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Opinion: New Year’s resolutions are meant to fail

Making resolutions is nice, but fixating on our flaws is not

Cora McClain | Editor-in-Chief

Exercise more, eat healthy, keep to a study schedule, read 30 books by the end of the year, etc. — typical resolutions like these permeate throughout little (or long) lists we use for yearly self-improvement. Each year, we look in the mirror and list out all of our flaws and make meaningless lists on how to improve upon those flaws. Jokes have been made time and time again, but New Year’s resolutions usually last about as long as the holiday — one day or less. The way we construct our list of resolutions makes them so breakable.

Our New Year’s resolutions are reflections of our “perfect” selves: the ones who rock climb, the ones who cook, the ones who keep houseplants alive, but they are not ourselves. We create unattainable goals that are pass/fail with no wiggle room. Changing behavior doesn’t happen overnight, and too often we expect to be able to be at the level of our “perfect” selves by Jan. 1. It is simply unattainable, and only adds to a self-deprecating culture in which we don’t hold ourselves accountable.

That being said, I don’t hate goal setting; in fact, I think goal setting is the key to success. I just think that we put way too much pressure on ourselves to force ourselves to change who we are. Good positive change takes time and work, starting small and building towards that big change. Otherwise, forcing a huge change from the get go will only lead to lackluster results. We need to move towards kinder and more attainable goal-setting in order to facilitate change and improvement in our lives.

I have found a lot of clarity in how to create attainable resolutions in Leena Norms’ video on the topic, “Lies you’re told about new years resolutions.” She gives many tips on how to break the New Year’s resolution mold and look at the yearly tradition in a more creative and positive light. While watching her video, I discovered a trend — people aim too high and are far too harsh on themselves by believing New Year’s resolutions have to look a certain way. In reality, you can make anything a resolution, decide anyway to measure it and give yourself as much wiggle room as you need. It doesn’t always have to be “go vegan or go home.”

Contact the author at cmcclain17@mail.wou.edu

Press Release: Satisfactory Senate Resolution

ASWOU and WOU Faculty Senate approve the Satisfactory/No Credit grading option

Liz Marquez Gutierrez | ASWOU Senate President

WOU students: 

On behalf of the ASWOU Senate I am excited to share that the E-Satisfactory/NoCredit* grading option will be offered for Winter and Spring of 2021. The S*/NC grading option was offered last spring term to support students adjust to learning in a remote format due to the COVID-19 crisis, however, it was not a grading option for fall 2020 although ~95% of courses were offered online. 

As fall term began, we remained concerned about the mental health and well-being of students, understanding that learning in a remote format during a pandemic continues to be a challenge. In order to address this issue, the ASWOU Senate passed Senate Resolution 6.21 requesting WOU Faculty continue offering students the S*/NC grading option for the remainder of the 2020-2021 academic year. Additionally, Elizabeth Braatz who is a phenomenal student advocate, created a survey to collect student support for the S*/NC grading option to demonstrate how this grading option would greatly benefit students this academic year.

Thankfully, the WOU Faculty Senate voted to approve the S*/NC grading policy for the rest of the 2020-2021 academic year. This effort would not be possible without the support of students who filled out and shared the survey with their peers. I would like to thank Elizabeth Braatz for her incredible work in creating a survey to collect student support for this grading option and for presenting the survey results to the WOU Faculty Senate. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to the WOU Faculty Senate for listening to students’ concerns and for their support of Senate Resolution 6.21.

On December 29th, 2020, the University Registrar sent an email to students providing more details about the S*/NC grading option. It is highly encouraged that students work with their academic advisor when deciding between S*/NC and A-F grading options for winter term as it may impact financial aid status or admittance to future programs (e.g. nursing school, law school).

We hope this grading option provides students the opportunity to successfully complete their courses as we continue to adjust to a new learning environment.

For more information, contact ASWOU Senate President Liz Marquez Gutierrez at aswousenpres@mail.wou.edu.

‌Five impactful TEDTalk videos on YouTube

Explore vulnerability, personal power and strength in these TEDTalks

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

As the new year begins, lists of resolutions and affirmations are being crafted, big changes are being made and we all continue to adjust to our new normal. With content being created and released left and right across platforms, it can be hard to sort through all the options available. TEDTalks are well-known ⏤ having been hosted all across the world ⏤ with speakers who describe compelling and moving stories of their experiences. Here are some videos that may help provide some perspective on topics like vulnerability, gaining confidence and releasing fear while bravely moving forward. 

 1. “How not to take things personally?” by Fredrick Imbo. TEDxTalks. (March 4, 2020)

Looking to help grow people’s communication skills and support them in their experiences, Fredrick Imbo has embarked on his own journey of learning to not take things personally, after struggling with it in different situations both personally and professionally. In order to confront the ways in which he wanted to grow, he took a job as a referee and kept making meaningful changes along the way. 

