Mount Hood

Western’s Theatre Department Presents “The Wolves”

Written by: Gretchen Sims

Western’s Theatre Department debuted “The Wolves” on May 31 which was performed consecutively for the following three days. Written by Sarah DeLappe and directed by Raissa Fleming, the opening night performance was a smashing success that captivated audiences with the drama and theatrics of a high school soccer team. 

The cast of Western students included Mere Butler as Soccer Mom, Katie Newbury as No. 25, Lexy Bolsinger as No. 11, Lucy Garcia as No. 8, Cody Reece as No. 7, Maddie Blanchard as No. 14, Savannah King as No. 13, Mariam Anderson-Taha as No. 2, Loki Cockrill as No. 00 and Jeneba Diane King as No. 46. 

This production was phenomenal. 

I grew up playing soccer and have a lot of experience playing on teams. Not only have I been in the position of the new girl — No. 46 — but I have also been on a team that was together since kindergarten. The accuracy of the team and their interactions was on point. 

Fleming noted that one of the most impressive things about Delappe’s play was its ability to “capture the nuances of teenage girls’ dialog. The sometimes-lyrical lifts and falls in dialog.”

Each of the characters not only portrays — with seamless accuracy — the perils of being a teenager, but they each do it in their own unique way. Additionally, each one of these individuals perfectly fits into the team as a whole. 

The audience was completely hooked and enthralled with all of the typical teenage drama presented by the team, which made it all that more devastating when one of them was tragically taken before her time. 

The process of dealing with grief is a difficult one and one that all of us will experience in our lifetimes. No matter how young or old, any member of the audience could sympathize with the grief-stricken team as they struggled to pick themselves up after the loss of their teammate. 

Congratulations to the cast of “The Wolves.” Be sure to check out the Theatre Department’s upcoming performances in Fall 2023.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Proper etiquette for the aspiring gym-bros

Written by:Gretchen Sims

Going to the gym for the first time can be scary. After jumping that first hurdle, the question of how one should behave in the gym emerges. Learning proper gym etiquette is crucial to establish the safe space it has become for many people today. 

When I started going to the gym a little over a year ago, I was confused by the environments’ exclusive feeling; I had to learn everything I currently know about gym etiquette from Instagram. I was confused about the offended looks I was receiving, but was annoyed because I didn’t know what I was doing wrong. 

I was scared to even use any of the equipment because I could feel people’s eyes on my every move. So, with the knowledge that I have learned over the past year or so, I have gathered some points that I wish I would have known when I first started as well as some things I wish some experienced gym bros would remember. 

So, whether one is a new gym-goer or a seasoned veteran, here is an insightful list of the ins and outs of proper gym etiquette.  

Wiping equipment — While this may seem rather obvious, this is one of the most frequently overlooked aspects of proper gym etiquette. When a piece of equipment is used, one transfers skin cells, germs and sweat onto it. Wiping down the equipment is not only respectful to the person who uses the equipment after, but is also a necessity to stop the spread of bacterial skin infections that can occur from coming in contact with another’s body excretions. 

Putting equipment away — Please, for the love of God, unrack the weights when finished. As someone who started out barely being able to curl 10 pounds, I want to remind all the super strong gym bros out there to please put weights back where they go. It is much appreciated. Also be sure, if one uses extremely heavy weights on a machine, to put the pin back to a reasonable weight. It can be dangerous for the next person to use the machine if they attempt to use it and forget to change the weight.

Do not take unconsenting pictures — I feel like this could seem self-explanatory, but I’m not talking about simply not being a creep. Be sure to only take pictures when others are not around and, if necessary, edit people out of pictures before posting. Remember, these people are not consenting to have their picture taken and that should not be taken for granted. 

Do not stare at other gym-goers — It’s easy to think that spacing out in someone’s general direction is harmless, but this can make others feel uncomfortable — even if it is not intentional. Try to be conscious about where one’s eyes are at. 

Do not judge people or correct their form — One might think that helping someone correct their form is going to prevent the other person from injuring themself, but it actually is quite disparaging or even offensive to some gym-goers. Unless an individual is putting themselves in imminent danger, do not approach them. Allow them to figure out their mistakes on their own — it will happen. 

Do not approach people — Read the room. It’s okay to converse with friends in the gym, but many people see the gym as their safe place. People often work out for themselves — they are not there for you. Period. Be sensitive towards those who want to work out uninterrupted and respect their space. 

Personal hygiene — Please be courteous to others in the space. Put on deodorant before sweating it up in the gym. 

Spatial location — One thing that many gym-goers do not think about is the physical space one chooses to occupy. Being cracked out on pre-workout makes it easy to just saunter up and plant oneself on the closest open bench on the mat, but one should take a look at their surroundings beforehand. It is polite to fill in the benches, squat racks or mat spaces like one would choose a urinal. Give space to other people unless no other option is presented — every other is preferred. 

Limit time on equipment — Be sure to only occupy a piece of equipment for the bare minimum of time one needs it, particularly when the gym is busy. I am not a huge fan of working in — taking turns and sharing the equipment — but this is an option if another person is wanting to use the equipment. 

Be respectful to workers — Gym employees do not get paid enough to put up with s–t. Please be kind and courteous to these individuals. If a worker says to do something, do it. Do not linger right up until closing, always leave with five to ten minutes left until closing. 

