Mount Hood

The power of GEM

Written by: Taylor Duff | Staff Writer

Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness is a concept developed by Hugh Van Cuylenburg which, when shortened, is commonly referred to as GEM. Cuylenburg has an Amazon Prime special of the same name where he recounts his journey teaching and volunteering in India and his development of The Resilience Project. 

Cuylenburg has over 15 years of experience in education, having taught both primary and secondary students. His teaching career was highlighted by a year spent in the Himalayas in the northern region of India. Here, Cuylenburg discovered the purest type of resilience, GEM. Cuylenburg discovered that the people, particularly the children, led relatively stable and happy lives despite a lack of resources. 

The children were living without running water, electricity or even shoes, yet they were seamlessly happy with their circumstances. Cuylenburg analyzed many things as he toured the community with a student named Stanzin, he expressed gratitude for everything he had, including his crumbling playground. Stanzin told Cuylenburg how grateful he was for the rice he ate — as his food source was available every day. Finally, Stanzin had shoes that many of the other children lack, and he reclaims ‘this’ to show his appreciation. 

Cuylenburg also stated that children in the community practiced meditation every morning before school. Cuylenburg asked why they were required to participate in meditation, and a supervisor replied, stating it was optional. The children and their families join together for meditation and togetherness whenever they can, unlike other places such as  Cuylenburg’s hometown, Balwyn in Melbourne, Australia, where people struggle immensely with mental health. 

Cuylenburg’s mission through The Resilience Project was to recount the village’s practices. Gratitude, empathy and mindfulness make for a better and more rewarding life. After 10 years of working with over 1,000 schools, it became clear that this message was an opportunity to collaborate with teachers, kids, parents, employers, community leaders and sports organizations.  

To practice “GEM,” consider writing once a day in a journal something you are grateful for, whether it is big or small. An example would be a meal you ate, the people you communicate with or your clean water. 

Empathy is an ability that you exercise regularly to feel for someone. Empathy can also take the form of allowing yourself to experience your emotions, such as taking a break to explore nature or engaging in hobbies. 

Mindfulness is easy yet simultaneously hard, as technology is such a prevalent thing in our lives, but shutting off the technology even for 10 minutes allows meditation to occur. Mindfulness, such as understanding that technology holds such a space in our lives, allows us to evaluate rather than be distracted. Practicing GEM takes a lot of practice, but, again, to become good at something often requires practice.    



Contact the author at tduff23@mail.wou.edu 

Summer bucket list

Written by: Libby Thoma | Staff Writer

Bucket lists tend to be a summer essential, but often, online lists become repetitive. Along with this, online bucket list ideas generally require a large sum of money and for the individual to be above 21 years old. Here are some ideas to add that only sometimes require money and can be enjoyed by people under 21.

Big hole — Dig a big hole in one’s backyard. When it inevitably rains, as it will due to Oregon weather, jump into that giant puddle. One now has their own puddle-swimming pool.

Costco trip — Dress in a large black cape or trench coat and add some stilts — previous knowledge of stilting is required. Head to Costco and purchase one’s supply of normal groceries. If questions are raised,  explain that the outfit is three children standing in a trench coat stacked atop one another.

Blasting music — Get a friend or two and go on a drive. Blast embarrassing music, such as Karma by Jojo Siwa, Friday by Rebeca Black or Yummy by Justin Bieber, with the windows rolled down. Head to a populated street where one might know somebody and see who rolls their window up first. Whoever gets embarrassed first pays for the driver’s gas. 

Ghost hunting — Say hello to one’s local spirit. This can be done by purchasing an Ouija board, pendulum or an FM transmitter. Talking to a local spirit is important and often forgotten about; they get lonely too. 

Go viral — Go viral on Facebook. This is better than going viral on TikTok because who goes viral on Facebook?

Make a bucket list — Making a bucket list is important, but make sure it’s interesting. Make it pretty, try using Canva and maybe even add bows or clouds. 

Summer fun is important after a long and hard school year, and making a bucket list of ideas to ward off boredom is essential to get the most out of the summer. Feel free to use these ideas on a summer bucket list. 




Contact the author at ethoma23@mail.wou.edu

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

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

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

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. 

“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,” Ross said. 

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

What to think about before getting a tattoo

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

Tattoos are a commitment that someone should be sure about getting, and can be an overall fun experience to have. However, there are some essential things to keep in mind before and during the time a person gets a tattoo.

Staying hydrated should definitely be kept in mind when getting inked. Firstly, when the body is hydrated, it will take to the ink more effectively, so overall it could be best for the final look. Moreover, staying hydrated can make the process less painful overall. From the day before to the day of, drink plenty of water, and remember to bring some for during the appointment.

Eating something that is filling is important as it reduces the likelihood of becoming lightheaded or passing out during the tattooing process. The body’s blood sugar will be raised and more prepared for the stamina and energy needed for an appointment. In addition, the body’s pain tolerance will be higher on a full stomach versus an empty one. If the tattoo will take a while to complete, consider bringing something to eat during a break as well.

Avoid drinking an alcoholic beverage the day of a tattoo session. Some people may drink beforehand as an alternative to taking painkillers, but alcohol can thin a person’s blood, which could lead to bleeding more easily during the inking process. On top of that, it can also thin the ink, which could lead to an unpleasant and unwanted final result. It’s best to avoid drinking the day before, so there isn’t anything lingering in the body.

With that said, don’t take painkillers before getting a tattoo either. Painkillers like Advil and Ibuprofen also thin the blood, which will lead to similar issues that alcohol has. Acetaminophen may potentially be fine to take, but should be discussed with the artist beforehand. It’s best to avoid these as well the prior day and the day of the appointment.

Dress for comfort over style; the tattooing process can potentially take a long time to complete, so sitting in sweatpants may be a better idea for the long haul. They also need to be looser, depending on where the tattoo is being placed. A baggier shirt is better for a rib tattoo than a form fitting one, or shorts and capris over leggings and jeans for tattoos on legs. In addition, wearing something dark will prevent any ink or blood stains from retaining.

When planning for the day of, make sure enough time is set aside for the session to avoid any rush — whether that’s rushing the tattooing process, which could be detrimental to the final result, or feeling pressure to be on time to a previous engagement. It’s best to feel as relaxed as possible, so managing time is one way to relieve tension. Practicing various breathing exercises during the tattooing is another way to help with relaxation.

Finally, be sure to research the tattoo artist before picking one. It’s best to find one who has a good portfolio that has a style that’s liked and maybe pertains to the desired tattoo — such as picking an artist who specializes in lettering for someone who wants a quote tattoo. If they offer a consultation, it would be good to meet with them and fully discuss the idea.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Emily Hedges

Western Oregon University

Facebook   Instagram   Twitter  YouTube

WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
345 Monmouth Ave. N.
Monmouth OR 97361

503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593

Tools

Campus Maps
Canvas
Find People
Portal
Virtual Tour
WOU Email
Technical Support

Resources

A-Z Index
Accessibility
Academic Calendar
Class Schedule
Jobs at WOU
Partnerships
Student Services

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.