Mount Hood

Grounds for dismissal

A photo of coffee grounds, beans and in liquid form. | Photo from @harshasipani on Instagram

Nov. 19 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

There is a legend involving the discovery of coffee and goats. Yes, there is. According to this legend, Kaldi was once a goat herder who noticed that after his goats ate the cherries of a specific tree in the ancient forests of the Ethiopian plateau, they became so hyper that they couldn’t sleep through the night. When Kaldi told the priest of the local monastery about the behavior, they decided to do a makeshift experiment where they turned the berries into a drink. After a few sips, they were saying the prayers with a boost of energy. The reason those cherries made everyone so jumpy was that they contained a lovely little drug most college students are utterly familiar with — caffeine. 

Most adults are no strangers to caffeine. On average, 4 out of 5 adults consume it daily, myself included. This drug can be found in a lot of different things naturally, but the most common way people consume it is through drinks. The most popular caffeinated beverages are coffee, tea and energy drinks. While most people know what it is and what it does, most aren’t aware of what is a normal side effect of caffeine and what isn’t. Most view it as a harmless drug, because, for the most part, it is, as long as it is used responsibly. So, let’s dig into what makes the bitter taste so powerful. 

The definition — According to WebMD, “caffeine is a natural chemical with stimulant effects.” It increases the activity of the brain and nervous system. Caffeine is closely associated with coffee, as it was isolated from the coffee bean by Ferdinand Runge in 1819. It is also a long-lasting drug, taking 5 to 30 minutes to kick in and staying in the body for up to 12 hours, depending on the person. 

Purpose — The main reason everyone consumes caffeine is to increase alertness, enhance athletic performance and improve focus. Some also use it for other purposes like ADHD, asthma, low blood pressure and depression, though WebMD does state that there isn’t a lot of good scientific evidence to support the latter four uses. 

Side effects — The effects of the drug can involve increased breathing, elevated heart rate and increased mental alertness as well as a boost in physical energy. It also has some side effects involving digestion and urination. Sometimes, people say that coffee can give them heartburn. A possible reason for that is that caffeine can increase the amount of acid in a person’s stomach. Some scientists theorize that because of the bitter taste that can come with the drug, it could lead to a buildup of acid-forming in the stomach. Caffeine is also a diuretic, which means that the body will want to urinate more when consumed. 

Concerning side effects — For the most part, caffeine is safe for the heart for those who don’t have any preexisting heart conditions. It is possible, though, to have had an inordinate amount. Signs that a person has had too much caffeine could be shakiness, agitation, trouble sleeping, a racing heart and dizziness. It’s also possible for headaches, chest pain and severe anxiety to happen. WebMD notes that a 32-ounce energy drink has a much higher ability to give a person abnormally high heart rhythms and blood pressure. 

Amount to have — If a person does not have any sort of underlying conditions, the maximum amount of caffeine someone can consume in a day is about 400 milligrams, which is the amount found in four cups of coffee. However, it is notable that energy drinks can contain a lot more caffeine. According to the Food and Drug Administration, energy drinks typically have 41 to 246 milligrams per can. My energy drink of choice is typically Red Bull. Lately, though, I have been drinking Monster since most people I know have them regularly. I haven’t really liked the taste of it, but I noticed that the drink caused me to feel off. My heart rate increased a lot, my hands were twitching and my chest would occasionally hurt. I found out that there is quite a difference between the two. A 16-ounce Red Bull, on average, contains 136 milligrams of caffeine while a 16-ounce Monster Energy drink has 160 milligrams. Granted, the difference is only 24 milligrams, but it was enough to affect me. 

Who shouldn’t have it — Anyone who has any preexisting health conditions or is under the age of 18 could suffer serious health conditions or even death from having too much caffeine. Pregnant women are able to drink it as long as they don’t go over 300 milligrams. Caffeine can pass into breast milk, so limitations while breastfeeding are recommended. 

Extreme cases — In 2023, Matthew Patrick, known more commonly as MatPat, made a video called “This Lemonade Could Kill You (Panera),” where he discussed a viral TikTok posted by user @sarachebaus. In her video, she discusses being unaware of how much caffeine is in a now-discontinued product served by Panera known as the “charged lemonade.” 

The 20-ounce drink had 260 milligrams of caffeine in it, while the large size had 390 milligrams, which is only 10 milligrams away from being the recommended limit of a person’s daily caffeine intake. She also noted that she drank 4 or 5 of them a day, which would have been the equivalent of 11 Red Bulls, according to MatPat. Both he and @sarachebaus criticized Panera for the lack of any disclaimers of how much caffeine these drinks contained. Despite these drinks having way more of this drug than a typical energy drink, they were not labeled as such. They were only called “charged lemonades” and had in tiny lettering underneath the sign the amount of caffeine in a 20-ounce and a 30-ounce. MatPat then spoke about how potentially dangerous these drinks could be to those with preexisting heart conditions. As it turned out, he was right. 

In September of 2022, a 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania student named Sarah Katz went into cardiac arrest shortly after having one of these drinks and passed away. According to USA Today, her family had sued Panera, explaining that she had a heart condition and would explicitly avoid any drinks that had caffeine in them. They accused Panera of being misleading in the marketing, as well as failure to provide labeling that better warned that these drinks were dangerous to those who had underlying health conditions. Another person, 46-year-old Dennis Brown, died from cardiac arrest in October of 2023 after drinking three charged lemonades. His family also sued Panera, explaining that he had high blood pressure and never consumed energy drinks. 

Caffeine is a drug. Like any drug, people can become dependent on it. Withdrawal symptoms typically include crankiness, headaches, sweating, anxiety, fatigue and in some cases, muscle pain. Withdrawal can begin within 12 to 14 hours from the last sip taken and can last up to a week. It’s possible to break the dependence by steadily reducing the amount of caffeine being consumed. This gives the body time to adjust to being able to function without depending so much on the drug. So, be mindful of how much is consumed. 

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

 

The strength of diversity

A photo of a vase of stargazer lilies. | Photo from @wildflowersparkland on Instagram

Nov. 12 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

The United States is known for its diverse communities. Despite the problems and deep-rooted racism that encompass the history of this country, the U.S. is full of people from different cultures and backgrounds. According to an article from the National Library of Medicine, over 50% of the population is part of minority ethnic groups. Immigrants move here to provide better lives for their families and bring with them their own cultures. Their values, beliefs and ways of life are all varied. As human beings, we tend to fear what we don’t understand, thus many from versatile styles of living often feel out of place in their new communities. However, fitting in is honestly overrated and I thought it would be interesting to delve deeper into the benefits of diversity.
The environments we come from have a major influence on the way we view the world. Some cultures view loyalty as the most important virtue someone can have. Others think that the truth is the most valuable. Neither way of thinking is wrong — it is merely a difference in a person’s beliefs. However, these differences in a person’s way of life can provide new ideas that others would not have thought of. If everyone had the exact same way of thinking, humanity would not advance.
This is why companies are often on the lookout for people who are not from the average population. People who stand out are those who think differently and experience unique ways of reasoning. Without coming up with new ideas, everything would stay the same. Technology wouldn’t exist, companies wouldn’t succeed and if there is anything that is true about our world, it is that it is constantly evolving. Based on an article published by the Hult International Business School, the uncertainty and constant change in the global business environment make it important to be adaptable. If there is anything true about people who come from different places in the world, chances are that they are willing to withstand how drastic the changes can be.
It is because of the difference in values and beliefs that oftentimes those who come from different backgrounds can find success in using that knowledge to their advantage. For instance, bilingual people often make more money as they are able to reach out to more people who may not speak the same language. Not only does it benefit them, it benefits other people who might not know how to speak English and need assistance for doctor’s appointments, driving tests, important news announcements and much more. This way of thinking does not only apply to translators, though. Different cultures with different priorities will want to create products aimed at distinct people, such as restaurants that offer culture-specific food, whether it be soul food, Mexican food, Chinese food, Filipino food or another cuisine. Some could think of it like having a spy on the inside, someone who understands who the target audience is and can offer advice as to what appeals to them.
Being diverse can also promote personal growth. According to the Steps4Change organization, having new experiences gives us the opportunity to explore outside our comfort zone, which can enhance our learning and develop a sense of personal growth. Everyone has different ideas of what “normal” is. Some can view being different as a weakness, yet in reality, it’s an irreplaceable strength that can provide more empathy with people who think differently than them. Those with more variety in their lives are more likely to be empathetic and resilient in the way they conduct themselves.
According to Sean DallasKidd, a Forbes Councils member, “Research is the gateway to imagination.” It improves the likelihood of more imaginative and impactful storytelling in works, whether it be at work or in school. Being a diverse individual can mean much more than simply coming from a different place or being a different gender.
There’s also something known as cognitive diversity. The definition for this topic involves the way we think. Some approach an assignment with the thought of getting it done immediately after the lecture, as they want the information to be as fresh as possible. Others prefer to do it later, not just because of procrastination reasons, but because they want time to process the information they learned.
It’s why some can have very different interpretations of stories. Some may think that Meredith and Derek, the couple from “Grey’s Anatomy,” are a good representation of true love and can pose a good argument for their reasoning. Others believe that they were terrible for each other and give several examples of their toxicity. Neither interpretation is wrong per se, but each has a strong argument for their way of thinking.
Being a diverse person is an exciting thing. It makes someone much more relatable and more unique. Creativity is higher and diversity is being more sought out in the modern day, as uncertainty in businesses means needing more unique ways to come up with ideas to stay in the market. Some of the biggest problems in the world have been solved by tackling a problem in an unusual way. Vaccines were created by using the sickness that was killing people as a way to immunize themselves from it. The most unbelievable circumstances can end up being the solution to a major problem.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Spiritualification

A photo of the window in the cabin with a traditional Sri Lanka Buddha outside. | Photo by Hannah Field

Nov 5. 2025 | Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

Names have been changed in this story to protect the privacy of those involved.