Now that one is equipped with the knowledge of how to be a respectful gym-goer, go out, be fruitful and multiply. 



Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu




The Language of Etiquette

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

The fork goes on the left and the dessert spoon goes at the top. Moreover, do not forget to start on the outside and work inward towards the plate. The cutlery resting directly on the plate indicates the end of the meal to the catering team.

These were only some of the many dining etiquette tips provided to the 150+ students and professionals by the special guest speaker of the Etiquette Dinner, Sabra Jewell. Jewell is the Communications Coordinator for the City of Monmouth, with a background in communications and experience in hospitality and catering. This made Jewell the perfect candidate for guiding guests of the event toward a professional dining experience.

“I’ve done it all,” explained Jewell. “I have served every kind of level of practice and style of dining on every kind of budget. I have seen it all from that perspective.”

The Center for Professional Pathways is the on-campus organization that brings the Etiquette Dinner together for students every year. However, the event — despite being a student favorite for many years — was absent from campus tradition for some time due to a brief hiatus. 

This year, the Center for Professional Pathways partnered with the Stitch Closet to provide students with a double event through both dinner and a fashion show. The purpose of the culmination of the two events was to teach students about professional and business communication, as well as the importance of nonverbal cues and fashion etiquette — whilst still encouraging an environment where guests can have fun and dress in formal attire. 

The fashion show took place prior to the dinner, which presented guests with eight categories of attire — including interview attire, sports attire and formal work attire — and encouraged guests to make an educated guess on which attire corresponded with which category. The Stitch Closet rewarded the individuals with the highest number of correct answers with flowers from the event.

The dinner portion of the event consisted of a three-course meal, featuring mocktails and the option for both vegan and gluten-free alternatives. Jewell taught attendees the intricacies of dining etiquette as the guests ate and conversed, such as where to place cutlery, how to correctly butter bread, the correct way to pass the pitcher of water — and most importantly — reminded attendees to keep elbows off the table and their posture straight.

Jewell explained the importance of an event such as this, stating “These events expand your network. You never know who you’re going to meet sitting at one of these tables. It could be your future mentor; your future boss. It could be somebody who’s gonna be a peer who’s gonna help connect you to things in your own career.”

The event was free of charge to any student or community member who wished to participate. It could not have occurred without the help of the sponsor, Ash Creek Animals Clinic, and the beautiful table decor donations from TL Celebrations and generous floral arrangements from Petal & Vines. Ultimately, the event culminated in a resounding success.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Monmouth Recognized Local AAPI Vendors

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

The City of Monmouth was teeming with enthusiastic residents of the community on the evening of Saturday, May 20, as a result of the sunshine and the grand number of local festivities to explore. 

The Asian-American and Pacific Islander Vendors Market was one of the many events brought to the community by the Hawai’i Club, in partnership with the City of Monmouth. The arrival of the vendors market occurred after the conclusion of the Peacock Festival and Fun Run on Main Street Park, which equally captivated and engrossed the community with a few hours of leisure and entertainment.

Taking place in the month of May, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is devoted to the celebration and recognition of the historical contributions of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders — a celebration that largely extends to including the community contributions of local pop-ups and business vendors.

The first of potentially more in the near future with the high number of attendees, the family-friendly vendors market featured a number of businesses owned by the AAPI community, many of which prioritize craftwork and artistry, as well as sustainability. There were food businesses at the market — some familiar to the community, some not — as well, including Da Hale, Yang’s Teriyaki, Sing Fay and Da Ayala Grindz.

Furthermore, the following vendors could be found at the market: Maganda Glassworks LLC, AJE Pottery, Haole Brand Clothing — Hawaii Clothing Brand — and Treats by Yap Trap. These businesses function in that they are either pop-ups or provide catering services through commissions to Monmouth-Independence and the surrounding community in which they are situated and based. For example, AJE Pottery is a pop-up business operating for and in established shops, selling pottery such as mugs, sauce dishes and plant vases, with a creative and adorable touch.

Meanwhile, Maganda Glassworks is a new business just beginning to sprout and make a physical mark in the community, offering art and stained-glass work — including necklaces, earrings and other custom and handcrafted jewelry — as well as courses in stained glass artwork. Maganda Glassworks can be found on Main Street in Independence, Oregon.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

It’s Time for Tea

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

Getting bogged down by doing repetitive activities with friends and loved ones? Looks like it’s time for a tea party. Creating a little event for those who one cherishes can be the perfect way to show appreciation for them. Hosting a tea party is ideal for people of all ages, for any season and gets people outdoors, dressed up and participating in something unique. 

Thrifting — Don’t break the bank by purchasing a full tea set from an antique store. Instead, buy the necessary items from a thrift store. This is more environmentally friendly and will give the party more personality for pennies on the dollar. To keep costs even lower, and provide an activity for guests, ask each of them to bring a thrifted tea cup and tea plate.

Cuisine — Simple finger sandwiches and little cookies will do just the trick. Grab some fun cookie cutters to dress up three ingredient cucumber and tomato twiddle sandwiches. This aspect could also be potluck-style if one is desiring a heartier meal along with the experience. Since iced drinks are more suited for the season, there is no need to go crazy with tea. It is more than okay to grab a jug of iced tea from the grocery store to serve from a decorative pot. 

