Throughout the week, the Greek Organizations on campus have been putting on events to recruit new members for their fraternities and sororities.
Alpha Chi Omega held a social event on Wednesday night that included a photo booth and a short presentation on the sorority. Women who were interested in joining the sorority, which is new on campus this year, mingled with the sisters and learned more about the organization.
Kappa Delta Chi, a sorority established at Western in 2012, hosted multiple events including a Service Day on Tuesday, where they made pillows for survivors of breast cancer, a Karaoke and Social event on Wednesday, and a No Hazing event on Thursday in collaboration with Omega Delta Chi and Alpha Chi Omega
Cecelia Perez, a sophomore education major and Special Projects Chair of Kappa Delta Chi said, “We don’t haze and we have never hazed our members.”
Kappa Delta Chi is an academic and service based sorority. They have four focuses: Unity, Honesty, Integrity and Leadership.
“We really strive to get our women to graduate college and […] push them to pursue their dreams and goals,” said Perez. “We want them to grow within this organization and become great leaders.”
Greek Week is also in the plans. Every year, the Greek organizations on campus compete with one another. At the end of the week, a trophy is awarded to the winners. Kappa Delta Chi has won twice.
“If you’re wanting a place where you can find a family and a place where you belong, definitely join a Greek organization […] you’ll learn so many essential skills,” said Perez.
Finding the campus empty of interesting people to interview for Humans of Western, the Journal turned to Ronnie Squeaker, local squirrel for a fresh take on life at Western.
Squeaker:
“You know, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life before moving here a year ago. Seeing all the young college kids sorting out their lives and finding a direction ignited something in myself. I realized that I wanted to be a squirrel of the world. The only thing holding me back is the sad fact that Squirrel School isn’t cheap.
I was in a pretty dark place, trying to figure out how to pay for school when I met Mister [“Fuzzball”] Malone. He set me up with honest work hassling the neighborhood dogs. I knew all about the heroin business. It’s nuts to think about, but in most college towns the heroin trade is dealt by squirrels. Seeing Malone go down really hit me hard, but hey, I still got my job. I still got my dreams.”
While Monmouth offers several delicious quick-bites, if you’re looking to go somewhere a little fancier, your options are limited. I knew that I wanted to take my boyfriend out for a slightly more elegant dinner to thank him for helping me move — to be honest it was mostly because I had just purchased a really cute dress and needed an excuse to wear it out — and I found myself looking out of town, but still fairly close by for a nice eatery.
After some research, I decided I would take him to Bentley’s Grill in Salem. The reviews looked promising, the menu had my mouth watering and the prices looked doable for a college student budget, while not being as cheap as some chain restaurants. We set our reservations for 7 p.m. on a Friday, a typically busy day, and they were still able to get us a nice table for exactly when we requested.
Once we arrived, we found the restaurant in an extravagant looking lobby in the Grand Hotel. Immediately, we were greeted and seated by smiling faces who gladly took our drink orders — we had many options as the location also had a full bar — and were given our menus.
I started by ordering their calamari with lemon roasted garlic aioli. My boyfriend isn’t a huge fan of seafood, but we both still very much enjoyed the appetizer which came out to us quickly. The serving size was perfect for a starter and it was fried perfectly.
Not too long after, we were brought our dinners. I ordered their Fulton New York cut steak with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and a vegetable side. My boyfriend ordered their special of the day, which was ribs with arugula, rice and a sun-dried tomato salad. My steak was cooked perfectly medium-rare, and his ribs were incredibly tender. Everything was cooked just as we had ordered it.
The waitress was checking up on us frequently, making sure everything was served to our liking. She was always incredibly kind and genuinely seemed as if she wanted to make the best experience for us as possible.
We finished our dinner by somehow making room in our incredibly full stomachs and ordering a crème brûlée dessert. This was probably my favorite part, as this is my absolute favorite sweet. My boyfriend didn’t love it quite as much, but he also had never had crème brûlée before and wasn’t sure what exactly to expect.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the entire night. The service was top-notch, the food was all cooked to perfection, and the atmosphere and ambiance was both comforting and appealing. I’d definitely go here again if I’m looking for a more elegant dining experience.
Dry Town Tap Station now serving food, drinks and entertainment
Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor
The Dry Town Tap Station is now open to serve the not so dry town of Monmouth. What used to be a gas station has transformed into a destination for good drinks and great company in the IndyMo area.
Co-owners and sisters Ashley Dornhecker and Abigayle Tilby held a soft opening on April 30. Even without publicly advertising the event, Dornhecker described the night as more successful than they thought it would be.
“Everybody just wanted to be there,” Dornhecker said. “We were turning people away because we were at capacity.”
Their soft opening was accompanied by local band, Way Walkers, on Dry Town’s very own stage; Dornhecker said they knew how to draw a crowd. Already, Dry Town has hosted two other artists — David Brinker and Nathan Myers as well as Johnny Wheels and the Swamp Donkeys — and the restaurant is looking to continue working with more local artists. Upcoming performers include Zach Abee and Jessie Leigh; more information about these shows can be found on their Facebook page, @Dry Town Tap Station.
Not only does Dry Town know how to entertain, they also know how to serve up a good meal. Chef Aaron Henderson serves a rotating menu of delicious entrees from their food truck.
“He’s creating an amazing menu,” Dornhecker said. “Street food from around the world I guess is a way to put it.”