2. “To overcome your challenges, stop comparing yourself to others” by Dean Furness. TED. (June 8, 2020) 

After Dean Furness lost the use of his legs in an accident, he had to adopt a new mindset that freed him from the restraints of comparison, which helped him get better day by day. Exploring new definitions of his “personal average” helped him reach his best when all judgment and comparison were released unconditionally.

3. “How to become your best when life gives you the worst” by Peter Sage. TEDxTalks. (July 15, 2019)

Peter Sage spent six months in one of the United Kingdom’s toughest and most violent jails as the only civil prisoner there. Through his experiences, he gained friends, countless stories and a national award for his work that improved the lives of prisoners. With his unique knack for storytelling, he guides people on how to get through some of the hardest times in life while staying authentic. 

4. “Finding Home Through Poetry” by Najwa Zebian. TEDxTalks. (Nov. 29, 2016) 

World traveler and poet Najwa Zebian uses her vivid language and spoken word poetry to describe her experience of growing up in many different countries, and how she often struggled to find a place where she felt fully at home. Through her captivating words and experiences, she redefines what a home is, and how to find belonging in the ways that matter most. 

5. “The power of vulnerability” by Brene Brown. TED-Ed. (July 10, 2013)

In Brene Brown’s study of human connection, she goes one step further and explores how empathy, love and genuine connection shape our experiences as people. While on a journey that explored people’s humanity and inner workings, she also had to be vulnerable with herself in order to go further. 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

‌10 scrapbooking tips and tricks to try out

A well-loved pastime is making a comeback in 2021 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

Scrapbooking has been cherished by many types of people, and one of the beauties of the craft is that it’s open for anyone to enjoy. It can be used to remember the passing years and fun times and can be incorporated into cards, letters, journals and photo albums alike. The art form has been used for centuries to capture important moments and faces filled with smiles. In past times, some people would compile scrapbooks throughout the years for their children ⏤ occasionally gifting them on their wedding day or important birthdays. It can also be used as a thoughtful way to commemorate a loved one who has passed away. 

Although not as many people are utilizing scrapbooking nowadays, the craft can be explored individually but can be enjoyed with company such as groups, retreats or classes. The world of scrapbooking can be intimidating; there is no one “right” way to scrapbook, and the most important part is to have fun with it and to see where it goes. That being said, there are a few tips and tricks that can make the activity easier to explore:

  1. If a traditional scrapbook isn’t available, any drawing booklet, old journal or photo album will work just fine. 
  2. Reduce, reuse and recycle. Most materials used can be found around the house or bought at thrift stores and yard sales.
  3. Pick a color scheme and a theme. If using photos, the rest of the page layout can be inspired by colors or details in the pictures. 
  4. If using older photos with limited or no copies, it can be best to leave them as is or to cut them in traditional shapes like squares or ovals. If they are more recent photos, consider developing extra pictures.
  5. Thicker cardstock paper works best for backgrounds since it withstands materials like thick markers, lots of tape and paint. Pictures from magazines, newspaper clippings and drawings all work too. Put unused scraps in a resealable plastic bag to avoid a mess.
  6. Journaling highlights and details from the event, memory or photo can be a good jumping-off point for a page, which could include the location, date, weather, favorite parts and the people involved. 
  7. If the page layout doesn’t include journaling and isn’t quite centered around one theme, quotes from books, movies, tv shows or lyrics can be used to balance the design. 
  8. For an added design element, include dried or pressed flowers or leaves, or embellish with bits of fabric, ribbon, stickers, paint and different writing techniques.
  9. Using textured paper adds a little pop to the page, and envelopes can double as pockets for photos or journaling snippets. Two-page layouts add extra space.
  10. Don’t glue or tape things right away; lay it all out and experiment with the design. Double-sided tape works best when layering, and glue sticks work better with paper.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Like, comment and subscribe to these lifestyle channels

Eight lifestyle YouTubers to check out today

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

YouTube has a massive array of channels that cater to any and every type of viewer. Even within the subsection of lifestyle channels, there is something for everyone ⏤ from beauty and fashion to health and wellness. Look up these lifestyle YouTubers and see the creators who need to be added to the subscription feed. 

cup of jasmien: Jasmine Chan shares her creativity through painting, tattoos, makeup and many more artistic outlets. Chan also offers a look into her personal life in discussing such topics as her art school experience, working and confidence. 

bestdressed: Ashley Rous is all about fashion. Rous shares her aesthetics and crafting skills through sewing and thrift shopping with an added dash of dry humor.

Ris Igrec: Ris Igrec’s channel has something for everyone. As a Yale University student, Igrec shares both her struggles and her exploration with things like style and decor while maintaining humor throughout. 

sini시니: Lee Sini makes fun vlogs ⏤ most of which are mukbangs, or eating videos. Lee also goes shopping, cooks and styles her and her friends’ hair.

