Mount Hood

Tips to follow for raising your credit score

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

For those who aren’t sure what a credit score really is, it’s something that “reflects credit payment patterns over time,” according to experian.com. It’s an important financial consideration in someone’s life, as it is the deciding factor in multiple scenarios — such as taking out loans or getting additional credit cards later in life. A credit score is found using an algorithm on a person’s credit report, and it takes into account certain factors like account types, how long an account has been open and payment history. Because a good credit score is highly sought after and makes the user look responsible, it’s important to know how to raise it.

One of the simplest things to do is to pay bills when they are due. That repayment history can be used to predict how someone will take care of future settlements. This applies to credit cards, student loans, phone bills, rent, utilities and so on. By missing payments or getting charged a late fee, a negative mark can appear on an individual’s credit score for around seven years. However, according to experian.com, a negative mark’s prominence declines over time as newer payments are more relevant.

Specifically with credit cards, keeping a low balance is vital for a credit utilization ratio. A credit utilization ratio is calculated on the amount incurred on a credit card divided by the total credit limit across all credit cards owned, not just the one that is used. By keeping the ratio below 30%, it shows that the user isn’t maxing out credit cards every single month. It’s also an indicator of how well money and credit is being managed. Furthermore, if a credit card is no longer being used, don’t close it — if it isn’t costing any fees, it can increase the ratio since there is more total credit.

Checking credit reports is another key factor in maintaining good credit scores. If there’s an inaccuracy on a report, it can have drastic negative impacts if it goes unchecked. It could decide if someone can take out a loan or not, or even affect their lending terms and interest rates. According to myfico.com, contacting the credit bureau and organization that sends the credit bureau information can help fix the problem that’s been noticed.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Rylie Horrall

Locations in the pacific northwest to travel to for Spring Break

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

The end of the term is just a stone’s throw away, which means that it’s almost time for Spring Break. Western’s Spring Break is happening towards the end of March, which could likely mean that the weather won’t be ideal for bikinis on the beach — for those who haven’t been to the Oregon coast, it’s pretty cold 90% of the time. On that note, Spring Break doesn’t have to solely consist of a trip to the beach. Around the Pacific Northwest, there are quite a few options for people to partake in.

The Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful, green spot here in Oregon that’s great for sightseeing and hikes. Spring is when the wildflowers in the Gorge begin to bloom, which “happens to overlap with peak waterfall season,” as stated on oregonlive.com. There’s a multitude of hikes available to choose from — perfect for nature lovers or those that want to photograph some beautiful scenery.

There are a couple of choices available for those that are thinking of going whale watching. According to oregonstateparks.com, this year’s Spring Whale Watching will last from the 21 of March to the 29 and is an opportunity to watch as the gray whales migrate to Alaska. There’s a map on their website filled with the many destinations that people can travel to in order to see them. There’s also the San Juan Islands, located in Washington, which is home to a few pods of orca whales year-round. While it is also possible to see other species around the islands — such as humpback whales, porpoise and sea lions — their website, visitsanjuans.com, claims that “this is the best place in the world to see (orcas) in the wild.”

Olympic National Park, located in Washington, gives visitors a variety of things to do during their Spring Break. There’s various options for hikes and chances to see diverse wildlife, many campgrounds to stay in and numerous options for different water-related activities. 

Hopping from city to city is another way to spend Spring Break. If someone has never been to Portland, take them for a day trip or stay somewhere for a couple of days to go sightseeing. Favorite play or band in concert happening in Seattle? Take a road trip with roommates and check it out. Feeling the need to go on a shopping spree in Vancouver, WA? Grab some best buds and take to the road.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Theater department welcomes Western to “Urinetown” with winter production

Never Retallack  | Entertainment Editor

“Urinetown,” — a satirical musical, opened at Western on Feb. 28 with Michael Phillips as the director. The play was entertaining and interactive, and the opening act had about two minutes of uninterrupted silence while the actors laid on the ground, “asleep.” This made many audience members giggle nervously as the silence drew out. Laughter was a key element of the show. 

The story covers a drab town in the mid 1900s where a water shortage has led an evil man, Cladwell, to start Urine Good Company which now charges the poor pay-per-use public bathrooms. If anyone disobeys these rules, they face the threat of being sent to the mysterious and dreaded Urinetown.

This outlandish tale is packed with humor, love, violence and catchy songs. It was also full of jokes that tease elements of theater; Little Sally— a poor young girl— has conversations with Officer Lockstock where he explains how they’re covering basic elements in the first act so as not to overwhelm the audience. It mocks the “rules” that are typically followed in plays in a way that had the audience bursting into laughter.

The Western students who acted in the play did a phenomenal job, from the larger roles such as Hope Cladwell and Bobby Strong, all the way to the peppy assistant of Cladwell. The dedication and effort to the roles was apparent, and with the thorough costumes as well — everyone was able to shine in their own ways.

