Lifestyle – Page 16 – The Western Howl

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Take Time for Travel

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

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

Roadtrip to a major city

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

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

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

Flight away

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

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

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

Resourceful

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

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

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

Home » Lifestyle

Conform or Succeed

Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

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Be More Intentional

Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

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

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

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

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

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

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Village for Homeless Youth in the works Polk County

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Sunny Sippin

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

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

ENERGY OF THE SUN

Start to finish: 2 minutes

Yields: 1-2 servings

4-8 ice cubes

12 oz passion fruit mango Celsius, chilled

1 oz lemonade

1 oz mango nectar

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

WATERMELON SUGAR

Start to finish: 2 minutes

Yields:1-2 servings

4 ice cubes

12 oz watermelon flavored Celsius, chilled

1 oz watermelon juice

1 oz lemonade (optional)

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

HELLO HIBISCUS

Start to finish: 2 minutes

Yields: 2 servings

6 ice cubes

4 oz lemonade, chilled

4 oz hibiscus ginger beer, chilled

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

PEPPERMINT PEACH DAYDREAM

Start to finish: 2 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

4 ice cubes

12 oz peach green tea, chilled

¼ oz peppermint syrup

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

LUCKY LAVENDER

Start to finish: 2 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

4 ice cubes

12 oz LimonCello La Croix, chilled

¼ oz lavender syrup

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

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Sprout as a Student

Written by; Jude Bokovoy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

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

Accessibility Public Records Privacy Student Consumer Information

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

It’s Time for Tea

Take Time for Travel

Conform or Succeed

Be More Intentional

Village for Homeless Youth in the works Polk County

Sunny Sippin

Sprout as a Student

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Resources