Wellness tourism: one of the most profitable self-care industries out there, relying on people who travel to experience varied retreats, getaways and programs to better their physical, mental or spiritual health. Most spiritual retreats indulge in various religious practices, meditation, yoga or other exercises, often claiming to build one’s spiritual toolkit — whatever that really means. Forbes estimates an industry worth of $1.2 trillion by 2028.

Be it a healthy dose of ayahuasca, glamping or straight-up mushrooms in the woods, people are obviously investing a lot of money into this practice and doing so with glee. Certainly, some demographics are targeted more than others — advertising meditation retreats and psychic channeling training tends to not appeal to the young and elderly, skipping a lot of the chronically online and offline crowds. The perfect victim of wellness tourism? Well, it’s what one would expect: white, millennial American women with money.

Whether they’re seeking out a spiritual grounding, trying to get away from the hustle of life, shape their mental fortitudes or merely attending a group retreat due to an obligation from work or friends, white women are generally at the forefront of these “spiritual retreats” advertised online. It seems that there’s this urge for women, usually moms, to seek out an outside source of healing and power, making a grounding getaway the only apparent option to establish an independent identity, separate from kids, husbands and work, and build a spiritual, psychic, intuitive skillset.

Up until now, I’ve avoided even glancing in the direction of spiritual retreats, but last fall I was invited to attend an all-women’s one-day workshop with an interesting tagline that left me zero information: “You Know What To Do.” In tiny letters beneath it, “Reclaiming Your Inner Authority.” And I, fully thinking that spiritual retreats were a complete and utter scam, could not bring myself to decline. Spoiler alert: I still think they’re a scam. I do think, however, there’s a lot more to them than I previously expected.

The first thing that stuck out to me was how little I could find out about this particular event. The first email I got simply welcomed me and stated more information was coming soon; the second told me to dress comfortably, bring water and where to show up; the third email was about the founder, Australian woman Marli-Rae Bennett, stressing over her son’s incoming driving test. At this point, I realized I had a long road of newsletters ahead of me.

The morning of was cold and foggy. I was earlier than the rest to the cabin, placed on the mountainside overlooking Glenwood Springs, CO, amidst over 100 acres of untouched land. I learned very quickly that I was a peculiar addition to the group, the only one under 35. There were about ten of us in total, seven of which were customers. The majority of us were from other states, with one woman from Alaska, and worked varied careers, a sex therapist included.

Bennett banged a gong to begin the ceremony, which was when I knew I hadn’t prepared myself adequately for what was to come. Bennett and her accomplice burned some white sage, rang multiple brass instruments over us, including a golden chalice, calling it “energetic preparation.”

We were instructed to feel and honor our bodies, straightening our spines and feeling our breath, holding our prayer beads that come from India. Bennett started a mantra in another language, which everyone seemed to know except me and which climbed in volume until everyone was cheering and whooping, until it fell short to a whisper at the end. I found it confusing and uncomfortable, and in practice felt like the middle point between a small-town youth group session and an improv class.

Following that, we “sweat our prayers,” where we held out our hands for 11 minutes and focused on our breathing. Bennett would interject occasionally with a powerful tone, saying various phrases such as “You are never alone”; “Every woman is not here by accident”; “Feel the divine feminine” and so forth. It felt a little closer to a Pilates class I took once than a spiritual retreat, considering I had no clue who we were praying to specifically, but lots of words slipped past me, such as “the Mother,” to give me some clue.

We were told to journal our intentions in one word and then share them, of which I said “to learn,” because that was the truth, and I was going to try my best to indulge. I wrote later, “We honor the body and our ‘divinity.’ We honor the ancestors. … The space is ‘sacred.’”

We felt our chakras, felt our hearts and dabbed tea tree oil behind our ears while we listened to the drums. Bennett told us to “walk in the authority of Mother Earth,” which was a nice notion, but throughout the whole session, I was never sure what any of it actually meant for me moving forward.

After our snack break — which I did not participate in nor enjoy, because it was all nut salads and beets, which I really should have anticipated — we, to my dismay, were leaving the cabin.

Turns out, half a mile away was a medicine wheel, which was described to me as an energy portal that operates somewhat like a Ouija board, and must be opened and closed, as well as respected. Upon further research, the medicine wheel is a sacred indigenous symbol representative of all knowledge, and one of the women was a stewardess and trained in the practices. I should mention the presence of a Native American woman well-involved in the culture as well.

I will admit, at the time, I was bewildered. It was raining and cold outside, and more than half of the women decided to march with their shoes off in order to be grounded better. I had never heard of an energy portal, especially considering it just looked to me like a bunch of rocks on the ground that I had to march toward in my foul mood, wet and everything. Since then, I’ve looked into the practice, at least enough to understand how it functions for the communities that rely on it. To summarize, we silently and I drearily trekked to the medicine wheel, entered it and walked clockwise, picked a direction and listened and felt through the ground. We prayed, which, might I clarify, is not a problem in any way other than I’m not culturally involved with indigenous people, nor am I spiritual in much of a way that would cause this to entice me, so it felt almost worse participating at all than just sitting out. I’m not sure how the other women felt about it, but they seemed to enjoy the practice, discussing later what directions called to them and how nice it felt to be out in nature.

If it’s any indication of how I felt about it, I wrote: “They want me to journal. I’ve been here four hours, got soaked, ate none of the healthy snacks, and I want desperately to take a nap.”

Back inside, we had a really awkward closed-eyes dancing session, with Bennett declaring that my hips were “holding energy.” We had to shake profusely as if our arms were pool noodles to loosen supposed tension.

At one point, a woman participating asked me if I had ever experienced this before, and when I said no, she said I was very lucky and that if she could go back and start these retreats earlier, she would. According to her, she had once seen a group of women in nature while hiking, singing and barefoot, and had ever since wanted to be a part of whatever she had seen, leading her here.

Our last practice was an honest and vulnerable one where each woman was instructed to share their personal messages from their heart. Internal feelings of shame, guilt and insecurity rose to the surface as each individual dished their deepest thoughts about themselves. “I feel like we need a big group hug,” said one woman at the end, which, whenever someone says that, I’m pretty sure it’s law that one has to happen, and thus concluded my seven-hour wellness retreat and cultural hodgepodge.

Marli-Rae Bennett was immediately painted to me as a pioneer of a spiritualification culture of sorts, which, no, that’s not a real word, but I used it anyway. She leads spiritual retreats for women all across the world, claiming she can help them unlock their deeper purpose, identifying the “holy feminine” and “holy masculine.” To quote one newsletter I saw, “Evolve your personal relationship with the language of cosmos … enhance every aspect of your life, and contribute to the greater collective good” — which I think sums up the whole selling point.

I think there’s a lot of incredibly valid criticism to this kind of pushy sales tactics; Bennett uses vague buzz words without clarity to pull in vulnerable consumers. Like, of course, we want to “lead, create and serve from the harmonised centre of unity consciousness.” But what does that really mean? Oh, yeah, it means dropping nearly $4,000, finding somewhere to stay in an expensive tourist town and spending all day, or sometimes multiple days, learning from Bennett, who personally told me she graduated with a degree in creative writing. On her website, she claims to have completed a doctorate in magical realism at the University of Melbourne, which is incredibly misleading because that degree itself is not a thing. What most likely happened is that Bennett has an arts or humanities PhD, with the doctorate itself specializing in the application of magical realism in theatre considering her background. I consider that to be a phony play to win the game of credentials against women who feel lost and crave stability and community, goading them into purchasing her services due to her education. Having said that, a PhD is a PhD, and I can respect the grind.

OK, maybe I’m being too harsh here, because I actually did like Bennett as a person. She had an infectious personality, a bubbly laugh and stood for a lot of things I do too, such as loud women, rejecting obedience, pursuing true passions and self-reflection. It just has to be said that I ponder the morality of the business model, which I only feel stronger about after the fact — simultaneously, however, I feel a little torn on the customer base.

Thinking about it beforehand, I had fallen headfirst into the “oh, those millennial white women again” trope I see everywhere now. If they have the money for a spiritual retreat to try to solve their problems, why not attend therapy instead? Why spend their time piggybacking off of indigenous practices, pretending they know anything about the different communities they’re hijacking spirituality from? And, don’t get me wrong, that’s a whole separate problem of privilege and cultural appropriation, one that I am much less qualified to speak on.

Yet, when I was actually present with those women, watching them cry and listen to them yell and bond, I couldn’t help but empathize. They spent their own money and took the time to fly to Colorado for this event because it was what they not only wanted to do, but felt like they needed to do. There’s some release in this for them, some pressure building of societal expectations and home lives and stressors I do not have myself, that is let go when they’re around like-minded women.

Some of these women were truly struggling. They felt lonely, unheard, unloved; multiple of them claimed they felt they weren’t beautiful or worthy of love during vulnerable moments where we were made to share some of our deeper thoughts. One shared very personal anecdotes of her mother’s abuse; another sobbed when discussing how her family’s dynamics changed drastically toward her after her brother was put in prison.

It begs the larger question, not of “Should these women be spending their money on this?” but rather, “What is so wrong with our society that women feel that this is the only way to heal?”

On the other end, some of these women were there out of pure enjoyment, indulging in the drums and singing along, barefoot in nature. There are a lot of worse things we could be paying for, like fast food or Botox or something. 

In a way, I think Marli-Rae Bennett herself is reliving pain through these retreats. I saw her shed tears like the rest, and it should speak at least a little bit to her character. I find it hard to believe her intentions are malicious.  I just wonder if this is something that actually works for people or not, if women feel better in the long run, but I did see a match strike in a circle of women who just needed someone to listen and understand.

