunting, when organized and prioritized, it is easy to see that they aren’t so scary. The key is to simply start. “The biggest thing is to stop talking and get doing,” said Andrew Anglin, assistant professor of mass media at Washburn University. Procrastination is your worst enemy. Make a plan, organize and then start doing your tasks. Once you begin, you will realize that there was no reason to stress and that achieving your goals and tasks isn’t quite as hard as it seemed.
“I always make a list for myself of things that I know I need to do in their order of importance.”
“What I typically do [for students] is give them a seven day week, 24-hour grid and I say their assignment is to keep track of everything they do for a week. Then, as a class we categorize. We talk about being successful and where we can make changes.”
Danielle Head
James Barraclough
Assistant Professor, Art
Director of Undergraduate Initiatives
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