My friends and I can personally recommend their fish and chips, birria tacos and Wellington burger. Be on the lookout for two new food carts that will also be coming to the lot soon to serve the community an even greater variety of dishes.
Of course, who could forget about their alcohol menu? With 20 taps that serve a wide array of local ciders and beers, patrons will be sure to find something to love. Not to mention, their mixed drinks ⏤ like the Ruby Hound and 76 Lemonade ⏤ are also splendid. Belly up to the bar indoors, or take the refreshing drink to the outdoor seating area.
The Dry Town owners know how to serve up a mean drink. One of the sisters’ other businesses, Craft Bar West, has been making and perfecting drinks since 2019. They expanded their restaurant reaches when what was once a 76 gas station became available for leasing.
“I’ve always loved the building where Dry Town is,” said Dornhecker. “When the opportunity came up to do something with it, we jumped on it.”
Though COVID-19 caused some delays in opening, Dornhecker was grateful for the opportunity the extra time presented. They were able to make the venue that much more refined, focusing on details such as wood work, refurbishing the entire floor and creating murals. On top of that, Dornhecker enjoyed having a more laid back process and getting to spend more time with family throughout.
In the upcoming months and years, Dry Town hopes to be a place to host festivals and more year-round performances. The Monmouth community can also look forward to themed nights, such as a college night and an industry night for late night workers.
“Our goal with Dry Town Tap Station is to make Monmouth, Oregon a destination,” Dornhecker said. “There’s no reason why people shouldn’t be taking a detour down here to visit all the local shops in Monmouth and Independence. It’s just too cool of an area not to share with others.”
Anyone and everyone can enjoy Dry Town Tap Station at 180 Main St. E in Monmouth. Their current hours are Wednesday through Saturday 12 to 10 p.m. and Sundays 12 to 9 p.m. Keep up to date by following their social media: on Facebook @Dry Town Tap Station and on Instagram @drytowntapstation.
Simplify the moving process with these seven handy tips
Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor
For many college students, summertime means moving season — which can be a highly stressful time, especially if moving during finals week. Though moving certainly takes a lot of effort, there are plenty of tips and tricks to make the process that much easier. Follow these packing, unpacking and moving hacks that will keep moving day running smoothly.
Before moving, get rid of stuff: From clothes, to furniture, to unused food, getting rid of unneeded items means less stuff to pack. Donate or throw out unwanted things before starting to pack, or hold a garage sale.
Pack an essentials bag or box: Group items needed from day one — things like medication, chargers, trash bags, box knives, toilet paper, hand soap and paper towels — altogether in one container so that day one at the new place is easier. Keep this separate and easy to access so that it doesn’t get lost among all the other boxes.
Color code boxes: Use stickers or colored tape to label which room each box belongs in. This is especially useful if using plastic containers that cannot be written on like cardboard can. Hang up cheat sheets with each color and room name all over the house so that movers know where to take the containers.
Keep boxes light but full: Use up every inch of boxes and totes for less total boxes, but be sure they’re not so heavy that someone can’t carry them. Pack heavy items like books, large dishes and tools in smaller boxes, or utilize a suitcase with wheels so that the items don’t have to be carried.
Pack clothes with trash bags: Keep clothes on their hangers and simply slide a plastic trash bag over about a dozen clothing items at a time to make transportation quick and simple.
Use items around the house as packing material: Save money on packing material by being resourceful; use soft items such as newspapers, towels, wash cloths, linens and clothes to protect breakable items.
Prioritize what to unpack first: Many people will find bedding, bathroom items and kitchenware to be the most imperative things to unpack, though everyone is different. Determine what needs to be unpacked first, make a to do list and stick to it.
Give yourself a fifteen minute yoga break to relax
Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor
Take some time away from the stress of life to relax with a simple yoga sequence. These gentle poses help relieve tension while allowing practitioners to take a break during any time of their day.
Begin by sitting comfortably and focusing on breathing, letting worries float away and getting into the mindset to relax during the practice. Perform each pose in this set for two to five minutes based on comfort level, and remember to modify if necessary.
Cat-cow: Start on hands and knees. Breathe in, arch the back and look upwards to come to cow pose. Then, while exhaling, slowly look down to the mat and round the back into cat pose. Repeat.
Thread the needle: Still on hands and knees, raise the right arm towards the sky while breathing in; on the exhale, scoop the arm into the space between the left arm and left leg. Let the left arm extend and head relax to the side as the right shoulder touches the ground. Repeat on the other side.
Child’s pose: Sit back onto the heels and spread knees to the edges of the mat. Bring the forehead to touch the mat, and either stretch arms out in front or let them rest at the sides of the legs.
Reclining pigeon: Lay face up with knees bent and feet flat on the mat. Cross the right ankle over the left knee. Grab behind the left knee with both hands, reaching the right arm through the triangle created by the right leg, and gently pull the legs towards the chest. Repeat on the other side.
Supine twist: Lay flat on the back, and bring the right knee to the chest while keeping the left leg straight. Put the left hand on the outside of the right knee and begin to pull the knee across the body towards the left side. Stretch out the right arm perpendicular to the body and turn the head to face the right hand. Repeat on the other side.
Legs up the wall: Lying face up, lift the feet straight up to create an L-shape with the body. Let the arms rest wherever comfortable. Use a wall for support if desired, or place a folded blanket under the hips for more comfort.