Ultimately, would I ever tell anybody what to do with their time and money? Absolutely not. This was simply not my cup of tea. If a woman is craving a spiritual getaway with other women who believe in the same universal magic, then I think this is a wonderful opportunity for them to connect and grow. But any spiritual workshops with such a hefty entry fee call me to question the integrity of the intuitive leader, who wrote after our session in a letter, “I trust the Mother Goddess. This seemingly subtle shift has moved me from doubt and worry to a deep and abiding sense of ease, soul nourishment and safety in my being, and trust in the Divine,” which  transitioned into, “If you want to make this subconscious shift for yourself … scroll down for more insight into creating the sacrament of marriage within your own being.”



Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

The Mandela effect

A photo of the Fruit of the Loom logo with and without the Mandela effect. | Photo from @sosupernaturalpod on Instagram

Nov 5 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor

Coined by Fiona Broome, the Mandela effect is a phenomenon that many people experience, whether they realize it or not, in which they have faulty memories of a certain person, character, event or anything similar. Each faulty detail is often experienced by a multitude of people, making the effect seem that much more mysterious and odd. Broome created the term “Mandela effect” when she discovered that she, along with many others, believed that Nelson Mandela died in the 1980s when he in fact died in 2013. She was shocked that so many people remembered a key historic event falsely and thus put a name to the phenomenon.

A common occurrence of the Mandela effect that many encounter is centered around Disney’s well-known character Tinker Bell. Many people, including myself, remember in the old Disney movie era how Tinker Bell would come out at the beginning of VCR movies when they show the Disney castle logo and would circle around the castle and tap the top of the “I.” Supposedly, this never actually happened and, instead, there was only a white half circle that went around the castle, with Tinker Bell never actually showing up. However, many Disney fans speculated about this and tried to dig up old Disney VCRs and DVDs, with some allegedly proving that Tinker Bell did, in fact, appear. Whether she actually appeared or not is still up for debate.

Those who are familiar with “Star Wars” often recall what is argued to be the most famous line in the franchise: “Luke, I am your father.” What if I said that this was never actually Darth Vader’s famous line? In “The Empire Strikes Back,” the line that Darth Vader actually says to Luke is “No, I am your father.” Many fans distinctly remember the use of Luke’s name in this line as Vader is talking to Luke, and the line is quoted this way by fans and non-fans alike. In the same vein, many Disney fans remember the famous line from the Evil Queen in “Snow White” being “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?” The correct line spoken in the original “Snow White” is in fact “Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?” Many people recall the use of “mirror, mirror” even though the Evil Queen never said this.

Another common Disney Mandela effect happens when recalling the original Mickey Mouse. When thinking about the clothes that he wears, many remember his shorts with buttons having suspenders. If fans go back and look, though, they’ll find that Mickey Mouse does not actually have suspenders, he only wears the shorts with buttons. 

Those who read or watched it as a kid may recall the popular children’s show about Mama and Papa Bear as they raise their two bear cubs in Bear Country. But what comes to mind when prompted to spell out the name of this show? The correct spelling is “The Berenstain Bears,” even though many recall it being spelled as “Berenstein.”

Video game fans aren’t immune to the Mandela effect either. Those who spent their childhood playing “Pokémon” games or collecting Pokémon cards commonly argue about the appearance of the famous Pokémon Pikachu. Some fans recall his unique zig-zag tail having a black tip at the top, while some recall the black section of his tail being at the bottom. Fans who recall the black section being at the tip of his tail have fallen victim to the Mandela effect, because Pikachu does not have any black at the end of his tail.

When thinking about the show “Scooby-Doo,” people also often remember the character Shaggy as having a distinct Adam’s apple in his appearance. This characteristic often stands out to fans too because Shaggy is seen eating food a lot, making his Adam’s apple very clear. Shaggy also gulped a lot in the show out of fear, something that is believed to also feature his Adam’s apple. Yet, if we go back to view Scooby Doo, Shaggy doesn’t actually have an Adam’s apple at all. He does have the bulge when he swallows or gulps, so it is theorized that fans are just remembering this.

The Mandela effect is known as a phenomenon for a reason, but there are a few differing theories for why it occurs. One explanation is false memories. When we recall something that happened a while ago — more so the further back we go — our brains can set off neurons that are connected to other memories and details, potentially causing us to remember something incorrectly. Similarly, confabulation may happen, meaning that our brain subconsciously fills in gaps for things we don’t quite remember. Human brains try to make sense of this lapse of knowledge by filling in a reasonable explanation, even if we don’t realize it’s false. Our brains can also subconsciously change a past memory based on what we encounter after it. For example, perhaps the reason many people remember Tinker Bell at the beginning of Disney movies is because something similar occurred at a later date with something that was related. The fact that our brains do this also contributes to the fact that eyewitness testimonies are not always reliable. 

A more unusual theory that some have surrounding the Mandela effect is alternate realities. In this theory, the individuals who make up the group believing that each instance of the Mandela effect happened are all from an alternate reality in which that version of the event is actually true. So, in the Tinker Bell Mandela effect, everyone who remembers Tinker Bell in the Disney intro somehow entered a different timeline in which Tinkerbell actually did appear. 

No matter if someone has experienced the Mandela effect for themself, it can be interesting to think about why this phenomenon occurs in the first place. It can be easy to write it off as a coincidence if a couple of people experience each event, but large groups of people all report remembering the same false events. As humans, we naturally try to find reasonable explanations, but perhaps some things just can’t be explained.

 

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Gaming on the mind

A photo of a gaming setup with the game “Stardew Valley” on the screen. | Photo from @mysleepylifestyle on Instagram

Nov 5. 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

Video games have experienced a tremendous amount of growth throughout the years. During the coronavirus pandemic, many used video games as a way to connect with others for relaxation and social interaction. Not only did the games provide temporary escape from world issues at the time, but they also helped connect people to their friends and family in a way that was safe. Now that the world is somewhat back to normal in the sense that we can be around each other more, the gaming industry still continues to grow and develop. In 2021, the World Health Organization initiated discussions on how gaming can affect mental health. For years, most have believed that video games were detrimental to one’s psyche. While they can be like any form of addiction, some studies have found some positives to gaming.
According to an article written in 2014, published by Radboud University, certain cognitive skills can be developed by playing games that involve fast reflexes and aim. They include accurate attention allocation, high spatial resolution, better visual processing and enhanced mental rotation abilities. They also found that gamers have a significant increase in spatial skills in particular, which have been linked to higher achievement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills. It is important to note, however, that most of those developments were seen from first-person shooters, which are one of the most popular types of games in the modern day.
Games can also influence problem-solving skills, which can apply to almost every genre of video games. Most games require the player to get from point A to point B, which is where the gameplay comes from. It could vary from shooting enemies to get the door to unlock, solving a puzzle or even just exploring the area to find out where to trigger a cutscene. An action as simple as that can develop someone’s ability to navigate situations better.
Yet, like all things in life, having too much of something can be bad for one’s health. Because video games can be so engaging and feel as if whatever’s happening on the screen is happening to the person in real life, the issues felt in the game can feel a little too real. This isn’t always a bad thing, especially when the game can make someone feel immense joy. However, when experiencing too much of a life-threatening situation, it can add stress to a person’s mind and change the way they think.
According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, excessive gaming has also been linked to health struggles like obesity, insomnia, eye strain, anxiety, depression and difficulties with other commitments like school or work. Hyperarousal can also occur with too much concentration on the screen. Hyperarousal can appear differently in different types of people, but usually involves struggles with the mind’s ability to process information. Paying attention can be difficult, and impulses may be harder to control, following directions is more challenging and some can have decreased interest in other activities.
It is notable, though, that having fun has tremendous effects on the brain. According to the National Institute for Play, playing a game, whether it be on the field or on the screen, can help adults deal with stress and can promote the release of endorphins in the brain, which brings down stress-inducing cortisol levels. It can soothe the mind’s both wonderful and frustrating ability to think too much. With the stress of adult life, including problems like bills, jobs and school, we as young adults need to plan when we are allowed to take a leisurely break from it all, and gaming is a great way to do it.
Some enjoy gaming to have a sense of control over a difficult time in their lives. Many gamers describe an experience that happens when completely immersed in a game, simultaneously providing a high sense of control and a loss of self-consciousness. Anyone who has ever played a game to completion will often have a look of pride on their face. The satisfaction one can get from completing a really hard level or winning a difficult boss fight will always be fulfilling.
The Entertainment Software Association created a survey known as Power of Play, which came out earlier this year. 24,000 people aged 16 or above all answered questions to study the perspective of video games globally, spanning 6 continents. The findings in the survey showed not only that there is a nearly even gender split in the players, 48% women and 51% men, it also reported that 66% of gamers do it for fun, while the rest do it for stress-relieving purposes or to keep their mind sharp and give their brain a workout.
It is important to keep in mind that gaming can become an addiction. The reason why it occurs is similar to other various addictions like alcohol or tobacco. The reward part of the brain releases dopamine in response to an action that triggers it. If a person does the action enough times, whether it be picking up a bottle or a controller, the brain begins to associate the activity with the release of dopamine. Then, the person with the problem gains a strong craving to find that pleasure over and over again.
If there is certainty in anything, it is that the gaming industry is continuing to grow. According to the International Trade Administration, the gaming industry made nearly $66 billion in 2023. Over 190 million Americans play video games, with 78% of households having at least one gaming device. It can be a struggle to find a balance between having a healthy hobby or a potentially damaging problem. Some potential ideas to keep in mind when gaming would be to consider playing the same way that most sports rules operate. Be respectful, be kind, be involved and be reasonable, both with the time spent on the activity and the way someone goes about having fun.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Living life invisibly

The logo for The Ehlers-Danlos Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving people with EDS. | Photo from @ehlers.danlos on Instagram

Nov. 5 2025 | Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor

In the United States, one in four adults lives with a disability that affects aspects of their daily lives. That’s 61 million adults. This statistic includes both visible and non-apparent disabilities — which have also been known as “invisible” or “hidden” disabilities — but both forms can have overlapping effects.