The live band was a great addition to the play, adding “necessary” drama to each scene, when someone made a surprise entrance, the other actors would gasp dramatically or exclaim “What?!” and the music would peak. At certain sad moments, the music would remain happy and upbeat, which Little Sally would comment on, earning more chuckles.

All the actors sang wonderfully, or sang as their characters were supposed to, which ended up being hilarious, and the dances were also well done. Overall, Western’s theater department delivered a hilarious and clever rendition of “Urinetown.”

Those who are interested in seeing the show themselves, can watch more performances Mar. 4-8 with the box office opening at 6 p.m. and the show starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free for students with ID.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photos by Never Retallack

The West Of Us show camaraderie in Smith Hall

Sean Martinez  | Copy Editor

On Feb. 26, The West Of Us held their Winter Term Acapella Concert in Smith Hall, proving once again that instruments are not needed to make music. When the lights dimmed and the pitch pipe sounded off, The West Of Us kept the audience engaged as everyone listened to some well-known songs with unique twists. 

One of the performances that really resonated with the audience was the duet with “Build Me Up Buttercup.” My personal favorite was their unique take on Charlie Puth’s “Attention.” It was really cool to hear how each performer complemented each others’ voices. This was the first acapella concert I attended, and they did not disappoint. 

Acapella at Western has undergone numerous changes; it wasn’t until 2018 when the acapella group became gender inclusive and took on a new name, The West Of Us. 

The West Of Us strives to give audiences a great performance, but on top of that, co-presidents Olivia Martin and Austin Stewart are looking to recruit more students into the fold, students who will stick around long enough to bring the acapella group to new heights. 

“This year, we’re just trying to leave a good impression on everyone so that they want to stay, they want to learn music and they still want to sing acapella,” Stewart said. 

Olivia Martin added, “It’s kind of like leaving a legacy behind and ensuring that acapella is still going to be here for the years after we’re gone.” 

For Martin and Stewart, acapella is more than just making music with their mouths and entertaining crowds: the camaraderie is what keeps them coming back each year. Stewart talked about his experience coming to Western from Hawaii. Miles away from home, he decided to open up to new opportunities, which is when he was introduced to acapella. Ever since he joined, he’s considered The West Of Us a second family. 

Martin also went on to add, “It’s like a magnet that brings really compatible people together, and you just have the best time with them.”

Similar to team sports, Martin explained that acapella relies heavily on teamwork. “Everyone seems to be working on the same wavelength in order to collectively get better as a group,” Martin said. “It doesn’t ever feel like somebody’s trying to raise themselves up by lowering others. We either all go up or we don’t move at all.”

The West Of Us also aim to build a sense of community at Western. In recent years, they have performed for Western events such as the Cesar Chavez Conference, the Late-Night Breakfast, the Out of the Darkness Walk and their biggest performance, Acaparka — held at the Main Street Park at the amphitheater in spring. 

“We bundle all of our songs together … and then we perform a really large setlist for everybody,” Stewart said.

Be on the lookout for updates regarding the date and time for Acaparka.

 

Contact the author at howlcopyeditor@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Lisa Martin

Hear about WOU Jazz Combo’s performance with John Raymond

Never Retallack  | Entertainment Editor

On Wednesday, Feb.19, John Raymond took to the Smith Hall stage alongside WOU Jazz Combo, for a night of jazz with a spin.

John Raymond is described by the WOU Jazz Combo pamphlet as, “One of the most promising, genre-bending musicians in jazz today. With a singular voice as a trumpeter, flugelhornist and composer…”

The interesting concept about Raymond’s idea of jazz is that he mixes genres such as, indie-rock, folk and electronic rhythms into his music, creating his own style.

Raymond studied in Wisconsin with Western professor and Director of Jazz Studies, Keith Karns. Since then, Raymond released six albums and is a professor of jazz as well as a sought after soloist at schools around the world.

The performance started with small solos from each member of the WOU Jazz combo, allowing the ivories, strings and drums to sing. Raymond took center stage while belting out the brass notes between two trumpets — a lively way to start, demonstrating just what the audience is in for.

They played a song from Raymond’s first album called “Onward,” which he composed himself. It began with soft piano, then the bass and drums joined, lastly a sorrowful trumpet, bringing a somber feel to the piece.

“The best part about performing music, especially in a jazz combo scenario is there is a lot of communication between the players…It’s just a big conversation,” said Kincaid Parsons, an Education Major, who plays the upright bass for WOU Jazz Combo.

Another song performed came from Raymond’s second album, recorded in New York with legendary drummer Billie Harp. Raymond explained with fondness that, “I was playing with someone who made the history of jazz.”