Savasana: End the practice by lying comfortably face up on the mat for several minutes. Focus on the breath and take in the positive feelings that the sequence brought to the mind and body.
The Coffin Club: Portland’s own horror-themed nightclub
Sarah Austin | Lifestyle Editor
Looking for a Halloween themed establishment that brings frights year round? The Coffin Club is a goth-themed nightclub and bar in Portland that is a hit for Halloween lovers. The Coffin Club brings in visitors from around the world for its tributes to the “world of the weird.” With decor such as skeletons, horrific framed photos, iron gates, eerie black light paintings and their infamous coffin used as a photo prop for many, the club is a must see. The ambiance is based on “Lovecraftian Horror,” a macabre style named for the American author Howard Phillips Lovecraft who wrote science, fantasy and horror stories.
Not only has The Coffin Club been voted multiple times as one of the top 10 themed bars in the world, but Portland has also voted it in its top 10 best dance clubs for its inclusion and variety of groups it caters to, like queer, punk, alternative and “dark electro” to name a few.
Recently renovated, The Coffin Club’s newest editions feature a basement, and outside at the Patio is the Coffin Cart which serves vegan food. Don’t miss out on a delicious themed cocktail updated each night on the specials menu at the bar.
The Coffin Club is open Thursday – Saturday from 8 p.m. – 2:15 a.m. It is located in the Industrial District of Portland at 421 SE Grand Ave. The Coffin Club holds events every weekend, announcing themes and featured DJs on their website, thecoffinclubpdx.com, and social media pages, @coffinclubpdx on Facebook and Instagram. Thursday nights are free but the cover charge for entrance on Fridays and Saturdays varies, so be sure to check their social media for information and plan ahead. Masks, a temperature check at the door and a valid ID showing one is at least 21 years of age are required for entry.
What would one think when they hear the word “journal?” Most think of diary entries they wrote as a child, others might remember writing stories, but as we get older, most forget how powerful and important journaling actually is. This pastime is typically seen as an old-fashioned activity, especially when it’s compared to our technologically advanced world. As many of us are busy college students, it can be hard to have time to process our lives. Journaling is a way for people to express themselves in a low-pressure environment. It offers a multitude of benefits that improve many aspects of our mental and emotional self.
The first of its numerous benefits is that journaling can help people’s emotional well-being. In times of constant distraction and change, one may suppress their feelings in order to get through the day, but this can lead to our emotions hitting all at once. When someone buries their emotions, it later surfaces as intense feelings of stress, anxiety and frustration. The intensity comes from the neglect one subconsciously chooses to take due to the overwhelming — and sometimes unstable — times in our lives. Instead of continually carrying one’s emotions, being weighed down by the burden of holding on, one needs to let go. Journaling emotions becomes a healthy outlet of release. Writing our emotions down will help in determining what’s truly important in our lives and allow us to let go of what no longer brings one purpose and happiness. There may be times where one will experience trying times and situations that may feel uncomfortable. Writing creates a safe and non-judgmental environment. It can be a way to completely process one’s feelings and get a fresh perspective for our future decisions.
The second reason is that journaling boosts creativity. Journaling encapsulates our emotions, dreams, daily activities and personal experiences on a page. This activity allows one to create a space that encourages the brain to think outside the box without allowing the voice of the inner critic to speak. When one is able to explore thoughts without worrying about structure or formality, then the creation of stories grows easier.
Taking time to journal helps to validate one’s feelings and release them. Whether one is looking to organize their thoughts, express oneself or track habits, journaling is an empowering tool. The choices are endless — all one needs is a pen and a notebook.
If one is stuck on where to start, here is a list of the different types of journaling one could participate in:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup yogurt or sour cream, room temperature
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups apples, peeled and chopped
Vanilla Glaze (optional)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 ½ tablespoons milk or cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 375 ℉. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
Begin by preparing the crumb topping. In a medium bowl combine flour, brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter and egg yolk until well combined. Set aside.
For the muffin batter, beat together softened butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar in a large bowl until pale, light and fluffy — about 2-3 minutes. Then add yogurt or sour cream, eggs and vanilla and mix until well combined. Add the gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Mix at a medium-low speed until no flour pockets remain, then mix in chopped apples on low speed.
Divide the batter evenly in the muffin tin, filling each all the way to the top. Break off chunks of crumb topping and place onto each muffin until evenly distributed. Press down gently to adhere the crumb topping to the batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating the tin halfway through. Insert a toothpick beyond the crumb topping and into the muffin to make sure it is cooked through.
Cool the muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then gently pop each muffin out and place on a wire rack to cool. For the finishing glaze, whisk together milk or cream, vanilla and powdered sugar and drizzle on top. Let the glaze harden before storing.
Say goodbye to the endless gloomy, gray days of Oregon winter— the weeks ahead call for warm sunshine and warm hearts. Use the recommendations listed below to construct one’s perfect sunny day.
Have a picnic with friends — Picnics should be a more widely accepted adult activity. Nothing beats sitting on a nice hill and spending time with some friends. Simply pack one’s favorite snacks, beverages, paper plates and disposable utensils to get one’s picnic started. Going with a number of friends? Assign responsibilities and collaborate in making a charcuterie board with an assortment of different fruits, cheeses, jams and nuts.