I am somebody who has a non-apparent disability. I prefer to use the term “invisible” because most people wouldn’t be able to look at me and tell, as is the case with most people who have a non-apparent disability. After all, I play rugby, I’m on my feet all day for teaching and, unless I’m complaining about how I’m feeling, nobody knows about my chronic pain. 

I have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, or hEDS. My body doesn’t make enough collagen to support my connective tissues. As a result, my joints constantly ache, are weaker and can hyperextend past what most people would consider typical. I sometimes call my hypermobility my “party trick.” It gives it a more positive spin on things. 

Globally, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is rare — only 1 in 5,000 adults have it — and is a genetic disability that’s passed through generations. There are at least 20 gene variants in total that cause Ehlers-Danlos.

I don’t use mobility aids, though others who have hEDS can use canes, walkers or wheelchairs to remove strain from their joints. I do, however, rely on braces and supportive tape wraps. For rugby, I wear a compression sleeve and ankle brace. I tape my fingers and wrists when they jam, something which is unfortunately common. 

People with unapparent disabilities often face problems socially because they “don’t look disabled.” I can’t even begin to count how many times I have heard that. Because we don’t look like what people have in their heads for members of the disabled community, we are less likely to be believed. When we advocate for ourselves, we are more likely to be dismissed because our pains and struggles are not outwardly visible. 

For Western students, Disability Access Services is available as a resource. The department provides students with accommodations for whatever they need  — whether it’s for academics, interpreting services or advocacy — and tailors it to an individual’s needs. For every activity on campus that a club, organization or department hosts, DAS will provide accommodations for students. 

Anyone, whether or not they are a part of DAS, can advocate for people with disabilities — both visible and unapparent. This allyship is important because it helps create a more inclusive and equitable environment where everyone feels valued and supported. 

By challenging barriers, amplifying disabled voices and promoting accessibility, allies play a key role in ensuring that people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of life. True inclusion requires collective effort and advocacy from all of us helps move our communities toward understanding, respect and lasting change. 

And please, when someone says something about what they need from others to avoid discomfort or injury, listen to them. Listening to disabled people about what they know they need is the most important thing. 

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

‘Is that your phone?’ The ‘dumbphone’ trend, explained

Graphic of flip phone | Graphic made by Addison Watts

Nov 5 2025 |  Kiera Roedel | Copy Editor

Stop me if this sounds familiar: it’s late at night and there are assignments that need to get done, but it’s impossible to put down the smartphone. This type of situation is all too common for college students, prompting questions about social media addiction and the need to do a “digital detox.” While some people simply set screen-time limits on their phones and stay mindful of the time they spend scrolling, a growing number — including myself — have taken the next step: going back to a time before smartphones.

The “dumbphone” trend has been gaining prevalence online over the past couple of years, mostly due to its nostalgic or aesthetic value. But dumbphones, defined as cell phones without easy access to an app store or modern web-based apps, have legitimate utility as a means to get off social media and spend more time living in the real world.

I’ve spent over a year using a flip phone as my main device. It has access to the following functions: calling, texting, a two-megapixel — yes, two — camera, an MP3 player and some basic utilities like a calculator and calendar. It also has a simple web browser that’s too slow and outdated to even load the front page of Reddit. And that’s literally it. No Instagram, no TikTok, no DoorDash, no Google Maps, no Spotify and no way to download or access any of those services. The vast reduction in available apps and connectivity is definitely an adjustment.

Regardless, there are some notable advantages to using a dumbphone. For one, it’s apparent immediately upon switching just how much time people spend on their phones. In the time between classes, in the library, at meals — it feels like nobody even bothers to look up. Recapturing those lost minutes declutters my brain and is very refreshing.

Second is the nostalgic or aesthetic value that I mentioned. I won’t lie — I didn’t initially switch to a flip phone because I felt the need to digitally detox. It was because I felt nostalgia for the time when “cell phone” meant a weird plastic trinket that people could fiddle with in bizarre ways to expose extra screens and keyboards. Using a flip phone nowadays allows me to recapture a little bit of that feeling. 

A third benefit is the cost. In a time when a new iPhone or top-of-the-line Samsung can easily run over $800, being able to pick up a flip phone from a department store for under $50 is a breath of fresh air. Mine cost $19.99 from Tracfone, and I’m still using it a year and a half later. That’s just an objectively good deal.

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows in the dumbphone world. For one thing, missing out on things that people have come to consider basic utilities, like Google Maps, really stings. It can be seen as another part of the package — learning to navigate alone  or by paper map is, in a sense, just another part of the digital detox. And some app-based services have alternatives, like the fact that anyone can call a phone number to get an Uber, no app required. 

I haven’t totally gotten rid of my smartphone. I still use it for things like my D&D character sheet and for when I need to take a picture that isn’t insufferably — yet aesthetically — grainy. But the opportunity to leave that toxic glass brick in a drawer where it belongs the majority of the time is a truly eye-opening experience.

 

Contact the author at howlcopyeditor@wou.edu

Spooky treats

A photo of Burgerville’s Vampire Slayer Cheeseburger and sweet potato fries. | Photo by Belen Ponce Leal

Oct 29 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

It’s always interesting to see what kind of menus companies can come up with for a spooky season. Whether it be dyed foods designed to look like pumpkins, sweet ice cream treats with candy bits in them or some locally sourced ingredients used creatively, there is no end to the trend. I thought it would be interesting to discover what kind of spooky-themed foods to try out before the end of the month.  

Burger King is well known for their advertising of their special limited-time menus. Right now, they have what they call the “monster menu.” The main staple of the menu is the  Jack-O’-Lantern Whopper. It is a version of their famous Whopper burger with a “naturally colored orange bun” with black sesame seeds. While it does have a festive appearance, it has been described by many as tasting basically the same as a regular Whopper burger. Some other items they are selling are Vampire Nuggets, Mummy Mozzarella Fries, the Franken-Candy Sundae and, at certain locations, a trick-or-treat basket. 

At the moment, McDonald’s might not have much of a Halloween menu as they are currently focused on their Monopoly-themed one, but the Boo Buckets have returned once again. During October, McDonald’s will give out Happy Meals in what is called a Boo Bucket. They are plastic containers that can double as trick-or-treat buckets. The classic designs have returned, which are the ghost, pumpkin and goblin. However, there are two new additions to the roster this year, which are a black cat and a zombie bucket. 

IHOP has come out with some delicious pancake flavors for the season. Obviously, the pumpkin spice pancakes have returned, with the option to make them a short or full stack. They have been described as tasting very good, soft and buttery. The item that I find the most interesting and most delicious is the coffee cake pancakes. Made with cinnamon streusel, cinnamon spread layering and cream cheese icing, these coffee cake pancakes have a delicious crumbly texture. 

Burgerville is known throughout Monmouth for being a great place to eat, as it prides itself on locally sourcing its ingredients. All their food is fresh and delicious throughout the year.

Their seasonal menu is composed of their pumpkin shake, apple crumble sundae, harvest cider iced tea, sweet potato fries and, their star of the menu, the Vampire Slayer Cheeseburger. This burger, along with all of their others, has a pasture-raised natural beef patty. The cheese on the burger is called Face Rock Vampire Slayer Cheddar, which is cheddar with a strong dose of garlic in it. That, combined with arugula, which is a leafy green vegetable with a sort of peppery, nutty flavor, makes the burger a fantastic mix of various flavors. 

Every restaurant has a different strength, whether it be in design or flavor. I love how every year Burger King can come up with a menu that looks amazing, and even though it doesn’t taste very different, it is at least aesthetically pleasing. I also enjoy how Burgerville can come up with some amazing combinations of flavors in their burger while still being naturally sourced. While not all seasonal food is created equal, it is always endearing to see what companies can come up with to create delicious and good-looking cuisine. 

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Halloween events

A photo of the entrance to Salem’s Grand Theatre | Photo from @salemhistoricgrandtheatre on Instagram

Oct 29 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor

No matter one’s preferences between cozy, community-centered Halloween events or scary, chilling adventures, there is sure to be a local Halloween event happening that is going to scratch that itch. While there is much more to explore in the area, I’ve compiled a list of note-worthy Halloween events that I encourage both autumn lovers and spooky enthusiasts alike to give a try.

Halloween Spooktacular — A big local event happening in Monmouth that many locals enjoy is the Halloween Spooktacular. This fun experience takes place Oct. 31 and begins at 4 p.m. at Main Street Park. Businesses around downtown Monmouth will be open for trick-or-treaters, and the park will have various goodies and activities set up. Businesses will also have pop-up booths along Main Street Park where they will be handing out various treats. There will also be a photo booth; residents are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes and take some fun pictures. Students at Western can also find a photo booth with Wolfie to take pictures with him in their costumes. This event is completely free and open to the public.

Dia De Los Muertos — During the Halloween Spooktacular event, residents can also stop by Monmouth Senior Center for Dia De Los Muertos, including various multicultural festivities. This event will have Halloween snacks, candy, arts and crafts and Mexican hot chocolate. They will also have a community ofrenda — a memorial table — set up. Anyone from the community is welcome to contribute to the table by placing special items to remember and pay homage to deceased loved ones. 