Invitations — Make this a special occasion for guests to look forward to. Send out custom invitations with the date, time, location, attire and anything else that they may need to bring. This can be done digitally or through physical print by spending no more than 20 minutes on Canva for free. 

Location — A tea party can take place indoors or outdoors. If one desires outdoor seating, there is a great variety to choose from. The event could take place in one’s backyard, public park or even at the beach. 

Attire — Who doesn’t like dressing up? Figure out what is reasonable for guests to already own that would suit the event or keep things simple by asking to wear a sundress or a light-colored shirt and shorts. Create a mood board to give guests inspiration and make sure everyone gets the memo. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Take Time for Travel

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

The world is filled with so many amazing places ready to be discovered. Don’t wait until there is more free time, financial stability or anything else that could be holding one back; let this summer be the start of ones’ traveling journey. 

Roadtrip to a major city

The more the merrier — Traveling with a group of friends can keep costs low as multiple people usually split gas and housing expenses. A good number of group members is around four, so that everyone can comfortably fit in one car and can pair up in two queen beds in a shared hotel room. 

Making use of time — Roadtrips give full freedom regarding the duration of the trip, take advantage of it. If one can only afford a day and a half trip, do that instead of not doing it at all. To get to the destination the fastest, research traffic times for the area to select what time in the morning is best to leave. If one plans to stay in a hotel, check to see the earliest check-in time there is. If the arrival time doesn’t line up with the check-in time, use it to pursue a planned activity. Lastly, have all activities and restaurants picked out before the trip. This will prevent wasting time figuring out what to do when there. This also allows one to make reservations, gain prior knowledge of prices and give the group things to look forward to. 

Near Western — Seattle is a place traveled by many because of their attractions such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Public Market and creative restaurants and bars. Luckily for Western students, this major city is just about four hours away.

Flight away

Tickets — The market is always fluctuating. Try to purchase tickets far in advance for dates during the off season. 

Verbos and Airbnbs — These travel accommodations are great for longer trips with a group of friends. Not only does it provide a kitchen to cook meals daily; it can come with much more. Depending on the location, it can have a backyard, private pool or even a beach. They are also nice for cramming people. If one books a one bedroom place that has a pull out sofa, that leaves the opportunity to fit at least four people. A smaller apartment or house one would typically book for one or two people can turn into the ideal location for a group of college students to stay. 

Routine — To make the most out of time, try to create a routine with one another and stick to it. When everyone eats, sleeps and leaves at the same time, everything can go much more smoothly. 

Resourceful

Gift of a trip — If one’s birthday or special occasion is coming up that involves gift giving, ask for a trip this year. This could be anywhere from a one night stay at a hotel to a ticket for a flight. No matter how big or small, it could make a big difference when splitting the costs with friends. 

Staying with family — Does one have a family member that lives somewhere interesting? Make a trip to see them and view their city from their perspective or bring along friends for the adventure. The amazing part about staying with family, other than free food and lodging, is that everyone gets to bond and enjoy a homey experience that doesn’t come with a typical vacation.  

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Conform or Succeed

Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

In the relentless pursuit of fulfilling societal expectations, one can easily find themselves wandering along an unyielding path paved with predefined notions of success and happiness. But what if we dare to question these dictates? What if we challenge the status quo that confines our dreams to a corporate ladder? Life should be a journey of redefining one’s own measures of fulfillment, seeking solace in the authenticity of one’s soul, which is much easier said than done.

In the ceaseless symphony of societal pressures one experiences when graduating from college, one’s senses are bombarded with benchmarks for success and happiness. We are often told that fulfillment lies in ascending the corporate ladder, where each step comes with a price — our time, our passions and ultimately our very essence. It is within these confines that the definition of success becomes distorted, reduced to mere numbers and status symbols.

Yet, people often fail to recognize the silent toll that conformity takes on one’s well-being. As we march dutifully toward the prescribed ideals, our spirits grow weary, shrouded in a gloomy culture that seeps into the very fabric of our existence. Our mental health falters under the weight of rigid standards. One’s self-worth becomes entangled in the twisted web of comparison and content with worthlessness.

There is no reason one truly needs to conform to the monotonous rhythm of societal expectations. We should have the audacity to question, redefine and reclaim our very essence. It is within the realm of human potential that we could liberate ourselves from the shackles of societal conformity and witness the flight of our individuality, soaring towards a life true to our authentic selves.

The essence of success lies not in the towering heights on a corporate ladder, despite what many are told their entire lives, but rather in the pursuit of personal growth, self-fulfillment and pursuing our deepest passions. Doing so would allow success to become a tapestry woven from the threads of authenticity and self-discovery — a unique reflection of our values, rather than a reflection of societal accolades.

All of this is not to say that one shouldn’t work to earn a living, as being able to function in society is still important for one’s health. One should pursue what makes them truly happy, not what others expect of them.  

Challenge the preconceived notions of success, redefine the contours of happiness and forge a path that reverberates with the song of one’s authentic self.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

Be More Intentional

Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, Twitter and just about every other social media app have accumulated over 4.5 billion users worldwide. These platforms can easily cause one to align their actions, decisions and daily habits far away from any positive values and aspirations, given that many users spend precious time unintentionally surfing the apps.