Play an outdoor sport — Whether one is looking to go to an outdoor court or looking for less competitive physical activities, Western has many options to choose from when it comes to playing outdoor sports. My personal favorite outdoor sport is Badminton, but there are courts specifically for tennis and basketball courts for students and community members to use on Western’s campus. If one is looking for a more casual activity, one can bring a volleyball or soccer ball out to Western’s recreational areas and fields to toss around with a friend.
Visit restaurants and bars with outdoor seating — There are some great places to get drinks and grub in the Monmouth-Independence area. Drytown Tap Station is notoriously known for its great outdoor seating and variety of food trucks nearby. They also participate in WOU Wednesday and give students different rotating discounts on various drinks and food. Another wonderful spot to consider is Mangiare Italian Restaurant. With great patio outdoor seating, excellent pasta, complimentary bread and cocktails to die for, when the sun comes out, visiting Mangiare is a must.
Relax by the river — The sound of rushing water is soothing. Luckily, we are very close to Independence’s riverfront park. Take the MI Trolley to the riverfront to relax and rewind after heavy study days. Spread out a blanket and bring one’s favorite pair of headphones or a portable speaker to listen to one’s favorite music. One can also bring a book, journal, planner or craft to work on while soaking up the rays.
Visit an outdoor market — One of the best things about the warm weather returning is the return of outdoor markers. Whether one needs fresh fruits or veggies, a beautiful bundle of flowers or some handmade jewelry, outdoor markets got it covered. Independence has a small farmers market that runs April through October. Located in the Independence Umpqua Bank parking lot, one can visit the market on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If one is looking for a more elaborate market with a wider variety of vendors, Salem Saturday Market is located in downtown Salem from March through October. The market is also open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Having a pet fish seems to be a right of passage for early students at Western. A pet fish gives students the ability to keep them in their dorm rooms, being seemingly low maintenance and relatively inexpensive. As the owner of two fish and two frogs, there is much advice to give.
Research — Before purchasing a fish, research the fish one would like to get. I know that may sound over the top, but it’s just too easy to get the first appealing fish one sees without knowing the consequences. Things to look for are what kind of water and lighting is required as well as the aggressiveness and average lifespan of the fish. This could even be done while in the pet store seeing what the options are.
Tanks — There is a wide range when it comes to fish tanks. Each fish requires a specific amount of room to live — be sure to consider how much it will grow or whether one plans on geting it some friends. This is one of the bigger purchases that comes with owning a fish. Make sure that it is big enough or even bigger than necessary to prevent buying another in the future. Something to keep in mind is how one is planning to clean it. How will it be carried and where will it be sanitized?
Products — There is a wide range of products when it comes to owning a sea creature. One can be a minimalist, having a plant or two in the tank, or a maximalist with a house and lots of other decor. But that’s not all. One needs to find food that will be nourishing for their specific breed, rocks for the bottom of the tank and water conditioner. There are a whole lot more products one could choose to buy, these are just the essentials.
Time commitment — Even though people’s first thoughts when choosing a fish as a pet is the low time commitment, turns out that isn’t completely true. To assure the fish is comfortable, one should feed it at around the same time every day, or twice depending on the type, clean the tank regularly and notice if something is bothering the fish. When one leaves for the weekend, one must bring their fish with them or have a friend feed them at the same time when gone. Something to really think about is how much one trusts the person because the fish could die in someone else’s hands… it happens. Lastly, fish actually can live for a long time. It’s not unheard of to have the same fish throughout one’s entire four years of college.
Cleaning — This might be the last thing one thinks about when first getting the fish. Once having it, the task will weigh on one’s head every few weeks. Consider getting a filter, this will help the longevity of the tanks cleanliness between cleans. It’s also good to have a miniature back up tank just in case the normal one breaks in the process of transporting or cleaning it. Now that is a catastrophe.
Consider getting a frog or two — African Dwarf Frogs, on the other hand, are pretty low maintenance. They produce very little waste, leading one to clean their tank considerably less often. Their main focus when swimming is going up and down so there isn’t a need to get a huge expensive tank that’s hard to carry. They also do fine with another frog so one is able to get their pet friends down the road. Lastly, they only need to be fed three times a week when they are more than a year old.
After 18 years of being single, I’m finally ready to get in the dating game and find myself a bae.
I’ll start with some deets about me. I’m 5’ 8”, brown hair, green eyes. My dream in life is to live in a van and own 14 dogs and one goldfish. One of the many joys I find in life is Mythbusters roleplay, and I’m very passionate about bike fishing in Amsterdam.
My spirit animal is the elegant and graceful naked mole-rat. Their burrowing skills are astounding and I would channel those skills in apocalyptic times. My zodiac sign is Taurus and it is often said that we surround ourselves with material pleasures.
As for the lucky man, I only ask a few things.
I don’t want to be too specific right off the bat, but you MUST be 5’ 12”. No more, no less. I also love it when guys have a good sense of style. I believe that everyone should have at least one pair of olive green gaucho pants and a pair of brown Crocs in their wardrobe at all times.
The ideal personality would be a mixture of Ron Swanson and Hulk Hogan. I find it very pleasant when a man has the elegant vocabulary of Gordon Ramsay and is not afraid to use it. My favorite movie is Forrest Gump; it’s crucial that you know every line so that we can recite the movie, accents and all.
A stable job is necessary because as stated above, I am a Taurus who enjoys materialistic pleasures in the form of discontinued As Seen On TV items. They are expensive and often hard to come by.
