The Western Howl, Author at The Western Howl

Written by: Forest Schostalo | Freelancer

The Psychology Peer Advising Center, PsychPAC, will hold a graduate school fair on May 21 in the Werner University Center. The event will run from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the Columbia Room and will have at least 13 programs in attendance.

When asked about the importance of this event, John Thoma, PsychPAC’s graduate school coordinator, said, “Many people don’t know how to go about grad school; this is their very first time showing interest. The mystery creates a lot of questions, but you don’t always know which ones you are supposed to ask.”

This will be the second-ever graduate school fair that PsychPAC has hosted, following the success of last year’s event. According to Thoma, the event will be a great way for students interested in graduate school to not only learn more about graduate school but also become acquainted with the people who work at these schools. “Go in representing yourself and the best person that you are. These are the people who could be interviewing you when you apply, that’s how it was for me at Geroge Fox,” said Thoma.

In preparation for the Grad Fair, PsycPAC curated a list of Dos and Don’ts for students attending the event. They suggest preparing several questions in advance to get a full picture of what the school has to offer. They also suggest talking to the school one is most interested in last to get some practice before seeing them. Finally, they suggest wearing something that is more professional. If one doesn’t have anything professional, the Stitch Closet on campus can help.

PsychPAC also puts forward some don’ts. Don’t only look at the information on the table, instead talk to the attendants to obtain a full understanding of what they have to offer. Don’t leave mid-conversation if you discover you aren’t interested in the school, finish the conversation, and politely excuse yourself and thank them for their time. Finally, don’t save questions for a later time —this is a good opportunity to ask any questions, including about topics like financial aid or what they are looking for in an application, as some topics are better off not mentioned in an interview.

PsychPAC serves as a way for psychology majors at Western to get advice from their peers who are also involved in the psychology program. The advisors include people at various levels within the major, with varied career aspirations and who have taken different courses within the program. They can help with registering for classes, removing advising holds, understanding degree tracks and more. They are located in Todd Hall, Room 339, and are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Several advisors from PsychPAC will be at the event ready to answer questions from students. “This is a perfect opportunity to gain information about grad school. You can then immediately come over to our table to make a plan to make that goal happen,” Thoma said. “We can help make a schedule for next year or figure out what classes or volunteer opportunities you should focus on.”

The center will also be open during its normal hours on the day of the event for people who have any questions.

Many of the colleges with psychology-related graduate programs from across the state will be in attendance at the fair: private universities like George Fox and Pacific University, Public universities like Oregon State and the University of Oregon and even Western Oregon and its new Occupational Therapy Program will be represented.

A full list of the universities that will be represented at the fair, what programs they offer, if they are accredited in any way and what makes these programs unique and special is available on the PsychPAC website.

For anyone who may be nervous about attending an event like the Graduate School fair, Thoma has some advice. “It’s okay to not know everything, that’s why we do these things. You can talk to these people and say it’s your first grad school fair and just by doing that you’ll learn what kinds of things you need to ask, don’t be afraid to not know.”

Any questions about the event can be directed towards the PsychPAC email: peeradvising@mail.wou.edu or can be asked in person during their operating hours.

Contact the author at fschostalo21@mail.wou.edu

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AANHPI Month

Written by: Lili Minato | Freelancer

The month of May celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander heritage. The celebratory month began its process of becoming federally recognized in 1977, when two members of the House of Representatives — Frank Horton and Norman Mineta — declared to the President that the first 10 days of May should be Asian-Pacific Heritage Week.

The following year, President Jimmy Carter called for Heritage Week to be annually celebrated. Then, 12 years later, President George H.W. Bush extended the week to be an entire month.

In 1992, it was signed into law that May would be AANHPI month. The first Japanese immigrants came to the country in May of 1843, which makes the month significant to AANHPI history.

The Filipino American Association at Western shared what AANHPI Heritage Month means to them: “Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month taught me how to embrace my heritage and has allowed me to be more comfortable with representing my cultural identity. This month is a reminder of the rich diversity of the country and that it is important to celebrate that,” said Carl Garon, a graduate student at Western.