Mindfulness is a key element of intentional living; it entails connecting with one’s experiences, being fully present in each moment and developing awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings and behavior. One can gain a deeper awareness of themselves and how one reacts to the environment around them by avoiding moments where there is no intention.
Social media platforms have become an integral part of modern life, but their ubiquitous presence can inadvertently lead one away from acting with intention. With endless scrolling and mindless content consumption, we often find ourselves disconnected from our core values and aspirations. Mindless social media usage can create a constant state of distraction, hindering our ability to live with intention.

This doesn’t mean one needs to drop social media usage altogether, but gain control of its usage and align it with things that one feels truly matter. Prioritizing quality over quantity in one’s usage of social media and online connections can help foster a sense of belonging, support and authenticity.

Intentional living extends beyond social media. It is about being mindful and intentional in every aspect of one’s life, including daily routines, relationships and personal growth. One becomes more conscious of their values, desires and the effects of their actions when they engage in mindfulness and self-reflection. Doing so allows for decision-making that aligns with one’s true intentions, online and offline.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

College Radio is Important

Written by: Mikayla Coleman

I was first introduced to KWOU — Western’s student-run campus radio — when I was finishing my third year at Western. If one would have told me that I would have my own show this year, I would have called them crazy. As a chronically busy, neurodivergent student, I was unsure about adding yet another weekly commitment to my plate. However, after witnessing the joy and excitement of laughing along in the studio and watching my friends play their favorite tunes, I knew that participating in KWOU would be an important part of my life.  

Building a show is a fun and creative endeavor. My friends have built talk and music shows around specific ideas or journeys. My show is called “The Tuned Inn.” I hoped to create advertisements and logos in a sort of “Inn” style hostel theme, but quickly ran out of time. Despite that, the name still has enough personality to make it feel like my own. 

It is extremely cathartic to be able to create a collection of music each week to share with the world. I await each Monday when I will receive my new “Discover Weekly” playlist on Spotify. I use a combination of modern and older music, as well as different genres, to add variety and flow to my playlists each week. In making these choices, I am able to express myself in whatever time and place I may be. They act as a sort of time capsule — looking back at all of my playlists from the past years, I am able to tell what feelings were at the forefront of my mind when I created them. 

Having a show at KWOU has allowed me a unique way to connect with people in my life. Whether a friend lives in town, out of state or across the country, listeners are easily able to stream from anywhere.

I am in a bit of a unique situation — my dad and his father before him have primarily worked in radio for their whole lives, so this allows me to be able to connect with him weekly and continue a third generation of interest in radio. 

As graduation creeps closer, I am already mourning the end of my beloved radio show. I have never considered myself to be charismatic, charming or lively in the way that most traditional radio show hosts are, but, through trial and error, I have been able to figure out what works for me and have become comfortable and content with my hosting and curation skills. I will miss having a space for my favorite people to meet each week and exist in the most chill and welcoming environment. 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

Finally Free

Written by: Gretchen Sims

“Free Bird” — Lynyrd Skynyrd

“Free Fallin’” — Tom Petty

“Freedom! ‘90” — George Michael 

“Free spirit” — Khalid

“It’s Called: Freefall” — Rainbow Kitten Surprise

“Free Smoke” — Drake

“Left Hand Free” — alt-J

“Break Free” — Ariana Grande, Zedd

“Oh Freedom!” — The Golden Gospel

“Freewill” — Rush

“Freeway” — Hairitage 

“Wow freestyle (feat. Kendrick Lamar)” — Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar

“Free” — Florence + The Machine

“Free” — Mother Mother

“1AM FREESTYLE” — Joji

“Free” — H.E.R. 

“Get Free” — Lana Del Rey

“I Want To Break Free” — Queen

“Tuned In Freestyle” — Megan Thee Stallion

“Free” — Destiny’s Child

“Young, Wild & Free (feat. Bruno Mars)” — Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Bruno Mars

“free me” — anees

“Breaking Free” — Troy, Gabriella Montez, Disney

“Futura Free” — Frank Ocean

“For Free (feat. Drake)” — DJ Khaled, Drake

“Freedom” — Allen Stone

“Free Mind” — Tems

“Blessed & Free” — Kane Brown, H.E.R.

“Born Free” — Kid Rock

“Free” — Zac Brown Band

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Village for Homeless Youth in the works Polk County

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

On Jan. 10, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency on the homelessness crisis in response to the prevalence of unsheltered individuals and a lack of shelter beds. The emergency declaration was followed by a round of funding for projects allocated to various regional groups across the state.

The overall priority goals of the funded projects are in alignment with the governor’s orders and action plans, which are to rehouse and prevent homelessness for at least 158 unsheltered households in the regional areas and increase shelter capacity by 79 new, low-barrier shelter beds. The plans also include the renovation and expansion of existing emergency shelter locations, including the addition of new bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities.

The Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency and Church at the Park were two regional groups that received millions from a grant for the opening and managing of a new micro shelter. 

Church at the Park is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve and assist the homeless population. In 2022, Church at the Park contributed to the opening of a new youth micro shelter village in Salem, Oregon. There are two micro shelter sites that can be found in the big city, on Southeast Turner Road — specifically for youth — and Northeast Center Street. Church at the Park is consequently the one responsible for finding and securing a location for Polk County’s new micro shelters for homeless youth.