The ideal first date would be to eat plain toast, Burger King chicken fries, and sweet pickles. For dessert, we would then proceed to Costco via Ripstik and eat samples and the handful of black licorice jelly beans that I always keep handy. After that, a romantic stroll through the Home Depot lighting aisle would certainly set the mood. If all goes well, returning to my room and taking turns reading aloud one of the many biographies I own of Alexander Hamilton while occasionally brushing knees would be a superb way to end the night.
If you believe that you can meet these simple qualifications, feel free to give me a holler at bbonham15@wou.edu
April Fools Day Issue
By: Rachael Jackson
Campus Life Editor
The conception of the Bromosa took place on the eve of a real intense leg day. Two bros, Calvin and Jeff, invented the drink in hopes of catching a quick 10 hours of rest before their early day at the gym. To their astonishment, the drink revived a spirit of lifting in them that they would never have been able to achieve without a dose of creatine. Note: this drink must always be shared with a bro.
Drink is best served in a chilled champagne glass.
To create the drink you will need:
Two bros
Two cans of a pale domestic beer (Coors, Rolling Rock, Budweiser)
A rag full of sweat from your last workout
Directions:
Into your favorite protein shake bottle, add ice. Wring out the sweat rag and shake vigorously. Be sure to watch your biceps with pride as you do this. Pour the icy sweat into both glasses and add in your beer. To complete, you and your bro of choice must look deeply into each other’s eyes and fist bump over the drink. If done correctly, the fist bump will create a purple tint to the drink. It is now ready to ingested. Sleep immediately.
April 8, 2026 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor
Going to sleep sounds both like a blessing and a curse when the clock is roughly pointing past 1 a.m. On one hand, lying down in bed with a soft, cozy blanket and a pillow with the cold side sounds so enticing. Deep down, though, it’s known that the amount of sleep about to be had is going to be insufficient, getting out of bed is going to be harder and caffeinated drinks will be bought in the morning.
According to the Harvard Medical School’s Division of Sleep Medicine, only 11% of college students in America report sleeping sufficiently, while 40% of students only feel well rested two days of the week. As a student at Western since 2025, I have noticed a lot of students saying how tired they are regularly, a significant amount more than when I was in high school. I have experienced being sleep deprived for an extended period of time when first balancing two jobs and being a full-time student. I have recovered from that time, but I wanted to explore the effects sleep deprivation has on a university student in particular.
The relationship between sleep and health has always been well-known, but I don’t think it’s been properly explained. According to Mark Wu, a neurologist and sleep expert, “Sleep is a period during which the brain is engaged in a number of activities necessary to life, which are closely linked to quality of life.”
A healthy amount of sleep is needed for a lot of different body functions. One of them is brain plasticity, or the brain’s ability to adapt to any stimuli. The more tired a person is, the harder it is for them to process what they have learned during the day, as well as their ability to concentrate on what it is they are studying.
According to UChicago Medicine, sleep is believed to be the time during which the body recovers from the fatigue and strains it takes throughout the day. It allows the body to grow and rejuvenate. Rest also allows the body to heal itself when dealing with a sickness or an injury. There is evidence that sleep allows the brain to clear up cellular and protein debris that can build up over time. Lack of sleep can increase the risk of disease while also lowering the immune system’s ability to fight back against it.
Yet, something that is more concerning is how lack of sleep affects a person’s memory. While it’s still unclear as to how exactly sleep contributes to memory consolidation, there have been a lot of studies that show that when a person doesn’t have a sufficient amount of sleep, the brain has trouble recalling information that a person may have encountered recently, both factual and procedural. Factual memories are facts, like what a person had for dinner last night or what the capital of Nebraska is. Procedural memories are the mind’s ability to remind the body how to do physical activities. Think of typing on a laptop or playing an instrument.
Sources like Harvard Medical School have reported that the most crucial period of sleep for memory retention is the night following a new lesson. If this isn’t done, like if a person were to pull an all-nighter, it is almost certain that they will not be able to recall what they learned that day, even if the student sleeps more in the following days.
There are two main processes that regulate our sleep patterns: circadian rhythms and sleep drives. Circadian rhythms are the brain’s biological clock. There is a reason we sleep at night, and it’s because our rhythms respond to a lack of light. It ramps up production of the hormone melatonin, which makes us sleepy, in order to help us fall asleep. Meanwhile, sleep drive is the brain’s sleep stomach. We as humans also crave sleep in a similar sense as we crave food. However, sleepiness is quite different from hunger. The body can’t force someone to eat when their stomach’s growling. When exhausted, though, the body can shut down no matter where anyone is. This is particularly dangerous if someone is doing physical tasks such as driving, cooking or anything that involves heavy machinery. If someone is particularly tired, the body can microsleep for one or two seconds while the eyes are open.
Our lack of sleep may not be entirely our fault, though. According to the American Brain Foundation, it’s estimated that roughly 50 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder of some kind. Examples of disorders could be insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy or a type of parasomnia like sleepwalking or night terrors. Treatment of these disorders often involves changes to lifestyle, and various therapies are often recommended depending on which disorder a person has.
While some medications could help induce sleep, many people have reported feeling almost “hungover” when waking up, despite the amount of sleep they got. I personally used to take melatonin gummies to help me go to sleep and while I was able to fall asleep, there were times I wouldn’t stay asleep. When I did, I woke up usually not feeling rested or “charged.” So, unless prescribed by a doctor, avoid taking high doses of melatonin gummies.