Ghost of the Grand — Those seeking more of a haunted feel to their Halloween celebration may love the Ghost of the Grand tour. This event takes place at the Grand Theatre in Salem and consists of a tour through the theatre’s main stage, the initiation room and the basement. This isn’t just a normal ghost tour though; they combine theatre and ghostly haunting to create an interactive experience that allows participants to go in search of G.H.O.S.T. — a mysterious and dangerous cult that was driven underground after last year’s tours. Audience members will actively make choices that seal their fate in this event. Happening through Nov. 1, general admission for this event costs $24.95. The Grand Theatre is known as one of the most haunted places in Salem. Participants often report sensing a ghostly presence, whether it be a gentle breeze or a shadow lurking out of sight, so consumers of the paranormal will love visiting this theatre.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt — Powered by Questo, those who seek a fun, interactive event for a large group will love this Halloween Scavenger Hunt in Salem. Starting Oct. 30 and running through Nov. 2, participants who sign up will access the scavenger hunt through the Questo app and travel around Salem exploring haunted areas, tracking ghosts and solving puzzles. Great for those who love a challenge, participants will compete to find clues and finish first, and can even win fun prizes. There will also be a costume contest, so make sure to wear fun costumes. Questo promises that frightening dialogue, bone-chilling intrigue and petrifying twists are in store for those who sign up. 

Just a short trip away, these are some of the intriguing and fun Halloween events to look forward to at the end of October. I believe there’s something out there for everyone to enjoy this time of year, even if none of these events sound that interesting. I encourage all to go out and try something new, because, chances are, there’s a lot of fun in doing so. 

 

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

The haunting history

A photo of Halloween yard decorations. | Photo from @halloweenperfection on Instagram

Oct 29, 2025 |  Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

Halloween is known throughout the United States as the spookiest time of the year; the time when children go door-to-door wearing costumes that range from cute to scary, candy is given out and scares are plotted throughout the night. Despite its popularity, many don’t know the origins of this holiday that has developed and changed throughout the centuries. 

The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which is still celebrated today by Pagans. Over 2,000 years ago, the Celts and the druids celebrated the new year Nov. 1. Samhain, which translates to “summer’s end” in Gaelic, marked the end of the harvest, meaning winter was about to begin. Winter was seen as a time of death, where the veil between the living and the dead thins to allow supernatural forces to wander the earth. The people would gather to burn crops and offer animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. Additionally, those who were thinking of their lost loved ones would use candles and bonfires to guide them to the afterlife. 

Others would wear costumes to scare the bad spirits and demons away. However, some believed that doing this would allow them to be able to tell each other’s future. The Celtic priests believed that due to the presence of otherworldly beings on the earth, their predictions would hold more weight. After the festival was over, they would take flames from the bonfires and light their own hearths with them. It was believed that the fire would protect them from the incoming winter. 

In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III proclaimed Nov. 1 “All Saints’ Day,” which honors not only the saints, but also the martyrs. Then, in the year 1000, the church made Nov. 2 “All Souls’ Day,” a day that honors the dead. It is believed that the church did this to replace the Celtic festival with a Christian-sanctioned holiday. 

It incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain, like big bonfires, celebrations and dressing up in costumes as beings like devils, saints and angels. The night before, which was originally Samhain, began to be called “All-Hallows Eve.” 

When people began immigrating to the US, which at the time was the 13 colonies, All-Hallows Eve began to change. As the customs of European ethnic groups and Native Americans clashed, “Halloween” began to emerge. 

The first celebrations of the tradition were known as “play parties,” which were events held to celebrate the harvest. Neighbors shared stories of the dead and would try to tell each other’s fortunes.

Trick-or-treating is based on European traditions where Americans began dressing up in costumes and going door-to-door to ask for food or money, which eventually became the trick-or-treating recognized today. 

Jack-o’-lanterns come from a tradition in Ireland that came over with Irish immigrants. It is said that there was a man known as “Stingy Jack,” who would trap the devil multiple times throughout his life, keeping him captive until he promised Jack he wouldn’t go to hell. However, when the time came for Jack’s death, he found out that he wasn’t allowed to go to heaven either, so he was doomed to wander the earth forever. The devil supposedly gave Jack a burning lump of coal in a hollowed-out turnip to be his makeshift lantern. 

Therefore, the locals began carving spooky faces into their own vegetables to frighten away the spirits from their homes. When immigrants moved to the U.S., the Irish brought the tradition with them. Since pumpkins are native to North America, they decided to switch from turnips to pumpkins; thus, the Jack-o’-laturns that are known today were born. 

While Halloween isn’t the same as Samhain in the traditional sense, the holiday still carries that same spirit expressed by the druids and the Celts. It celebrates the time in the year where the leaves change color, the harvest comes in for the final time and everyone does their best to deal with mischievous spirits, whether it be a ghost, a demon or a roommate who wants to scare someone into a heart attack. 

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

A fall bucket list

Photo of Yesteryear Farms’ pumpkin patch located in Wilsonville, Oregon. | Photo from @yesteryearfarmswilsonville on Instagram

Oct 22 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

Fall is a special season for some. It’s the season of change, the time when the leaves on the trees change colors and those hoodies that have been in the closet all summer can finally come out. Wardrobes aren’t the only thing different, though — there are tons of activities and treats to be enjoyed during the month of October. Whether it be going to a local pumpkin patch with friends or sipping on that pumpkin spice latte, there are certain things done in the autumn season that simply feel right. To ensure that everyone here at Western is getting the full seasonal experience, I’ve created a fall bucket list that anyone is welcome to try during this season of change. 

Seasonal treats and drinks — Obviously, the most popular in-season flavor is pumpkin spice. One of the most popular items sold during the season of autumn is the pumpkin spice latte. However, the flavor is not limited to the drink. There are pumpkin spice chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin pie flavored French toast, pumpkin s’mores cookies, pumpkin oat bars, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin cheesecake cookies, pumpkin bread and much more. Growing up, my favorite thing to eat was pumpkin pie with vanilla ice cream. 

However, there is so much more to enjoy besides the typical pumpkin spice. Spice in general is heavily used during the season, so spice or cinnamon-flavored treats are a must-try. There’s also nutmeg, ginger, maple or snickerdoodle flavored desserts that anyone can try. Examples could include cinnamon rolls, nutmeg-coated French toast, maple almond cranberry granola, spice cake, snickerdoodle cookies, cinnamon cookies, cinnamon hot chocolate and nutmeg milk, among others. 

Fall also brings out a lot of nutty flavors, such as pecans, walnuts and almonds. Some fall favorite treats of these could be apple pecan bread, pecan pie, apple walnut upside down cake, rustic nut bars and any of the previously mentioned treats from pumpkin spice or cinnamon can include nuts in them. I personally enjoy the Starbucks pecan crunch oatmilk latte as it has a very nutty, sweet flavor with cold foam on top. 

Apples are also a great option for fall flavor, as they are in season and come in so many varieties. Oftentimes, pumpkin patches have apple trees around, so getting a pumpkin would be a great opportunity to pick up some freshly grown apples for desserts. There’s apple pie, apple cinnamon muffins, apple strudel, apple cider french toast, applesauce and many other treat variations. My favorite memory growing up was the time in kindergarten when we got to make applesauce, and to this day, it was still the best I’ve ever had. 

Pumpkin picking, carving and painting — A tradition originating from Irish myth, turnips with demonic faces were placed outside of homes to ward off evil spirits. When the Irish immigrated to the United States, they began using pumpkins, as they were native to the region. There is no greater joy for a person who loves the season of fall than the feeling of picking up a pumpkin that will either be carved or painted into a beautiful or haunting design. One great place to get a pumpkin would be Autumn Harvest Pumpkins in Woodburn, Oregon.  

While most jack-o-lanterns are carved with scary faces, we’ve moved past simply trying to scare the demons away. Now, we seek to stun them with amazing pumpkin art. Whether it be a replica of a famous painting or an actor’s face with stunning detail, some have moved beyond the simple triangle eyes and straight mouth of a pumpkin’s face. 

Some don’t even carve at all. Pumpkin painting has become a much more popular method of decorating pumpkins, as they don’t require as much knife-wielding and they can still be just as beautiful as carved pumpkins. Abstract art, in particular, is really popular with pumpkin painting, with parts like the eyes sketched big and attention-grabbing. 

Haunted Houses — It wouldn’t be a spooky season without the spooky part. Having been around for over a century at this point, haunted houses are designed to scare those who dare traverse them. Whether it be the eerie feeling of going through a house that just doesn’t feel right or the tension of going through in anticipation of something or someone jumping out of a corner, those who love the thrill of adrenaline will love going through these. Fun fact: the first documented haunted house was created by Orton & Spooner, a company from the 1890s that specialized in fairgrounds equipment. 

I’m not the type of person who enjoys getting scared, so I don’t have the most experience in haunted houses or events. Yet, even I can tell there’s a sense of fear that a person gets when putting themselves in a situation that could be thrilling. There are things at stake as well as the potential of something jumping out at any moment, making us react to threats. For some, that can be fun. Local haunted attractions to check out include the Ghosts of the Grand in Salem, Oregon, or, if commuting is an option, there is the Abandoned Haunted Maze in Florence, Oregon. 

Corn mazes — A fun thing to try during the fall, corn mazes are exactly what they sound like: corn fields that have been cut down and shaped into a maze. A person walks through them, attempting to find the way out. Some can be quite difficult, and the dread of finding a dead end will always be disappointing. Yet, the excitement of finding the way out makes it all worth it. They are best done with a group of people, as sometimes it can be quite scary to be stuck in a maze alone without anyone else. 

They should especially be done with other people when they are haunted. Yes, haunted corn mazes are a thing. Decorations in them are much more ominous, whether it be some statues that look a bit too real or bloodstains depicting handprints or footprints to make the hair on the back of someone’s neck prick up in terror. Scare actors can be traversing them, waiting to give someone the biggest jumpscare possible. 