효뎡 Dyeong: Hyo Dyeong shows of her cooking skills in her vlogs. With the large variety of home-cooked meals Hyo makes, viewers can be inspired to cook something of their own as well.

Annette Kim: Annette Kim shares numerous aspects of her life with her audience; from her daily routines, to her quarantined activities, to her vacations, Kim has a video for any type of viewer.

Jelian Mercado: Jelian Mercado is a single mother with an eventful life to share online. Mercado vlogs many aspects of her family’s daily routines and also adds some extra fun with challenge videos.

Halle Burns: As a college student, Halle Burns makes content that many of us are familiar with. Burns has an optimistic tone throughout her videos while being very open about her experiences and challenges.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Five resolutions to revel in this new year

Kick off 2021 with these New Year’s resolutions

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

The start of 2021 brings about a new sense of determination in the form of New Year’s resolutions. Though some may be just for fun, this time of year is also a great opportunity to think about trying some practical self-improvement resolutions. Here are five New Year’s resolutions to consider adding to the list and a few tips to help achieve them. 

Get more sleep: According to Georgia State University, getting enough sleep — approximately nine hours for college students — is important to improving concentration and memory, rejuvenating energy and strengthening the immune system. In order to get a better night’s rest, healthline.com says to create a sleep schedule that involves going to bed and waking up at around the same time every day. Set a recurring alarm on one’s phone, and be sure to plan ahead for school projects that may otherwise take away from sleep. If sleep is difficult, try turning off electronics at least 30 minutes before bed, avoiding caffeine in the evening or taking melatonin. 

Start saving money: Whether it’s for a house down payment, retirement or a rainy day fund, saving money is a great habit to start as soon as possible. To begin, set up a savings account at a trusted bank or credit union. Then, as thebalance.com recommends, transfer a set amount out of each paycheck into savings; even if this can only be a small amount, saving any money is better than saving no money in preparation for the future. 

Get organized: Decluttering and keeping organized can decrease stress while increasing productivity as stated by organizedmindandlife.com. Start small with just the desk or closet; throw out things deemed unnecessary and use containers to organize like items. Keep things organized by doing a little cleaning every day as opposed to letting it pile up overtime. 

Go vegetarian: According to healthline.com, going vegetarian has health benefits, including lower cholesterol and improved cardiovascular health, and environmental impacts through supporting animal rights and decreasing the need for factory farming. If cutting out meat all at once is challenging, try participating in “Meatless Mondays.” Also stock up on plant-based alternatives to one’s favorite meat products in order to curb cravings. 

Reduce time on social media: Social media is all but an addiction for many of us, yet curbing time spent on social media can be beneficial to mental health says healthguide.org. Set aside a specific amount of time to spend on social media per day — 30 minutes for example — and utilize screen time apps to help. Also try turning off notifications for certain apps and muting or unfollowing accounts that don’t bring happiness. Deleting social media altogether is another option, though depending on one’s attachment to their feed, this may be a goal to work up to.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Out with the old in the new year

Where to donate and sell old clothing items

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Starting the new year off with a clean closet can be refreshing and stress relieving. If getting rid of old clothes is on the to-do list, check out these places ⏤ both local and online ⏤ where gently used clothes can be sold or donated. If dropping off clothing in person, be sure to mask up and follow the location’s COVID-19 regulations. 

Many cities have Goodwill drop off locations, including nearby in Independence at 1475 Monmouth St. Meanwhile, Dallas, Salem, Albany and Corvallis, among many other cities, have Goodwill stores where donations can be turned in. Though the donor doesn’t receive payment this way, they may earn a tax deduction or in-store coupons if offered. 

Salem has quite a few other thrift stores that take clothing donations. Willamette Humane Society Thrift Store and Salem Friends of Felines both support animal shelters with their selling of thrifted donations. Both stores are currently taking donations by appointment only; contact Willamette Humane Society at 503-362-6892 and Salem Friends of Felines at 503-689-1759 to schedule. 

There are also Union Gospel Mission and Salvation Army locations in Salem. Drop off donations to Union Gospel Mission to support their therapy program at 885 Commercial Street NE. The Salvation Army is open for donation drop offs that fund their adult rehabilitation programs at 642 Lancaster Drive NE.

Plato’s Closet will pay patrons for their donations, and there is a Salem location at 3884 Center Street NE. Check their website or call them at 503-362-3778 to see what styles of clothes they are currently in search of. 

Clothes can also be sold from home on apps and websites. Apps like Depop, Poshmark, Mercari and ThredUP each have their own unique layouts and styles for selling clothing to cater to all kinds of users. Facebook Marketplace and ASOS Marketplace are websites that can be used to make a quick buck as well. Social media accounts can also be made specifically for selling old clothes locally. Some online stores take a percentage of each sale made, so be sure to read the fine print and choose which site works best personally. 

Getting one’s closet cleaned out can help start the new year off on the right foot. Do some extra good by earning some extra funds or donating to a local thrift store with a meaningful cause. 

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

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