Here are some lifestyle tips that could help anyone get better, more consistent and restful sleep.
Sleep schedule — The top recommendation I found from Mayo Clinic and the Center for Disease Control is to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day. Having a consistent sleep schedule reinforces the circadian rhythm, which will naturally make someone tired roughly around the same time. A healthy adult should get roughly 7 to 8 hours of sleep in order to be fully rested.
No electronics — It is recommended to turn off any electronic devices roughly 30 minutes before actually going to bed. Electronics like phones, laptops and tablets emit a short-wavelength light known commonly as blue light. Blue light has been found to disrupt the production of melatonin, which then causes a person to not feel tired. I recommend getting off the game at least two hours before bed.
Peaceful environment — Keep the room quiet. Try to avoid looking at any bright lights in the evening, as it might trick the brain into thinking it’s daytime, and try to turn off melatonin production. Instead of using a phone for noise, consider turning on a fan in the background.
A quarter or even a third of our lives is dedicated to sleep. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that we give ourselves the best sleep possible to do all the things we want to do while we’re awake.
A photo of a couple walking together. | Photo from @gingersolephotography on Instagram
Disclaimer: all articles featured in this issue are fake in celebration of April Fool’s Day
April 1, 2026 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor
Spring term has finally arrived and brought with it a fresh air of love. While February can be seen as the month of love, love can come for a person at any time of the year. Romance may be the last thing on the mind while starting to go to university again, but it’s important to have fun and spend some time with someone special this term. So I thought it best to offer the most legit and truly knowledgeable advice for anyone going on a first date with someone during the term.
Be impulsive — Planning is quite overrated, according to romance experts. After all, instincts are an amazing form of showing a potential partner what they will rely on in an emergency situation. Don’t bother putting too much thought into planning a day with someone who could potentially be a future spouse. Planning things is extra and will even drive the date to go south much quicker. Be spontaneous and impulsive. This means maxing out a credit card on something expensive, perhaps skydiving or seeing a concert. However, don’t pay for the date for both people, even though it was your idea to do this thing — that can be seen as possessive. Make sure that the person doesn’t even know that they will have to pay for the event until they get there. Nothing is more romantic than a surprise.
Look presentable — Obviously, attire is an important part of a date. However, recent research from the Dates “R” US research institute concludes that psychologically, humans are attracted to clown shoes, clown makeup, overdramatic wigs and a giant horn. Despite clowns being one of the greatest fears people have, there is some sort of attraction to the fear, which will make the date much more exciting. Bright colored wigs are also considered enticing enough to keep the date going past dinner. What is even better is if a person were to turn off all the lights in the room and run up on the partner they are going out with. If they don’t scream or throw a punch, the attire isn’t nearly as appropriate for the date. Also, an ankle monitor is a huge bonus and will definitely be a conversation starter.
Bring up your ex the entire time —It’s important to be obvious about past partners in the beginning of the interaction. After all, it’s not wise to have any skeletons in the closet. Tell them everything about the previous relationship, especially on that very first date. Some romance podcasters have recommended creating packets with detailed summaries as well as a clear timeline of everything that went wrong in the last relationship. Now, some may say that mentioning an ex frequently on the first date may make the person look “desperate” or “not over the relationship,” yet all this is doing is being honest about the past. No one wants to hold secrets from their potential new partner.
In conclusion, any advice offered here should be taken with the utmost seriousness. Happy dating.
A photo of a girl in a library in several different poses with books nearby. | Photo from @zupkophotog on Instagram
Disclaimer: all articles featured in this issue are fake in celebration of April Fool’s Day
April 1, 2026 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor
All university students will have to study at some point in their college career, unless they are a wizard or have photographic memory. However, it can be pretty difficult to find ways to focus on their work. Whether it be life, sports, events or jobs, a student’s life can get busy in a short amount of time, especially if they are taking multiple classes. So, with my vast experience in having to study for exams as well as incredibly credible sources to back me up, here are some totally legit study tips.
Procrastination —Studying regularly is quite simply a rookie mistake. Waiting till the last possible minute before the exam will not only make the information much fresher in the mind, but also keep the topics discussed throughout the term more manageable. Stay up late to study, reading and rereading the notes that were written down weeks ago and never looked at. Some may say that it’s important to get sleep the night before an exam, as being awake all night will decrease the likelihood of any memory retention. However, according to the Institute of Pro-Procrastination, cramming everything at the same time last minute has been tied to a slight increase in good grades on exams. There is also an unrelated correlation between good grades and heavy caffeine intake, but that isn’t relevant to this. The point is that saving everything till the last minute is a wise decision for the sake of a student’s grade.
Multitasking —As a college student, we have to multitask on the regular to an extent. However, doing it while studying is a genius idea. Splitting someone’s attention to multiple things will not only speed up the process of getting more things done, but it will also make the mind more versatile. Any professors who discourage doing assignments from different classes at the same time only want their students to focus on their class alone. Insecurities are nothing to be ashamed of, however it’s important to do what is needed for the success of a good grade. Some may say that multitasking while studying for different classes only “decreases the quality of the work being done.” Yet, the grade I managed to achieve in my British literature class is proof that this is simply an opinion.