While I haven’t had the pleasure of trying a haunted corn maze, I have traversed through one in Yakima, Washington when visiting my sister. It was a lot of fun doing a maze in person instead of on a piece of paper. It’s kind of like an escape room, but simpler. The only puzzle to solve is finding the end of the road. 

Overall, fall can be one of the best seasons for some. Whether it’s those pumpkin spice cheesecake cookies, the thrill of a haunted house or the joy of walking through a pumpkin patch to find the perfect one, spooky season is a joy to behold. I strongly encourage anyone to get the full fall experience and perhaps find other things to do. If nothing else, jumping into a pile of leaves can be fun and even a little bit nostalgic for some. 

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Settling in at Western

A photo of Western’s mascot, Wolfie, posing in a dorm room. | Photo from @westernoregonuniversity on Instagram

Oct 8 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

Moving to a new town or city can be pretty intimidating for anyone. Whether a person enjoys traveling or perhaps is a happy homebody, moving from a house or apartment to a dorm room can be really intimidating. It’s a big change for anyone, especially someone who might not be from the area, to learn to call this place home for the time being. It can also be really difficult to decide what to do with this little space someone is given and expected to call home for at least a year. 

I remember the stress of preparing to move across the state to be able to attend Western. I read dozens of online threads from former students giving advice to new ones about what to bring or what to invest in for comfort. Packing was a nightmare, trying to figure out what could stay at home and what should come to the dorms.  

After some research and a bit of my own first-hand experience, I have provided a couple of tips for those on campus who are struggling with the “move-in blues.” These range from how to live in the dorm and also get into how to get out of one.

Unpack — If there is any kind of advice that all students of all types will agree on, it would probably be to not procrastinate. As good as it feels to just lie down and doom scroll for hours on end, it can end up causing problems because of how time-consuming it is. Therefore, make sure that all belongings are organized in a way that feels comfortable. Personally, I found that having the freedom to organize in a way that I preferred was a great experience. It was a comfort to know nothing was going to be moved and placed somewhere else. Be sure to clarify with a roommate that what’s on one side of the room should not be touched, unless given permission to do so. That also leads to the next tip:

Roommate Communication — While I missed out on having a roommate during my time in Landers Hall, I did have to interact with others often while living in a shared bathroom and kitchen area. My biggest advice would be to be open and understanding. Explain each other’s preferences, limits and comfort levels. Let each other know what is okay to do and what isn’t. It can be awkward at times, but as long as there is mutual respect between everyone, getting along with each other shouldn’t be too difficult. If there is ever a big conflict that can’t be fixed with words, though, contact a resident assistant for further advice and instruction. Their phone numbers should always be visible somewhere in the building on a poster of sorts. 

Bring things from home — Whether it’s simple items like blankets or bedsheets, or more unique personal effects, having things that have some kind of sentimental meaning or are just really comfortable can bring a sense of familiarity to an area that may lack it. Personally, I brought a lot of plushies into my dorm room when moving to Western. They are perfect to cling to during the stressful times of finals week. I also brought my own personal pillow. Not only did it save me the trouble of having to buy a new one, but it is a very comfortable item. I’m the type of person who doesn’t fall asleep easily in new areas, yet the pillow allowed for a night of easy rest. If someone isn’t as big of a plushie enthusiast as I am, other items to consider would be a favorite mug, a scrunchie, sweaters or some fuzzy socks. 

Decorating — Decor is a very important part of any home, whether it be a house, apartment or a dorm room. Unless someone is a very committed minimalist, most people enjoy personalizing their space. It allows for creative freedom and can often be one of the first times in life that someone can decorate their room the way they want to. Items for desks could be a small stack of books, figurines, plushies, framed photos or a desk organizer. For walls, it can be a bit trickier, as it’s important to not damage the walls. Command strips are a common resource in dorm rooms, as they do not create holes in the walls, but keep in mind their various weight limits — they can send wall decor crashing to the floor if not careful. With that in mind, someone could hang some lights in the corners of the room, put up photos, posters or flags. It all depends on preference and whatever helps the room fit one’s tastes the most. 

Snacks — Something I’ve learned in my time as a student is that stress eating is a real thing. While I don’t recommend overeating as a way to cope with stress, it still isn’t a bad idea to stock up on some snacks to munch on throughout the term. Some of my personal favorites that are sweet are peanut M&M’s, Snickers, Muddy Buddies and Hershey’s chocolate. As far as savory goes, I love lemon-lime hot Cheetos, Lay’s lime chips and Chex Mix. 

Don’t stay in the dorm — I made that mistake last year. Staying in the dorm after being done with class, while relaxing, was also incredibly lonely. I strongly encourage anyone who is considering just staying in the dorm in their downtime to find events on campus to attend. Not only is it pretty exciting to see what is going on around Western, it’s a good way to meet new people and form relationships. Most of the time, there are a lot of signs or posters hanging around campus with information about an event. However, there is always the option to go to the website for the university and look at the WOU Calendar. Events of all sorts are visible on that page. There are also many clubs at Western that would love to have new members. For me personally, I found that most of the friends I made here at Western have been from classes. Speak to peers and connect with them, especially if they are in the same major. 

No one should have to go through university alone. Make connections with those around and find a place here at Western. 
Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

The nostalgic mind

Mark Fischback, or Markiplier, portraying one of his alter egos known as Wilford Warfstache | Photo by @markiplier On Instagram

Oct 15 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

Everyone has gotten nostalgic at some point in their lives. Recently, I’ve noticed a trend on TikTok of videos designed to trigger nostalgia for both millennials and Generation Z. There are compilations of old advertisements that used to air in between movies or shows, such as Zoo Pals, Pillow Pets, Chia Pets or Tooth Tunes. I’ve also seen videos containing still images of old creepypastas like Jeff the Killer, Candle Cove and Slenderman. There are intros to old TV shows or music from a different time in our lives that make us feel a bit warm and longing for those days. 

For myself personally, the most nostalgia-triggering media that I’ve seen recently was the image that made the legend of Herobrine so popular back in the old “Minecraft” days. I used to watch video after video of “real sightings of Herobrine” back when I was younger. This trend made me curious about what exactly nostalgia is and why we, as adults and university students, crave that nostalgia so much. 

What exactly is it? — Originating from the Greek words nostos (return) and algos (pain), nostalgia is defined by the University of Florida as “the sentimental longing for the past, often triggered when a person reflects on cherished memories or even difficult experiences.” Nostalgia has an interesting history, originating from the late 17th century to describe the feelings soldiers had about their former lives before enlisting. Now, it’s much closer to the definition of sentimentality — to remember the good times in our lives where things were simpler. 

How does it work? — According to Hal McDonald from Psychology Today, nostalgia has four different components that together create that rose-lensed memory of the better days of our lives. 

The first part is self-reflection. This is the main defining trait of nostalgia. In a sense, everyone is their own “main character,” so our memories center around what happens to us. It’s the way we process our involvement with our past selves to our present ones in a way that generates a sort of reminiscent feeling. 

Autobiographical memory is the next component of nostalgia. This is what gives us the context of our memories, the transcript of our lives and the way we remember living them. Think of it as the report of someone’s life instead of the movie, only we were the ones who wrote it. That accounts for some of us remembering things differently compared to a sibling or a parent. 

Then, there’s emotional regulation. This is what causes the positive and negative emotions of nostalgia. While it is a mostly positive experience, with the memories of going to the store with grandma being fresh in our minds, there’s also the acknowledgement of not being able to do that with her as much anymore or even ever again, hence why this emotion is often described as a bittersweet sensation.

Finally, there’s the reward component. This part of the emotion is believed to be associated with the triggering of reward-related brain regions. Basically, the feeling from watching old YouTube videos is a free shot of dopamine straight to the brain. 

What triggers it? — This varies from person to person, but there are a few common sources of our nostalgic kick. There are sensory triggers, such as the smell of cookies baking in the oven, bringing back memories of Christmas, or maybe the sound of a song brings back thoughts of a significant other. Sight, smell, taste, touch, sound are all possible triggers for the feeling of nostalgia. Aside from sensory triggers, there are also life transitions, such as moving into new spaces. A lot of students likely experienced an uncanny sense of nostalgia when packing to come to Western this year. Seeing a mostly empty room that used to have all sorts of things in it will often trigger memories of what happened in that space. Social interactions can stir up old memories as well, especially when reminiscing with family or friends. Personally, I always get nostalgic when I hang out with my friend group from high school.  

Is it good or bad? — It can be a little of both. A survey conducted by Meta and Gallup found that 1 in 4 adults reported feeling a strong sense of loneliness. It’s also found that a lot of them were younger people in the age range of 19-29. One explanation for this is the fact that once a person reaches adulthood, they usually begin to break away from their childhood life at home. They begin to learn how to be an adult, which, as most know, can be quite difficult. However, it was found that nostalgia can offer a lot of benefits for a person. It can boost self-esteem, help find meaning in life, encourage authenticity and bring joy. According to the American Psychological Association, a study conducted during the holiday season found that feeling lonely actually helped people get out of the holiday blues. It was found that it aided them in finding purpose in their lives. It’s also fair to point out that it’s possible to be too reminiscent. Being too caught up in the past can make some unable to find any joy in the present. Other effects can occur, such as excessive sadness, a feeling of helplessness and even depression. 

The best way to experience it — There was a time during a class when a student had mentioned the movie “Halloween Town.” A small group of students then began talking about it and what it meant for them growing up. It is a very nostalgic film for many and when experienced in a group, the effect was much stronger. According to Allen McConnell from Psychology Today, “People’s wistfulness reminds them of important moments and important connections to others.” Sentimental feelings can help strengthen their desire to connect more with others who share similar memories. I found my best friend because we can both quote Markiplier’s first “Five Nights at Freddy’s” series almost by heart. 