Briar Durias, a senior at Western said, “This month, for me, is not only honoring my identity but also honoring, remembering, and being thankful for those who have given me the opportunity for the life I have now.”

The theme of AANHPI Heritage Month this year is Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future. “This year’s theme means enrichment and inclusivity to me,” said Garon.

“The theme of this year is a reminder to everyone that history is there to help us understand the hardships many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders faced and currently face. Most importantly, it speaks to the importance of understanding where we come from and recognizing the legacies and impacts of history on our present realities — this theme encourages reflection on how our ancestor’s actions shaped the world and how our actions, as a collective community, can help shape the world for the next generations to come.”

When asked about how one can support the AANHPI community, Marione Corpus — a Western senior — explained, “It’s also important to continue educating yourself on what’s happening around the world. It’s important to stay educated and to find ways you can help whether it be through educating yourself, donating, supporting and advocating.”

“Understanding the experiences and backgrounds of AAPI members is a big step in fostering a stronger bond between us and those who are not AAPI,” said Western junior, Micah Larioza.

In celebration of the month, Western is hosting events and exhibits to share the culture and heritage of our AANHPI community.

Hamersly Library houses a book and film display filled with culturally significant media to celebrate the month. There is a range of educational to recreational materials for all ages. Some noteworthy titles include the following: “The Magic Fish” by Trung Le Nguyen, “To Paradise” by Hanya Yanagihara and “In the Mood for Love” directed by Wong Kar-wai.

On May 31, the Hawai’i Club is hosting Ho’ike, a celebration of Hawaiian culture through food, music and dance.

Ho’ike is taking place in the Pacific Room of the Werner University Center with tickets selling for $12 for Western students and $15 for the community. Doors open at 5 p.m. to a beautiful display of celebration and admiration through cultural performances, a Hawaiian dinner, games and more.

A very special thanks to the Filipino American Association here at Western.

Contact the author at lminato22@mail.wou.edu

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Holocaust memorial

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

In commemoration of the lives lost in the Holocaust and violence tied to World War II, Western continued their annual tradition by placing thousands of flags along Monmouth Avenue from May 3 – 7.

Western’s description of the event on the school-wide calendar directly quoted the Holocaust Encyclopedia for a definition: “The Holocaust was the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million European Jews by the Nazi German regime and its allies and collaborators. The Holocaust was an evolving process that took place throughout Europe between 1933 and 1945.”

“These flags are meant to be a large, powerful display representing the lives of millions lost,” said Western’s calendar description. “There are different colored flags that represent the lives lost of certain peoples. The yellow flags represent the biggest number of Jewish lives lost.”

Multiple other flag colors lined the streets during the event, such as blue, red, white, green, brown, orange, purple, pink, lime green and light blue. In order, the communities they represent are as follows: Soviet civilians, Soviet prisoners of war, Polish civilians, Serbian civilians, Romani people, people with disabilities, repeat criminal offenders, LGBTQ+ people, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Spanish republicans.

The flags, although disrupted by the construction along Monmouth Avenue, shined bright against the backdrop of Western’s spring campus and were eye-catching to passersby.

“Every year for Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom HaShoah, we place thousands of flags along Monmouth Avenue to commemorate the lives lost,” said Western in an Instagram post. “This display provides an opportunity for reflection as a community… Thank you to the volunteers and (Western Student Engagement), who helped with the flags for this year’s remembrance.”

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

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The lives of book readers

Written by: Jaylin Hardin | Sports Editor

Avid readers have many nicknames: bookworm, book rat and ink drinker being commonplace titles. Whether one is a casual or consistent reader, there is a consensus that books are a lifestyle for many.

Countless online book communities have risen in popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and the anonymous message board app, YikYak. These apps have become places where readers of all ages and genres can come together and discuss what they have read.

The most famous of these, coined “BookTok,” is a hashtag on TikTok where readers can post book reviews and content, show off their bookshelves and promote merchandise they have purchased or made. It is also common for BookTok to be used as a platform where authors can promote their works.