In the past, Polk County lacked the funds to open a micro shelter site for the youth in their rural areas, forcing homeless youth to make the journey toward Salem for help and shelter. This is concerning, since Polk County — especially the rural parts of the county — has some of the highest numbers in youth and student homelessness statistics, according to the Oregon Department of Education. 

If erected, the youth homeless shelter would service the youth of ages 14 through 18. The shelter would accommodate roughly 40 people in each of the five-unit homes. These micro shelters would allow a temporary space for youth to dwell, with assistance in securing their own apartments, connecting to employment and job opportunities, as well as assistance with the transition into rental housing. 

Christ’s Church — a church located a few minutes away from the Western campus — was one of the many locations proposed as the placement for this new youth micro shelter village. 

In May, Christ’s Church was gracious enough to open a meeting to the general public as a result of frequent and ongoing interest from the community regarding the enactment of a new youth micro shelter village. However, the meeting introduced a slew of opposition regarding the location. Moreover, the meeting made concerns regarding safety from community members known. 

According to Church at the Park, their proactive approach to safety for the community and surrounding neighbors include 24/7 staffing, a licensed security team, video surveillance, as well as a partnership with emergency services.

Christ’s Church’s decision on whether or not to accept the proposal as the location for the new micro shelters is expected to be announced in the next few weeks. If the proposal is rejected, Church at the Park will continue to seek a location for the new youth shelter.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Sunny Sippin

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

Who said cocktails are the only fun drink for a hot day? Below are easy recipes using only two ingredients for any time of day and all ages. 

ENERGY OF THE SUN

Start to finish: 2 minutes

Yields: 1-2 servings

4-8 ice cubes

12 oz passion fruit mango Celsius, chilled

1 oz lemonade

OR

1 oz mango nectar

Start by placing four ice cubes in a glass cup. Pour six to 12 ounces of Celsius into the cup along with a half or full ounce of juice. Stir with a straw and enjoy. 

WATERMELON SUGAR

Start to finish: 2 minutes

Yields:1-2 servings

4 ice cubes

12 oz watermelon flavored Celsius, chilled

1 oz watermelon juice

1 oz lemonade (optional)

Start by placing four ice cubes in a glass cup. Pour six to 12 ounces of Celsius into the cup along with watermelon juice. Stir with a straw.

HELLO HIBISCUS

Start to finish: 2 minutes

Yields: 2 servings

6 ice cubes

4 oz lemonade, chilled

4 oz hibiscus ginger beer, chilled

In a small glass cup place three ice cubes. Pour half of the gingerbeer into the cup, pouring half the lemonade overtop. 

PEPPERMINT PEACH DAYDREAM

Start to finish: 2 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

4 ice cubes

12 oz peach green tea, chilled

¼ oz peppermint syrup

Place ice cubes in a tall glass cup. Fill with tea and stir in syrup. 

LUCKY LAVENDER

Start to finish: 2 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

4 ice cubes

12 oz LimonCello La Croix, chilled

¼ oz lavender syrup

In a tall glass, place the desired amount of ice cubes. Slowly fill the glass with La Croix. Stir in the syrup with a straw and enjoy.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Sprout as a Student

Written by; Jude Bokovoy

Let the grounds of Western be the place to grow, as a student, future professional and, most importantly, a person. 

Open-mindedness — This is the first step. Don’t let past perceptions hold one back from trying new things, befriending new people or giving something another go. On top of that, allow opportunities to come and give them no hesitation. 

Adventurous employment — Apply for those interesting jobs that have been too intimidating in the past. Allow oneself to expand one’s skill set and take a leap of faith. Maybe one will shoot for the moon and find themselves among the stars. Meaning, the role in mind may not be the one obtained, but instead it will lead to a different job within the field. Doing this can build one’s resume to get a job within their desired career field right after graduation. This is normally the goal of this whole college thing, right? Who knows, maybe neither will happen and one will get or go back to a ‘typical’ college job. That’s literally the worst that could happen. Might as well try. 

Push limits — Take the time here to truly learn. Learn about oneself, about all kinds of subjects, people, activities or anything really. There is such a low risk when it comes to educating oneself within the parameters of time in college. This may be the only time one is fully independent — without any ties — use this as an opportunity to explore. Whether it’s taking an interesting upper-division course without any prior knowledge, or trying a new dish, this is the time for trial and error. 

Allow room for growth — The words “you’ve changed” from a friend or loved one weigh heavily over people, holding them back from trying new things, changing unhealthy behaviors and confining them to their own perception of themselves. In all honesty, it’s good, healthy and necessary to change. If there is fear of a person forcing one’s current and past ways against one, that’s an issue that they need to deal with. They’re also probably someone that isn’t good to have so closely or at all. It is crucial to allow oneself the ability to try new things, discover new passions and to even fully reinvent themselves. Imagine if everyone stayed exactly the same since they were middle schoolers. The world would be such a different place. Why confine oneself to a certain stage of life? Become the person one wants to be. Friends with the same standards will follow. If there is one thing to remember from this article, it is to allow room for growth. 

Yes, study hard, complete one’s best work and get everything one can with their path of education, but, at the same time, don’t let lectures be the only thing that teaches one during their experience here. Take this unique opportunity to grow in all aspects of oneself. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Spice up one’s Schedule with these Course

Written by:Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

Wondering what courses to enroll in for the upcoming academic term? If one is in need of electives or simply in need of options on classes to complete a general education requirement, be sure to take a look at the list of courses below being offered next year in fall term.