Keep any and all devices around — Many advice sites recommend keeping any technology away while studying to increase focus. However, many claim that scrolling through TikTok or Instagram Reels was a good break from studying and allowed them to regain their focus. It’s important not to get stressed out while studying. Otherwise, nothing will be learned if someone isn’t having a good time while focusing. Similarly, many say that listening to music while studying is a bad idea, as focusing on the words being sung can be distracting from whatever it is that is being read, whether it be notes or a slideshow presentation. It is important to note that good music brings good vibes, so it provides more of a benefit and makes it more likely that information will be absorbed as the song plays in the background.
Overall, following these suggestions for studying at any point of the term will certainly have an effect on an exam grade. At the end of the day, it’s important to ignore any study guides, as the genius of my husband said, “You know what’s best for yourself.”
A photo of someone cleaning their kitchen. | Photo from @chazfremont on Instagram
March 11, 2026 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor
With the temperature outside slowly getting warmer and the need to go outside wearing layers of clothing dwindling, it’s that time of the year when we shake off the cobwebs of our dorm rooms to begin spring cleaning. As someone with a tight schedule, it has been a bit exhausting to think about how much of a mess my living space is. I still have a Christmas tree up. Still, the warmth of the weather and the sunlight poking through the clouds are good motivators to help at least think about spring cleaning.
One of the earliest references to cleaning during springtime is the Jewish tradition of Passover, which is still observed every year in March or April. During this event, all pieces of chametz (leavened bread) would be disposed of in the time leading up to the holiday. This is symbolic of an event known as the Exodus, which was when Moses helped the Israelites escape Egyptian slavery with God’s help. The removal of the bread symbolizes them being in such a haste that they weren’t able to wait for their bread to come before they had to make their journey.
In the Catholic faith, there is a similar tradition where, on Maundy Thursday, people will clean up the altars in churches. Maundy Thursday is a day that celebrates the last supper Jesus had with his disciples. Similar to Passover, this day happens in the months of March or April.
Nowruz, which is the Iranian or Persian New Year’s Day, has a tradition known as khāne-takānī or “shaking down the house.” This involves washing blankets, clothes and textiles in preparation for the new year.
Similarly, cleaning is very important for the Lunar New Year. In Chinese culture, it is known as “sweeping the dust.” They deep-clean their homes in order to rid them of bad luck and misfortune. Tidying the place up is said to bring good luck for the new year.
Spring is seen throughout the world as a time of renewal and growth, where life begins anew after the coldness of the winter months. As the leaves begin to form on the trees and flowers start to pop out of the grass, people tend to feel the need to replicate the “shiny” environment within their living space. It’s a common experience to feel somewhat tired during the cold months, as the “dead” appearance of the world makes it hard to get motivated.
Before modern technology, i.e., heating and insulation, homes that were in colder places were sealed up to prevent cold air from coming inside. This generated dust and soot that would build up. Once it began to get warmer, it was time to air out the home and clean up the mess that people literally could not clean during winter.
However, even in modern times, it is still wise to spring clean. Despite insulation, dust and allergens can still build up in the home over time, especially when it’s dark. It would be wise to try to clean out those hidden spots behind tables and shelves. Cleaning can also boost mental health. As someone who enjoys collecting things and is also a bit lazy, living in a cluttered area can be stressful. Coming home to a messy room is never enjoyable. Making the environment welcoming, fresh and comfortable will not only be more enjoyable, but also helpful to the mind at a time when finals are coming up.
A photo of a bowl of gourmet chocolates. | Photo from @chocolatelover_rz on Instagram
March 11, 2026 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor
I believe there is no sweeter taste than that of chocolate. With a sweet, creamy and enjoyable taste as well as a lovely appearance, it is a candy that is normally a person’s best friend or guilty pleasure. Not only does chocolate have a rich taste, but it also has an even richer history.
Cacao trees, which are native to Central and South America, are the trees that produce the fruit from which chocolate is made. They produce pods with each having around 40 cacao beans that are dried out and roasted to become cocoa beans.
The Olmec people are believed to be the first group to be curious to know what these beans tasted like. According to Hayes Lavis, a cultural arts curator for the National Museum of the American Indian, there are ancient Olmec pots that were found with traces of a stimulant known as theobromine, which is found in chocolate and tea. It is believed that the Olmecs used cacao beans to create a drink, which was likely savory rather than sweet.
The Olmecs then passed their cacao expertise to the Mayans, who mixed the beans with maize and water. It could then be adjusted with allspice, vanilla and ear flower. The latter is described to have a spicy flavor similar to black pepper. This mixture was then poured from a height to create a foaming effect on the drink.
The Aztecs would not only make a similar beverage, but also add chili powder and achiote to make the drink have a reddish hue. They would also boil it occasionally to create a rough draft of hot chocolate. The Aztecs called their chocolate xocolatl (shoh-koh-LA’-tul) and it was typically an upper-class privilege to be able to have it, though those of lower classes would enjoy it on special occasions.
The drink was not only a treat to the Mayans and the Aztecs, but also held a lot of significance to them. They believed the beans to be a gift from the gods and would drink xocolatl often for religious ceremonies.
Although there is a debate about when Europeans got their hands on this delicacy, it is widely believed that it arrived in Spain first, which, when considering how much of the world they colonized, makes sense. By the late 1500s, the Spanish court was completely captivated by chocolate and began importing it to other European countries in the area. With such high demand for these cocoa beans, chocolate plantations were created with slaves made to work on them. Europeans also experimented with the ingredients, using cane sugar and cinnamon to add a more sugary taste instead of the savory ones the Aztecs made.