A reader’s favorite part about the lifestyle is, well, reading the books. In an anonymous online poll with 95 participants, 81 percent said their favorite part was reading books. Very few participants’ favorite was discussing or collecting books — only a combined 16 percent of respondents chose either of these options.

“I love opening a book and being immersed into a story,” said sophomore Hailey Cook. “I tend to feel strongly about each book I love and I think it makes me enjoy books even more.”

However, there can be issues within these communities.

One of the most prominent is the discourse surrounding the author Colleen Hoover, smut in books and what exactly qualifies as a “good book”; often, all three topics are discussed hand in hand.

Other authors who have come under fire in these discussions include Sarah J. Mass, author of the “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” “Crescent City” and “Throne of Glass” series, and Rebbeca Yarros, author of the “Fourth Wing” series.

Maas, Yarros and Hoover have all been accused of “mediocre writing” that glamorizes harmful stereotypes, tropes and relationships.

However, fans often come to their defenses, stating these books are more like beach reads in the fantasy genre. They believe that the truly harmful books are those that are labeled “Dark Romance,” which often have explicit scenes of violence, assault and abuse, such as “Haunting Adeline” by H.D. Carlton.

But, regardless of this discourse, many sections of book communities remain positive.

“(I’ve had) positive experiences,” Cook said. “I love when I can have a genuine conversation about a book with other readers and understand why they may think a different way than me.”

Despite the discourse, book readers connect, creating and turning a hobby into a lifestyle that all can enjoy.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

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Investing in interships

Written by: Sierra Porter | Staff Writer

Internships come in a variety of different formats. Regardless of whether it’s on-campus or off, full internship or micro-internship, paid or for class credit, the benefits of an internship are endless. An internship is a short-term opportunity in specific departments, organizations or businesses that allow students to gain experience they may not acquire in a normal classroom setting.

Here at Western, almost every single department has internship opportunities for students to take advantage of: including business, arts, science, education and so much more.

The best place to begin if one is interested in an internship is the Center for Professional Pathways page under internships for students. CPP provides students with information and links to resources within their internship program — allowing students to explore the many options Western offers.

Western’s site encourages students to take internships as, “Internships can truly enhance students’ education and overall college experience by expanding skill sets, connecting with others and exposure to real-world situations. It is no longer a question of whether or not a student should do an internship during their college careers, but rather how many and where.”

Experience comes in all shapes and sizes, and the website offers options for on-campus as well as off-campus internships — working with the community to provide different opportunities for students. Additionally, the site discusses the variety of micro-internships, which are typically short-term and project-based, offering students a new way to gain experience and test their passion in their desired field. No internship opportunity is too big or too small — one just needs to find the internship that is right for them.

The CPP website not only provides a link to search for one’s desired internship, but it also provides steps on preparing for that particular search. These steps include knowing onerself, knowing where one wants to work, getting ready to search and starting to search. All of these steps have information, tips and links provided with them, bringing ease to each one.

Job searching may be overwhelming, so along with that, they provide an internship search checklist and full guide, allowing the student to break up their search into manageable steps.

Why should one intern? Most students, educators and business entrepreneurs receive immense benefits from internships. Completing an internship not only gives a student valuable experience that they can put on their resume, but it also allows them to explore their true passions, interests and who they are as individuals overall. This experience is most often valuable to employers, as nine out of 10 employers say they search for students with internship experience. Not only are they looking for these students, but according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, “Just over 70% of employers end up offering their interns full-time jobs. Almost 80% of students accept these offers.”

Still not sure about taking on an internship? Learn about one of Western’s very own art interns, Tati Ala, fourth-year Communications Major who is utilizing the internship programs here on campus. Ala is currently an art gallery intern with the Art Exhibition Crew and also had an internship with Planned Parenthood of the Columbia Willamette previously this year.