Art 220: Introduction to Typography

This course introduces students to typography in studio art and visual design.

Art 311: Creativity and Idea Generation

Explore the creative thinking process and exploration by incorporating hands-on studio art techniques to overcome creative barriers. 

Business 392: Management of Diversity

Learn about the practice and act of managing diversity in the workplace.

Biology 371: Structure of Seed Plants

Take a deep dive into morphology, anatomy and reproduction of seed plants from an evolutionary perspective.

Entrepreneurship 460: Entrepreneurship in Action

Gain experience in entrepreneurship through internships or practical hands-on application by working with real businesses.

Earth Science 331: Introduction to Oceanography

This course is an introduction to the topics of oceanography, which include seafloor tectonics, physical properties of seawater, air-sea interaction, ocean circulation, tides, waves, coastal processes and much more.

Chemistry 247: Foundations of Integrative Medicine

Learn about the use of integrative medicine to lead a healthy lifestyle, with a focus on diet, herbal and natural remedies, nutrition, and meditative exercises, among much more.

Communication 462: The Darkside of Family Communication

The course provides students with an introduction to the dark side of interpersonal communication in relation to family discourse and communication.

Computer Science 360: Programming Languages

This two-term sequence course provides an introduction to the principles and practices of software development. 

Criminal Justice 425: Forensics in the Media

This course introduces students to forensic science as it is most commonly seen in popular media, only to compare and contrast the portrayals of these methods to the discipline.

Health 257: Health Promotion

Examine nutrition, physical activity and mental health in order to gain a greater understanding of health and well-being — also completes a general education requirement.

History 404: Gender Issues in History

The course delves into the history of men and women — as well as the study of gender relations. 

Literature 421: Studies in British Literature

The course provides students with the opportunity to explore and delve into the works of prominent playwrights — perfect for theater geeks and lovers of literature and the arts. 

Psychology 400: Human & Animal Bond

Take a look back at the history of the relationship between humans and domesticated animals and learn about how this relationship provides various important life functions.

Spanish 415: Extraordinary Bodies in Spanish Culture

In this course, students will analyze movies, text and art that represent “extraordinary” themes in Spanish cultures. The course will be taught in Spanish.

Sustainability 380: Environmental Conservation

This course is an introduction to the study of environmental conservation, with a focus on greenhouse warming and deforestation.

Writing 399: Special Studies – Script Writing

The course will teach students about writing screenplays for television and movies.

Writing 405: Professional Concerns

Learn about the subjects and life skills applicable in the professional workplace, such as job searching and interview skills. It will also familiarize and assist students with the development of resumes, portfolios and cover letters.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Dreamy Charcuterie

Written by: Mikayla Coleman

It’s spring, which means it is the perfect time to entertain and treat oneself with the most versatile and easily-shareable spread — the charcuterie board. Use the list below to construct and tailor one’s dream charcuterie board. 

Cheese — Make sure that one’s cheese choices are well-rounded. One should choose from the many different textures of cheese —including soft, semi-soft and hard. Some soft cheeses to choose from include Brie, mozzarella, ricotta, feta, Gorgonzola, Bleu or goat cheese. Some semi-soft cheeses include cheddar, havarti, Monterey Jack, Muenster, provolone and Gouda. Hard cheeses include Asiago, Parmesan and Parmigiano-Reggiano. 

Meats — Meat can make a great pair with many of the foods included on the board. Prosciutto, salami, turkey, ham, pepperoni or bacon are some great choices — experiment with different flavors and spices of one’s favorite meats. 

Fruits and Vegetables — Some great fruit options include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples or pears. Sometimes including a dried version of a fruit can give a refreshing texture change along with fresh fruit, like dried apricots, mango, cranberries or raisins. Some good vegetables to consider include olives, mini bell peppers, cucumbers, pepperoncini or pickles. 

There are many creative ways to cut one’s fruits and vegetables to get a picture-perfect board. 

Nuts — Add some diversity to one’s board by including a variety of almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pecans, hazelnuts or pistachios. One can choose to include raw, candied or salted nuts, or spice it up by adding nuts with different seasonings. Trader Joe’s has a “Everything But the Bagel Nut Duo” that has cashews and almonds seasoned with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sea salt, garlic and onion — it truly hits the spot. 

Crackers and Bread — Some great bread choices include sliced rye, sourdough or french baguette. There are a plethora of different crackers to choose from, one might have a favorite brand to fall back on such as Ritz or Club crackers. My personal favorite is Trader Joe’s Pita Bite Crackers. To be inclusive with one’s cracker choices, think about including gluten-free options, such as Simple Mills Rosemary Almond Flour Crackers. 