Chocolate would eventually come to the American colonies, arriving from a Spanish ship in 1641 to Florida, with the first chocolate house opening in Boston. Fun fact: During the Revolutionary War, chocolate was given to soldiers as a form of payment instead of money. Nowadays, chocolate is mass-manufactured and sold around the world. However, there are still some shops that handmake chocolate to ensure their products are much richer than the typical Hershey’s bar bought at the store.
Admittedly, I’ve probably eaten way too much of it throughout my life, but I always thought that the history of this delicacy was fascinating in the way that it really transformed throughout the centuries to become what it is today. As a fun little fact about myself, I actually tried xocolatl in the 7th grade as part of a unit about the history of chocolate. I have to say … I did not enjoy it. However, it’s still a pretty cool fact knowing that I’ve tried ancient chocolate.
A partial collection of the author’s preferred products to manage dry skin. | Photo by Jaylin Emond-Hardin
March 4, 2026 | Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor
In the winter, dry skin affects approximately 70% of the population. This is due to a plethora of reasons — skin conditions or the low humidity that comes with the season being two of the main ones — and can be cracked, red, flaky and just plain irritating.
As someone with chronically dry skin — having both eczema and psoriasis — it always gets worse in the winter months. When temperatures drop, the air simply cannot hold as much water vapor, which lowers humidity levels and pulls moisture from the skin. For example, air at 77 F can hold nearly three times more moisture than air at 32 F. That sharp decrease in the air’s moisture-holding capacity is one of the main reasons skin feels tighter, drier and more irritated in colder weather.
Of course, when skin dries out like this, solutions become essential — and after 22 years of managing it myself, I’ve learned what truly works. Below are the most effective, winter-tested strategies I rely on to keep dryness under control.
Skin — The epidermis layer of the skin is the most obvious when it comes to dryness. We feel its dryness in the form of cracked, flaky layers. To help repair this layer, it needs moisture put back into it — more than just a shower can give.
Lotion is usually the best when it comes to returning this component, although body oil is another great way to moisturize. I swear by Aveeno lotion for the whole body, although any of Bath and Body Works’ lotions with shea or cocoa butter keep skin both moisturized and smelling absolutely divine. For the face, anything with hyaluronic acid, sunscreen or goat’s milk is ideal, especially when there’s a combination of any of the three. Having protection from ultraviolet rays and the additional moisture helps prevent scaling and flaking.
While in the shower, gentler soaps and body scrubs can remove the dry scales without damaging the layer underneath. Rice-based formulas are the gentlest and are one of the best options, and don’t clog the pores when adding that moisture back into the skin.
The lips are another part that usually becomes especially dry and chapped due to their constant exposure to the cold air. Most traditional chapsticks continuously dry the lips out because of the menthol in them — part of their design to keep consumers using them — and have artificial fragrances and dyes. Because of these factors, I typically prefer to use lip oil or Vaseline. They trap moisture in and guard against the winter elements.
Applying lotion or oil immediately after a shower is one of the best ways to lock moisture into the skin, as well, especially when it comes to replacing oils lost in the shower.
Hair — Just like skin in the winter, hair dries out as well, typically losing shine, volume and strength. When moisture is stripped, hair follicles lose important oils that not only protect it, but also keep it looking healthy. The scalp also dries out, which leads to dry, flaky buildup.
To combat this, I use coconut oil on my scalp and rosemary oil on my actual hair follicles. I’ve found I’ve preferred the brand Venrock’s rosemary oil the best, due to its subtle mint undertones and the fact that it doesn’t drip down my face when I put it in my hair. It’s also specifically formulated for curly hair, which means it helps reduce frizz.
When it comes to coconut oil, organic and food-grade is the best. Typically, cosmetic-grade oil isn’t as refined as food-grade oil and contains other chemicals and scents, which means it isn’t as pure or natural, and can strip the hair further of those much-needed oils. I tend to leave coconut oil in all day when I’m home with nothing to do, and keep my hair tied up in a t-shirt so I don’t get the oil all over my clothes and furniture.
Leave-in conditioner immediately after rinsing regular conditioner is also a great strategy, as it offers long-term hydration and damage protection. I know my hair is always softest when I use leave-in conditioner, and it reduces breakage and split ends that are synonymous with winter-dry hair.
Diet — Diet is one of the biggest factors when it comes to dry skin. Proper hydration can mean the difference between dry and healthy skin and hair and lips; meanwhile, eating water-rich foods can assist the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Cucumbers, watermelon and strawberries are some of the best sources of water that come with essential nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C and vitamin A.
Drinking plenty of water keeps the skin’s barrier firm and hydrated, which works to prevent scaling and flaking. Electrolytes are important for moving fluids through the body’s cells, so making sure plenty are consumed daily will help with the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Salt helps add electrolytes back into the body, though plain salt water may not be the first choice for many people. In those cases, electrolyte drink mixes such as Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier offer a more palatable alternative, combining sodium, glucose and essential vitamins to support hydration in a more flavorful form. The rocket pop flavor is top-tier; with the right amount of ice, it tastes like drinking a melted rocket pop.
Sufferers of dry skin, have heart. Winter will soon be over and humidity will improve, which means dry, scaly and flaky skin will soon be swapped for peeling sunburns. Making sure the moisturizer has sunscreen will help reduce the chances of sunburns, as will keeping the skin hydrated and happy.