Ala expressed many things she loved about her experience including, “…how hands-on I get to be with the Art Exhibitions. I was directly involved with planning and setting up the Aloha From Maui exhibit that was set up in April, and as someone who was raised in Hawai’i, I was so happy to be able to be there and see what I could do to respect home and make sure it was given its due diligence.”

“Honestly, I’ve learned a lot about myself and how I work and what I would want to go into. With my PPCW internship, I was rotational, so I’d work with different departments and I was able to learn about specific jobs and skill sets that I couldn’t see myself going into, especially along the lines of running numbers and data,” said Ala.

Ala says if one can take on an internship they most definitely should. “I think it’s hard to feel like you’re in college and you’re aiming for this one type of job — but especially as someone who is a first-generation college student, I don’t have a lot of access to connections and people who are working in fields I want to go into, so it’s hard to feel secure in what I’m studying. Which is where internships are helpful.”

She recommends internships to all students as they are “…a great way to explore paths you didn’t think you would’ve taken, but also to test out what you want from your own future. It’s a really great way to be able to catch a glimpse of what you want for yourself, and take the time to see how you can apply that into your own lives and jobs, not to mention having more experience on a resume,” Ala said.

Ala offers some advice for those who choose to take the leap and participate in any internship. “Use Handshake. It’s a lot more helpful and there are so many places that are looking for college students. Keep an eye out for remote positions if you are able to.”

Many students juggle many things from other jobs or classes so if one is stressed about this Ala says, “Take advantage of CPP and all their resources, talk to advisors and professors if you can. CPP runs internships every year from winter to spring term, applications open in the fall — keep an eye out and reach out to any professors to see if they know anything as well.”

Any internship can provide students, teachers and employers with tremendous opportunities and great experiences. Invest in oneself, invest in an internship.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

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Advice for newer Art & Design students

Written by: Quinlan Elise | Photo Editor

From a Bachelor of Fine Arts student in her last term, here are the things I wish I did starting my first year at Western. Help out one’s future self, and thank me, and oneself, later.

Photograph pieces — One may not be told this until their final Spring term, but one will need at least one good photo of each finished artwork. Keep a collection of work, and photograph pieces at the end of each term on a flat surface with even lighting. A good camera is ideal, but smartphones do a great job now as well. One should save the photos into albums on one’s phone and have backups on a computer and Google Drive, just in case.

Creating an Instagram account dedicated to art can make it easier to document work, find shows and connect with other artists. It also becomes a fun digital photo album to look back on and see progress and growth over time.

Record pieces — Record piece names, dates finished, dimensions, mediums, brief descriptions, featured shows and current locations in a spreadsheet. This sounds like a lot at first, but it will save one time in the future when applying for shows, residencies and other programs.

Apply to shows — Even if one doesn’t think their work is “professional” enough, it is still worthwhile to put it out for the world to see. Follow local art organizations and galleries, and make a CaFÉ, or Call for Entry, account to keep an eye out for upcoming shows. Submit work to the Northwest Passage, Western’s Art and Literature Magazine, for a chance to be published. Anything one can add to one’s resume is worth the effort.

Make connections — One of the best things about Western is its small class sizes. There are so many opportunities to get to know fellow artists through shared classes and mediums. The professors tend to be wonderful people and happy to help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them.

After graduating, it will be much harder to find a place where one can meet people who will look at their work with an artistic, knowledgeable eye. A regular meeting of artists to critique and bounce ideas off each other is an incredibly valuable resource. Connections are so important to both personal and professional growth and future endeavors.

Try all of the mediums offered — Even if one has a preferred medium now, there are so many fun classes to try in the Art & Design program and beyond. One may find a new passion, and one’s overall creativity and art practice will improve by learning new things elsewhere.

Additionally, getting familiar with digital elements like Adobe, Procreate, photography, design and editing is very helpful for the art business.

Actually go to classes — Contrary to what people may tell one about other subjects, it is vital to go to classes in person. Studio classes provide beneficial practice time, and one’s art will improve with more time focused on it. One will receive much more valuable feedback and make stronger connections as well.