Spreads and Dips — Include a variety of different spreads to dip one’s favorite items in such as fruit spreads, hummus, hot honey or almond butter. 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

Unhinged Hot Girl

Written by: Ruth Simonsen

“Twist” – Korn

“Peaches” – Jack Black

“Flamingo” – Kero Kero Bonito

“Ocean Man” – Ween

“Even Flow” – Pearl Jam

“Chelsea Dagger” – The Fratellis

“UZUMAKI” – Machine Girl

“Ram Ranch” – Grant MacDonald

“The Home Depot Beat” – The Home Depot

“Barbie Girl” – Aqua

“Friday” – Rebecca Black

“Photograph” – Nickelback

“Massive” – Drake

“D–ked Down in Dallas” – Trey Lewis

“Beyond the Sea” – Bobby Darin

“Life’s Incredible Again” – Michael Giacchino

“Coconut Mall (From “Mario Kart Wii”)” – Arcade Player

“Never Gonna Give Your Up” – Rick Astley

“Fruit Salad” – The Wiggles

“Guren no Yumiya” – Linked Horizon

“Crazy On You” – Heart

“Affirmation Song” – Doggyland, Snoop Dogg

“Frog On The Floor” – 100gecs

Contact the author at rsimonsen20@wou.edu

Art Fest 2023

Written by: Gretchen Sims

The second annual Art Fest was held on May 17. Western students, along with select high school and community college students, were invited to showcase their artwork in select WOU Art Galleries for a chance to win awards and prizes. The 55th Annual Juried Art & Design Student Exhibition has taken over gallery spaces in the Instructional Technology Center and Campbell Hall until June 9. The high school and community college works were located in the Hamersly Library, but were taken down after the awards ceremony. 

Awards were presented to various students after a long day filled with engaging art across campus. While some awards offered money, some added the opportunity for the student’s art to be commemorated permanently in several buildings on campus and in the new Monmouth Town Hall. 

This year’s juried exhibit was judged by Chelsea Couch. The six $50 Juror’s Awards were given to Chawni Childress, Michael Holley, Mnemosyne McKay, Morgan Amerson Horton, Quinlan Elise and Lillian Roth. 

The Dean of Liberal Art and Sciences Award offered three $100 awards to outstanding students. These were presented to Annabelle Bullock, Lillian Roth and Quinlan Elise. 

The Serendipity Purchase Award is one of the most prestigious awards that is given out each year. The art piece that wins this award will be permanently displayed in the Werner University Center. This beautiful tradition was awarded to both runner-up, Anthony Quinones, and winner, Emelie Shay.

The Dean of Education Purchase Award is also unique in the fact that the selected art piece will get to be the next installment in the Richard Woodcock Education Center’s art collection. This year, the winner of this award was Quinlan Elise. 

The City of Monmouth Arts and Culture Purchase Award was given out to the student whose art will be displayed in the new Monmouth City Hall. This honor was presented to Melody Barrett.

The Wolfstore Award gives its winners a $50 gift certificate to the Wolfstore — to be redeemed for art supplies or Western merchandise. This year, three of these awards were given to Violet Babbitt, Mikayla Coleman and Anthoney Quinones.

Last but not least, the Faculty Recognition Award, given to this year’s most outstanding art & design student, was presented to Anthoney Quinones.

Western’s student artists presented strong and high quality work, showing evidence of a fantastic year of creation.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

YouTube has become what it sought to destroy

Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

Paid broadcasting and television entertainment have been long-unrivaled video mediums since they were popularized in the 1950s. This remained true even in the earliest days of the internet, until the public release of YouTube in 2005. By January of 2016, the site received over 25 million views per day, and today that daily number is in the billions.

As the name “You”Tube suggests, the content produced on the platform consisted of real, everyday people making videos to share with one another. This whole concept is what pushed YouTube forward, as even companies that released videos on the platform in its early stages embraced its personal feel. It was never about what made executives the most money, or creating big-budget productions — keyword “was.”

With time, everything evolves, but it is not always for the best. The thing that once separated YouTube from paid broadcasting and television has fully taken over the platform — money and corporate executives. This shift was a long time coming, but fully took place in May 2019, when the Indian music label T-Series passed famous YouTuber PewDiePie for most subscribers on the platform. Fast forward to today and almost all of the top YouTubers are either a company or have formed one for their content. Mr. Beast, for example, does not have the same company structure or goals as T-Series, since he is considered a “YouTuber,” yet they are valued at the exact same amount —  $500 million. As of now, PewDiePie remains the only channel in the top 20 on the platform that is not a company.

Individuals that seek to entertain on the platform are just unequipped to properly compete with the budgets, crew and equipment that these companies have to create content. Thus, there are now YouTube Shorts, which are just bootleg TikToks. Small creators now find themselves attempting to please the YouTube algorithm and gain popularity through these shorts because keeping people’s attention for less than 60 seconds is far easier to do than competing with the long-form content that the large companies are already creating.

Admittedly, a large part of this shift is on all of us. Oversaturated clickbait content is only popular because we are the ones that decide to click on it. Since it gets the most views, it makes the most money, gets pushed the most by the YouTube algorithm and continually gets recycled and recreated. As genuine connection and creativity diminish on the platforms, so do our attention spans.

YouTube has not only aligned itself alongside paid broadcasting and television but has even gone so far as to intertwine itself well within it. YouTube not only offers a Premium — no advertisement monthly subscription to its platform — but even has “YouTube TV.” Now, you can stream live television, as well as movies and shows all on the platform that originally rivaled it. On top of this, YouTube takes 45% of ad revenue money from creators that are monetized on the platform, which leads these large creators/companies to further implement sponsorships on their uploads.

Brand deals and sponsorships have become commonplace for every content creator on YouTube, as have merchandise sales, crowdfunding and additional subscription content. These additions not only further the corporate dominance on the platform, but make it feel like content creators are milking their viewership in ways similar to online video game microtransactions.