Overall, nostalgia is much more than remembering the past when things were simpler. It’s a way to connect our past selves to our present. We became who we are because of these memories, whether it be the movies we grew up watching or the smell of spaghetti coming from a pot. While it’s important not to dwell on the past too much, there are benefits to being sentimental every now and then. 

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

 

Create Your Own Pore Strips: A Simple Guide

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor 

For many, using pore strips is a satisfying experience that results in softer and smoother skin. By pulling out the existing oil and dirt from your pores, it can give the illusion that you’re removing the blackheads — this isn’t entirely true. What you’re actually removing is called a keratotic plug; this is comprised of dead skin cells, dirt, hair and oil. The removal is entirely surface level and the deeper blackhead isn’t entirely removed.

Nonetheless, it can still make your skin feel amazing and silky smooth. While it may not be removing the entire blackhead, you’ll still feel that confidence boost that comes with healthier skin.

An easy addition to any facemask night, using this DIY pore strip will get you an exceptional result that comes at little cost and is hassle-free.

 

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin (this can be found at Walmart), 1 tablespoon of any kind of milk and an optional 1 teaspoon of any essential oil.
  2. Heat the mixture over a double boiler until it is warm. Using a double boiler helps to make sure it’s not too warm to apply to your face.
  3. Wash your face with warm water to open your pores and remove any oil and dirt.
  4. Spread this mixture on the areas you deem necessary. For many, target areas are often the bridge of their nose and their chin. Just make sure to avoid the eyes, nostrils and mouth.
  5. Allow this to dry for about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how thickness. It’s important that it’s completely dry before removal for optimal results.
  6. Once dry, remove the mask starting from the side or the bottom, and slowly pulling it away from your face.
  7. Rinse your face with cold water to remove any of the leftover mask and close your pores. Then, finish by applying a fragrance-free moisturizer.

Instructions based on diynatural.com

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Cocktail Corner: Mikaela’s AMF Recipe

Mikaela Wong | Staff Writer

Have you ever wondered what actually goes into your favorite cocktail, or how it’s made? While it may seem like you’re watching a magic trick when the bartender prepares your drink right before your eyes — or maybe it just feels that way once you’re a couple cocktails in — most drinks are actually pretty straightforward and require minimal effort. This segment will uncover the secrets of classic cocktails, and as a bartender, I’ll let you know what’s actually in those popular drinks.

One of the most common cocktails ordered, especially by college students, is called an AMF. It stands for Adios, Motherf—–, and it is regarded as one of the strongest drinks one can order. Many people consider this to be a staple drink for 21st birthdays and it has even been deemed from some as a “rite of passage”. 

The AMF is served in a pint glass (16 ounces) full of ice and is made of four different types of liquor, blue curacao, sweet & sour and Sprite or 7UP. Not only is this drink strong in alcohol content, but it also mixes different types of liquor together, which is discouraged as a general drinking rule. The drink is then topped off with a maraschino cherry, a lemon wedge and an orange wedge. There are also different flavors of AMF’s so make sure to ask your bartender for a different flavor if you would like something else.

Please drink responsibly, and only drink if you are 21+.

 

AMF

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

3⁄4 ounce vodka

3⁄4 ounce gin

3⁄4 ounce light rum

3⁄4 ounce tequila

3⁄4 ounce Blue Curacao

2 ounces sweet & sour mix

1⁄2 ounce Sprite/7UP

1 lemon wedge

1 orange wedge

1 maraschino cherry

 

Contact the author at mwong16@wou.edu

Courtesy of Caity Healy (Videographer), Kyle Morden (Video editor), Paul F. Davis (Photo)

Financial wellness

April 9, 2025

Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor

According to Business Insider, the average debt an American owes is $104,215 across mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, auto loans, credit card debt, student loan debt and other debts like personal loans. Now is the time to develop positive financial habits. The transition to managing personal finances can be challenging, especially when one is faced with limited income, rising tuition costs and mounting debt. Understanding the basic concepts, such as budgeting, saving, managing debt and investing not only empowers students to make informed decisions, but also helps set the foundation for a financially secure future. While many college students feel overwhelmed by financial obligations, building financial literacy during these formative years can provide them with the tools to take control of their finances, reduce stress and avoid common pitfalls like excessive debt. By prioritizing financial wellness, we can lay the groundwork for a successful and independent financial future, by ensuring that we are prepared to manage the complexities of post-graduate life. 

First things first —what is financial wellness? It’s understanding and managing one’s financial situation effectively and making informed decisions that align with one’s personal goals and values. Essentially, being in control of one’s finances in a way that supports overall well-being and allows one to live their life without excessive financial stress. 

In order to improve our financial wellness, we need to be financially literate. Being financially literate can help equip one with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions that can significantly impact one’s life. Financial literacy is the ability to understand and effectively use financial knowledge and skills to manage money, make informed financial decisions and achieve financial goals. Some of the knowledge gained when becoming financially literate includes understanding how to create a budget, save for the future, invest wisely and how to avoid relying on others or credit for financial stability. 

The biggest way that one can help contribute to their financial wellness is through everyday budgeting. Tracking income and expenses gives one more control over their money. Especially for students with a limited income, without a budget, it’s easy to overspend or not realize where one’s money is going. Tracking one’s income in school isn’t just that monthly paycheck, it also includes money from one’s parents, scholarships, grants and side hustles. One also needs to understand the difference between fixed and variable expenses. Fixed are regular, consistent costs relating to tuition, rent, utilities, internet, insurance and subscription services. On the other hand, variable expenses fluctuate each month, which include bills like groceries, entertainment, clothing, transportation — gas, public transportation. It’s important to note what is a “need” and a “want.” There are many times where I have thought to myself, “oh my gosh, I need this” when in reality, I could live without it. As we’ve turned into a hyper-consuming society, it’s important to be mindful of how we spend our money. There will be times where we need to tell ourselves “I don’t need that” and ask “will I still be thinking about this tomorrow?” There are many reasons to convince ourselves that we supposedly need a certain object, but we have to prioritize what’s important. Paying our bills is more important than going out with friends. Buying groceries is more important than buying the latest micro trend. Prioritization helps to avoid costly mistakes like overspending, increasing unnecessary debt and financial scams. 

The more one understands how money works, the less likely one is able to fall victim to financial fraud or scams. In today’s world, one will face scams left and right. As technology continues to advance, it’s becoming easier to fall for a scam. The latest scam of 2025 — so far — is AI scams with fake and cloned voices that can pose as family, friends, employers and even one’s own bank. As artificial intelligence evolves at a rapid pace, generated and altered voices can mimic real accents that can feel as if one is talking to a real person. Unfortunately, many fall for these financial deceptions, resulting in long-term consequences. Failure to recognize red flags, identify fraudulent schemes, and participating in risky investments can lead to one entering a never ending financial hole. Without financial literacy, it’s easy to fall into the trap of living paycheck to paycheck, relying on credit cards and neglecting long-term saving. A solid understanding of personal finance ensures you can make decisions with confidence, living within one’s means, build emergency savings and play for future goals. 

One of the biggest financial drains on one’s emotional health is student debt. Majority of students leave school with at least some debt — student loans, credit cards, personal loans, etc. It’s important to alleviate this problem as soon as possible. When it comes to just the student loans, one needs to understand how much is owed, the interest rates and the repayment terms. When it comes time to start the payment process, set the amount to minimum payment. Be sure to pay more than the minimum amount. The minimum payment is just paying off the interest on the loan, it’s not actually making a dent into what is actually owed. When it gets close to graduation, it’s important to remember to refinance one’s student loans. This will help to get a lower interest rate and more manageable monthly payments. Another way to help with financial wellness is to work part time while in school. Money from a job can help to cover living expenses and reduce reliance on student loans and credit cards. Just a few hours a week can make all the difference. 

There are other tips one could take to manage their finances in college.

Start saving early — Putting money into a savings account for future goals or emergencies is a good habit to develop. Try to save up to nine months of current expenses. This will ensure that one has enough money to use in case of an emergency, layoffs or any other situation that may arise. 

Learn more about financial aid options — Maximize financial aid knowledge by visiting the financial aid department. Look for scholarships through the “Scholarships” tab on Western’s Portal. 

Keep track of one’s credit score — Building and maintaining good credit during this time is crucial, as it determines future outcomes for other financial decisions such as renting and getting a car loan. 

Set financial goals — This could be as simple as paying off a certain amount of debt, saving money for a trip or building an emergency fund. Having specific financial goals will keep one motivated and focused as they work towards completing other life goals.

Financial literacy empowers you to make wise financial choices, avoid common pitfalls and achieve long-term financial goals. When one understands their financial situation and knows what steps to take, one will feel more confident in their ability to handle whatever comes their way, from unexpected expenses to long-term planning. In a world where financial products and services are increasingly complex, being financially literate is essential to navigating life successfully. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Cultivating compassion

April 9, 2025

Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor

Compassion is one of the most powerful and transformative emotions a person can express. It’s a vital and growing force that has the power to shape both individual lives and communities. It’s easy for compassion to fall between the cracks when we are bombarded with disasters — both natural and man-made. In today’s fast-paced digital world, cultivating compassion is more important than ever, as it helps to build stronger relationships, respond to challenges with resilience and contribute positively to a society in need of greater care and understanding.

Compassion is the ability to recognize and empathize with the suffering or struggles of others — feeling a desire to help alleviate the pain and hardship. Compassion can be expressed through kind words, understanding or even small acts of kindness, and it often brings people closer together. 

Many think that compassion and sympathy go hand in hand, but they are very different. Sympathy is the feeling of pity or sorrow for someone’s misfortune or suffering — it’s feeling bad for someone but not necessarily taking action to help.