Take lots of other pictures — One should keep an album in their phone of things that interest them. Having a special folder for references and inspiration is helpful when one feels like they are out of ideas or drained from a heavy workload.

Keep pieces safe — Make portfolios and boxes from cardboard; use plastic bags; find storage solutions. Everyone’s art is important, as is saving progress.

Display one’s art in living spaces. This will create a more personal, inspirational and motivational home.

Use free resources — Check out an iPad, camera and other equipment from Hamersly Library, if interested. Utilize the Copy Center, Writing Center, Student Health and Counseling Center, Food Pantry, Peter Courtney Health and Wellness Center and other programs. Apply to campus art shows; send work to the Northwest Passage; ask friends for help and offer help in return.

Enjoy oneself — Make sure to take a step back from time to time. College is hard, and art classes have heavy workloads, but people and their art grow so much during their time in school. Don’t stress too much about being good at things right away. Trust oneself to get better over time and one will find that they will. Keep an open mind and be open to opportunities for growth. Appreciate one’s surroundings, friends and the fact that one can take art classes in college. By having courage, confidence and humility, one can get far in life.

Contact the author at howlphotoeditor@wou.edu

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An interview with Crystal Ross

Written by: Gretchen Sims | Editor-in-Chief

The first face students see when walking into the Student Health and Counseling Center is often Medical Receptionist, Crystal Ross, always donning an earnest, welcoming smile. Her friendly demeanor fits right in with the center — as if she’s always been there — but what many students don’t realize is that it took a lot to get there.

While Ross is best known for her work at the front desk of Western’s Student Health and Counseling Center, she spent many years working in the field before settling down at Western.

“Well, I met my husband in 1997, and we were both working in the same company in Dallas. The economy was a little unstable and the person who owned the company was selling it and so I told my husband, ‘If we’re both here when this place goes down, or goes under, because I’m pretty sure it’s going to, we’re gonna be in trouble,’” Ross said.

Ross then made the ultimate decision to go to school for Medical Billing and Coding. She went to a trade school for a year — working graveyard shifts at the company with her husband and going to school during the day.

After receiving her certification in Medical Billing and Coding, Ross took her internship, or practicum, at West Salem Family Practice. When a receptionist position opened up, she decided to apply.

“It was like a step, a foot in the door, and within three months, they had an opening in their business office so I ended up getting to go into the business office and use that Medical Billing and Coding knowledge that I had. And, so I was there for nine years, and a friend of mine, who was also a coworker, she had come to Western and was working in the Student Health and Counseling Center and she’s like ‘I think you’d really like it here, they have a receptionist position open; you should apply,’” said Ross.

Ross felt that there was nowhere to go in her job at West Salem; she felt like she couldn’t move up and had no room to grow anymore, so she decided to take the opening at Western.

“I guess the rest is history. They told me when I interviewed there would be potential for me to do some Medical Billing — that they were trying to get that started — and I have done some Medical Billing and Coding here. I used to have an office in the back, here, and then when COVID happened, and we lost some of our employees, I went back up front, and I feel like I really just thrive there,” Ross said.

Ross has come to love her home here at Western.

“My favorite part about (Western) is definitely the students… definitely the students. I love working with the students, I love getting to know them. I try really hard to remember things about students and what they tell me.”

Unlike some larger schools, Western has the unique privilege, in part, due to its size, of fostering strong and consistent communication between departments.

“…I also really like that I can reach out to someone in other departments and know that they’re going to do their best to help me. Whether it’s helping me personally, or helping me help a student, I just think that Western being as small as it is, we really do well at helping each other help the students,” said Ross.

Ross loves animals. At home, she has two rabbits, four cats, three dogs, a lizard, a snake, two horses, six ducks and 12 chickens, so, naturally, she feels passionate about the SHCC’s local squirrel.