A lot of this sponsorship comes with the compromising of artistic integrity among creators. With more of these creators vying for sponsors’ attention, many creators resort to sensationalism, sacrificing authenticity and genuine connection with their audience.

Of course, all of this can be looked at in a more positive manner. The addition of corporate budgets on YouTube opens the door for a much higher and more professional level of production. With this, comes the fact that YouTube has transcended from a niche video-sharing platform to a powerful force in shaping pop culture. Frankly, it’s probably the only worldwide video-sharing platform that still has hope for a bright future. In order for YouTube to flourish into the platform it was meant to be, it must navigate the delicate balance between corporate interests and creator authenticity, which requires a collective effort from creators, viewers and the platform itself.

Truthfully, that’s nothing more than a euphoric hope. Monetary greed and our collapsing attention spans are no foundation for anything positive. It’s all downhill from here.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

Western to lift vaccine mandate

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

Western will no longer require students and faculty to receive the primary doses of the COVID-19 vaccination — a change in policy effective on June 30. 

Beth Scroggins, director of the Student Health and Counseling Center, announced the plans of the change in university protocol via an email sent to current students last month, quoting a message from President Jesse Peters, Ph.D. In the message, Dr. Peters equally encourages current students to continue following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and remain up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. 

Director Scroggins said that the decision to eliminate the vaccine requirement was a result of extensive “group effort” with the community, with consideration taken into the county numbers, other university protocols, the statewide and university vaccination rate, as well as CDC and OHA guidelines. 

“There is a lot that goes into each decision around COVID, including lifting the vaccination requirements,” Scroggins said. “We felt we’re at a good place where it’s safe to lift the requirement.”

The lifting of the vaccine mandate consequently means the discontinuation of mandated isolation for students in on-campus housing who test positive, as well as self-reporting through the student portal. However, the university still highly advises students, staff and faculty to be considerate of the people around them, and to continue isolating in residence halls if symptoms appear or contact with an infected person is suspected. This applies to any illness. 

“If you’re sick, have symptoms, stay home, regardless of what you’re sick with,” Scroggins said.

Butler Hall, which is the residence hall designated for students who test positive, will remain open to students who wish to isolate themselves from the community. Testing services and rapid self-testing kits will also remain available for students at the Student Health and Counseling Center. 

The change in protocol regarding the vaccine arrived two months before the end of the spring term and conclusion of the 2022-23 academic year. However, it is not exactly surprising for the community. 

The Federal Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 expired on May 11, which Scroggins says was also taken into consideration in the decision to lift the vaccine requirement. With the public health declaration soon expiring, colleges and universities across the country were quick to do away with their vaccine mandates. This includes Oregon State University, which will no longer require the vaccine beginning June 16. 

This slew of changes in university policies and protocols instigated controversy on many university campuses, as well as sparked safety concerns for students and faculty. 

Scroggins addressed this concern, stating, “I’m sure not everybody likes every decision. I just really want to emphasize how thoughtful (Western) is on the decisions they make. I want people to feel comfortable that a good decision was made with the information that we had.”

For any questions and concerns regarding Western’s COVID-19 protocol, students should contact the Student Health and Counseling Center.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Spend a Saturday at the Saturday Market

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

Saturdays in the spring are made to be spent at a farmers market. Why not shop local at the Independence Saturday Market? From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., fresh produce, crafts and baked goods are up for grabs. To make the day even more special, take a ride there on the Monmouth-Independence Trolley. The first market is in the parking lot of Umpqua Bank right next to the main four-way stop in downtown Independence. The second has a different schedule and can be found in front of the fountain at the Independence Riverfront Park. Below are vendor options from the first market on the first Saturday of May. Bringing cash is highly recommended. 

Vendors may include but are not limited to:

Lucky Crow Farm LLC — This may be a familiar name because of their other location at the Corvallis Farmers’ Market. They sell assorted plants from big beef tomato starts, to acorn winter squash.

table of (dis)contents — Pick up a custom cutting board made by hand, using traditional pre-industrial joinery methods.

BACKYARD BOUNTY — Make friends with the booth owners, Lester Todd and Connie Silverstien. One will find assorted pickled items, jams and a few plants. Because both are over the age of 80, it was explained that Silverstien’s granddaughter does all of the gardening and that the couple does all the pickling. When asking for a website, they simply replied that Todd has a flip phone, Silverstein has a smartphone and that neither of them have a computer, stating “we’re dinosaurs.”

Sunreach — One will discover an assortment of mushrooms personally grown in Falls City, Oregon. Even if mushrooms aren’t of interest, that doesn’t mean that one can’t stop to admire their beauty. 

Marti Sohn — Taking up two booths, one for winter crafts and the other for spring gardening, one can be sure to find a treasure. On the craft side there are tea cups made into candles from following a Martha Stewart craft book. On the other side, there is a variety of jams including blueberry, currant, jalapeno pepper jelly and pear butter. 

Other booths that can be found include: Randa’s Makings, EM’S TREATS N’ TRINKETS, Dysfunctional Kin Co., Seed To Bloom, Nyx Creature Shop and BIG POPPER KETTLE CORN.

Take the time to stop by and see for oneself. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

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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.

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