Similar to Raymond, Parsons also felt awestruck, “Getting to play with someone of that caliber was a very cool experience.”

The show was quite lively; Raymond even beckoned the pianist Clay Johnson for an improvised duet on stage.

Lastly, Raymond invited Karns onto the stage where they battled it out, trumpets singing back and forth powerfully, before ending the concert with a hug.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo by Cora McClain

Learn more about gender and sexual identity in Alan Hunter’s “GenderQueer: A Sotry from a Different Closet”

Never Retallack  | Entertainment Editor

Gender and sexuality have been an ongoing and complex topic in societies all over the world. Those who are percieved as gay in any way face judgment and penalty like those who are.

In Allan Hunter’s book, “GenderQueer: A Story from a Different Closet,” they covers all these issues in a memoir style that takes readers on their journey, starting with their experience in middle school. Hunter describes how their story functions to highlight, “the realness of an identity that is not gay, bisexual, lesbian, or transgender, but it isn’t cisgender or heterosexual either.”

Hunter describes themself as a studious kid who followed the rules and listened to teachers. They were also someone who preferred to be around women and play with “girl toys” — which led to some ridicule. It wasn’t until their family moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico that they struggled with bullying immensely. 

Hunter’s style of writing, while not masterfully crafted, is deeply intimate and walks the readers through their thoughts and feelings from moment to moment. They name each bully that they faced in middle school, those who called them slurs because of how they dressed and styled themself. Hunter tried to seek help from their superiors, but nothing came of it, so much of Hunter’s story is how they work hard to control their anger so that they don’t antagonize the bullies more.

Along with the violence and emotional turmoil, they also detail how they feel about different girls that he meets, unafraid to share their intimate thoughts and desires. They mention each girl they fantasized about, whether or not they really interacted. They  spend most of their adolescent life wanting to have sex with a girl, but the only person who really touches them back was their male friend in high school.

Their younger sister, Kendra, was far more popular than them, and they often tagged along with her friends while in middle school. It wasn’t until high school when they joined the band and started to let loose a little that they started making connections; they made male friends and got girlfriends, but they were always wanting more.

There’s a certain point after college where a man goes pretty far with them, and they felt very uncomfortable and shaky afterwards. To their shock they realize they really are just heterosexual, all the people who called them gay had been wrong.

Sadly for Hunter, they faced a lot of harassment for how they were perceived — they even tried to take their own life. Later they realized a large part of how people developed their ideas about them was their wardrobe, wearing bright shirts with bold patterns.

Hunter’s journey of self-acceptance doesn’t start until college when they come out as someone who is genderqueer. Their gender is female, their sex is male and their orientation is attraction towards women. This understanding finally allowed them some peace and quiet.

Overall Review: This memoir is a personal journey about a person who has lived a life struggling to accept who they are based on the reactions of those around them. A lot of the book is hard to read, hearing how cruel people can be. But I recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand gender and sexuality on a deeper and more intimate level.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Racking points for seniors during Women’s Rugby match

Hannah Greene  | Sports Editor

The gridiron was full of spirit, the seniors were ready for their game and their teammates ready to battle for them.

Saturday, Feb.29, the Women’s Rugby team held a home game against the Willamette University Wildcats for their Seniors graduating this upcoming spring term. 

The Wolves’ Seniors included Nelly Blancas, the captain and team president, Leslie Carrasco, Alexis Osborn, Christina Carney, Gha Ming Ng and D-Dré Wright who was unable to attend. 

This game represented the closeness the teammates have with each other and showed the power that women have.

This was a meaningful game for Women’s Rugby being that it was the last time a lot of these players would get to see each other on the field. 

“I’ve enjoyed my time as the president and as a player. The club is amazing! I have learned so much through the years. It’s always great seeing new players grow. And I hope the team (has) the best of luck for next year!” said Blancas about her Senior game with the Women’s Rugby squad. The enthusiasm that the club president has for this club is shared among the players, having brought home a cake of a win, beating the Wildcats 42-5.

Coming up the team will play Willamette University again on Sunday, March 8, International Women’s Day. They will also play University of Puget Sound on March 15, which will be their final and championship match, hosted on the turf field at Western.

 

Contact the author at hgreene18@wou.edu

Photos by Emily Prall

Western Oregon University

Facebook   Instagram   X  YouTube

WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
345 Monmouth Ave. N.
Monmouth OR 97361

503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593

Tools

Campus Maps
Canvas
Find People
Portal
WOU Email
Technical Support

Resources

A-Z Index
Accessibility
Academic Calendar
Class Schedule
Jobs at WOU
News
Explore WOU
Partnerships
Student Services
Freedom of Expression

Western Oregon University’s Land Acknowledgement
Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

Accessibility    Public Records    Privacy    Student Consumer Information

WOU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by WOU.