“Oh my gosh,” said Ross “I love the squirrel. I love all of the squirrels on campus, I just think they’re such a fun, neat animal and so I’ll see this little guy hop around on the sidewalk in front of our building, you know, of course, in and out of the trash can. I call him Benny… I just thought it was a cute name and… I gave him food one day… ooh I know… I gave him a little peanut. I know, I don’t make a habit of that, because I don’t think they really want you feeding them, but… so yeah, Benny hangs out, I see him every day, running around, in front of the Student Health and Counseling Center — he’s our little mascot,” Ross said.

Working with students is a passion of Ross’s: she loves every one of them here at Western, but oftentimes, at the front desk of the SHCC, Ross sees them at their lowest. Ross is widely regarded for her optimism and friendly and welcoming personality, and while it’s not always easy, Ross always manages to keep a beaming smile on her face.

“I had a pretty traumatic childhood myself, and once I got away from the trauma, and I realized the things this person had said about me were not true — it was my ex-stepdad — I just thought, I need to be a cycle breaker, I need to be someone who cares about other people and shows that I care about other people,” Ross said.

Ross attests to the importance of putting her best foot forward when she walks through the doors of the SHCC each morning.

“My goal when someone walks through our doors is for them to have a positive experience because oftentimes they aren’t feeling well. So, if just smiling and being kind can help them feel better, that is my goal. A friendly face can make all the difference,” said Ross.

“I always tell my kids that, even if I’m having the worst day, none of my students are ever going to know — that I’m having a bad day — because I need to be the person that students can come to and know that they’re going to be taken care of, regardless of how my day is going. I want to be that positive light, I want to show people that I care about them, so I just think that I come to work every day knowing that I am impacting so many people’s lives. That just helps me keep that positive attitude, because I know that everybody has things that they’re going through and sometimes, all you need is one person to be kind to you and that can change your whole entire day — it could change your whole entire mood — and so if I can be the person who is the bright light for that person’s day, then that’s what I want to do,” Ross continued.

Besides simply being a bright light to the students here at Western, “I also have the privilege of helping these young adults learn how to navigate the healthcare system, which can be overwhelming for anyone. A lot of students are far from home and need guidance. I feel honored to be part of helping them grow and learn. I am a mom, so I think about how I would want my children to be treated,” said Ross.

Ross has several tattoos ranging from her first, which is of her favorite Disney character, Eeyore, to a Gemini astrological sign as a memorial to her father.

“Then I have one more, it’s on my chest here, so I was a teenager in the 90s, so 90s grunge and alternative music, that is my jam — that’s my favorite thing. My most favorite band in the world is Soundgarden, which was actually my very first concert when I was 18, and Chris Cornell, who is the lead singer of Soundgarden, completed suicide about almost seven years ago. That was really hard for me because my childhood was… traumatic, and music was my outlet. If I was having a bad day, or just needed to be calmed down, music was always my outlet.”

Ross has had the tattoo since Cornell passed away.

“This, here, is Chris Cornell’s autograph, and then this is the lyric from the song ‘Black Hole Sun’ and it says ‘No one sings like you anymore,’ and I thought that was appropriate because no one will sing like him, and that was a song that he wrote,” Ross said.

Ross loves all of her students — “Yes, I refer to all of you as my students,” — and wants them to feel seen, heard and validated. She aims to make the SHCC as welcoming to students as possible.

With all of that love for students, Ross wanted to leave them with a piece of advice.

“Always believe in yourself because even if you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, it will get better. It will get better. There are people out there that care about you and want you to succeed. Sometimes you don’t always know who those people are and they’ll come into your life when it’s the right time,” said Ross.

The SHCC is a fantastic resource for Western students. Whether it is to just stop by for a piece of candy, to get some studying done or to, of course, make a counseling or doctor’s appointment, Ross wants students to feel welcome and encourages them to swing by at any time.

“I know that it’s my job, but it’s also my honor and my privilege to serve the students. I know it’s a job, you get paid for it, but it’s definitely something that I enjoy doing and I love coming to work every day and knowing I am making a difference.”

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

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Psychology grad school fair

AANHPI Month

Holocaust memorial

The lives of book readers

Investing in interships

Advice for newer Art & Design students

An interview with Crystal Ross

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