Why do we need to practice compassion? For one, it builds stronger connections with the people in our lives. Showing that we care and are understanding towards others fosters a sense of closeness and trust. When people feel valued and supported, it leads to stronger and more meaningful relationships. Being compassionate towards others increases our own happiness. It gives one a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Helping others releases oxytocin — the “feel-good” chemical.

Compassion directly helps alleviate the suffering of others, whether it’s emotional, physical or psychological. We can make a tangible difference in someone’s life, helping them to feel less isolated in their struggles.

Compassion also contributes to the creation of a more caring and supportive society. Compassionate communities are more inclusive, less judgmental and more cooperative. It’s beneficial to everyone because it reduces social isolation and fosters a greater sense of belonging. One becomes resilient in the face of adversity as they practice compassion. Responding with empathy and patience reduces feelings of anger, frustration and helplessness when we are faced with challenges.

Acting compassionately to others can inspire them to act kindly, creating a positive ripple effect. Focusing on understanding and caring for others shifts our focus from personal grievances to more constructive and positive actions that result in the improvement of our own mental state and relationships. In the end, it truly helps to create a more supportive, resilient and harmonious world for everyone. 

There is concern of a decline of compassion within our modern society. Here are some of the reasons why we’re seeing a downward trend.

Increased digital interactions — Social media and online communication increases the loss of face-to-face, personal connections that naturally foster compassion. Because online interactions feel more impersonal, they lead to a decrease in empathy and a sense of emotional detachment. Specifically, the anonymity of the internet can increase cases of trolling and online bullying.

Individualistic lifestyles — Our modern life emphasizes productivity, achievement and individual success. With the prioritization of competition and individualism, there is less focus on collective well-being and concern for others. People may feel too busy or preoccupied with their own lives to engage in compassionate acts toward others.

Social and political polarization — Increasing polarization happens when people are deeply divided. There’s a tendency to dehumanize those on the “other side,” making it harder to feel empathy or compassion for people with differing viewpoints. Polarization also creates an “us vs. them” mentality which, in turn, fuels a society where understanding and kindness are overshadowed by judgment and hostility. 

Cultural shifts towards self care — Although self care is extremely important for our mental and emotional well-being, an overemphasis on individual needs can sometimes overshadow a focus on others. Becoming too absorbed in one’s own self-care routine can lead to the neglect of the needs of others and/or fails to engage in acts of kindness and compassion. The shift towards self-care is due to the constant exposure to global crises, such as war, poverty and natural disasters, through news and social media.  Also known as “compassion fatigue” and “desensitization,” this can be overwhelming, leading one to disconnect emotionally or feel helpless, reducing their capacity to respond with compassion.

There are many challenges that hinder compassion in some areas of society. The decline in compassion may be more related to certain societal trends or challenges, but the ongoing efforts of individuals, communities and organizations suggest that compassion continues to thrive and can be nurtured in response to the difficulties we face. We can fight back by actively practicing compassion.  But ow can we practice compassion? 

Active listening — This means to truly listen to others without judgment or interruption; to listen to understand, not just to respond. Also, to acknowledge someone’s emotions and letting them know they’re heard can be incredibly comforting.

Showing empathy — Try to put oneself into the other person’s shoes to understand their emotions and experiences.  Comfort them by saying, “I can’t imagine how hard that must be for you.” This shows that one recognizes their pain and is emotionally connected to their experience.

Offering help and support — Compassion is demonstrated through action. Try to offer to help through physical assistance, emotional support or being there for someone.

Don’t forget about self-compassion — It’s important to be kind to oneself. Treat oneself with the same kindness, understanding and patience that one would offer a close friend. Instead of being overly critical, be empathetic and offer gentle encouragement. 

Random acts of kindness — Small, unsolicited acts of kindness go a long way, such as holding the door open for someone, sending a thoughtful note to a friend or giving a genuine compliment. Actions not only brighten someone else’s day but also cultivate a mindset of compassion in your own life.

Avoiding judgment — Avoid making snap judgements about others. One’s behavior is often influenced by unseen circumstances. Try to be open-minded and approach others with curiosity and compassion instead of criticism and labels.

Practice patience — It’s a requirement for cultivating compassion. Give people the time and space they need. 

Understand that words have power — Be mindful how one speaks to others. Communicate with kindness and respect. A gentle word can sometimes heal more than a harsh one. Also remember, when offering advice, make sure it’s supportive rather than critical. 

Be present — Sometimes the most compassionate thing one can do is simply be present for someone. Being there for someone in their time of need can provide them with a sense of comfort and connection. 

Be forgiving — This includes letting go of grudges and practicing forgiveness. Holding onto anger or resentment is harmful in the long run. It’s important to know when it’s time to forgive. Forgiving others can create healing and free up emotional space for compassion. It’s equally as important to practice self-forgiveness, releasing oneself from unnecessary blame.

Cultivate compassion beyond humans — This extends to animals and the environment. Reducing waste, conserving water and treating animals with care are ways to practice compassion for the world.

Compassion helps us connect on a deeper level, fosters a sense of empathy and motivates us to act with kindness, understanding and patience. This practice requires effort and mindfulness as the rewards are immeasurable — both for those we help and for ourselves. It doesn’t take much to change the world, but one could try starting with one small act. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Our fearful companion

April 2, 2025

Written by:  Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor

Fear. A simple four-lettered word that latches onto each of us. What was originally designed to protect us now holds many back. Learning to overcome fears is an essential step toward personal growth, confidence and overall well-being. Although fear is a natural response to perceived danger that is wired to protect us from threats, our modern life has diminished this need. There are many types of fears that one may harbor. Whether it is a singular fear or many, it falls under one of these six categories.

Primal fears — These are deep-seated, instinctive fears that have evolved over time to help us survive. Seen as universal, they are linked to real physical threats that our ancestors faced. According to grouporttherapy.com, “These fears include nyctophobia (fear of darkness), acrophobia (fear of heights), agrizoophobia (fear of wild animals), monophobia (fear of being alone or isolated) and sonophobia (fear of loud noises or sounds).” Since these fears are hardwired into our brains, they require conscious effort to overcome, even if they are not indicative of danger in modern life as they were in primal life. 

Social fears — These are categorized as anxieties related to interactions with other people, mainly centered around the fears of being judged, rejected or embarrassed. They stem from the deep need for acceptance and belonging in society. Types of social fear include glossophobia (fear of public speaking), rejection-sensitive dysphoria (fear of rejection) and social phobia — anxiety disorder — (fear of embarrassment). This type of fear can hold people back from personal and professional growth. 

Phobias — Phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific objects, situations or activities. They include mottephobia (fear of moths), claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces), megalophobia (fear of large objects or things), coulrophobia (fear of clowns), acridophobia (abnormal fear of grasshoppers) and trypanophobia (intense fear of needles in medical settings). 

Trauma-based fears — This type of fear is an intense, persistent fear that develops as a result of past traumatic experiences. It is deeply rooted in emotional and psychological distress, which is often triggered by reminders of past events. This can lead to an avoidance of certain places, people and situations. Trauma-based fears include philophobia (fear of forming or maintaining intimate relationships), decidophobia (paralyzing fear of making a wrong decision) and atychiphobia (fear of extreme failure). 

Existential fears — These are deep-seated anxieties about life, meaning and one’s own mortality. They stem from the awareness of human limitations, uncertainty and the search for purpose. In other words, existential fears center on any big, abstract questions that cause distress if left unresolved. They include thanatophobia (fear of death), apeirophobia (fear of infinity or eternity) and xenophobia. Although xenophobia is used to discriminate against others because of its tie to the fear of strangers and foreigners; the original meaning is much broader, including anything or anyone that’s unfamiliar or unknown. 

Anticipatory fears — This fear can be summed up by its name, given its relation to future events or situations. Anticipatory fears are anxiety about things that might happen. This fear is based on the uncertainty and possibility of negative outcomes rather than any actual, immediate danger. Anticipatory fears trigger extreme anxiety, leading to avoidance behaviors that can interfere with one’s daily life. They include the fear of bad news and aerophobia (fear of flying). 

Despite the fact that fear is a normal part of life, letting it control one’s decisions can limit one’s experiences and growth. Before one can begin to face their fears, we need to understand why we are fearful. 

The first reason is evolutionary survival. Fear helps us to avoid harmful situations. Our brain’s amygdala detects danger and releases adrenaline to trigger our “flight or fight” reaction.

The second reason for fear is social and learned experiences. These develop through past personal experiences and observations. They shape fear through past events, social influences and psychological associations. One may develop a fear by watching others react fearfully. Society teaches us certain fears, and the media, movies and the news can reinforce those fears. 

The third reason is biological and genetic factors. Some people are more prone to fear due to genetics or an overactive amygdala. Genetic factors can stem from certain mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders and avoidant personality disorder, making fear responses more intense. 

Lastly, one can be fearful due to uncertainty or lack of control. Many fears stem from the unknown. When people feel that they have no control over a situation, fear tends to increase. Our need for control gives us a sense of security, stability and predictability in a very unpredictable world. 

If someone wants to take control of their fears, there are several things they can do. First things first, one needs to identify and acknowledge their fears. Recognizing what makes one fearful helps provide the power to manage and reduce fear, instead of letting it control us. We need to ask ourselves, “Is this fear based on reality or perception?” This question helps one to decipher whether their fear is rational or irrational. Rational fears are often easier to face because they are based on real, tangible dangers. After recognizing the fear — as long as one wants to take action — the best method to combat it is gradual exposure. Facing one’s fear in small steps helps to desensitize to the fears over time. This helps build confidence, reduce anxiety and regain control over one’s fears. 

During this time it’s important to challenge the negative thoughts that come with it, such as, “Something terrible will happen,” “Other people can do this, but I can’t” and  “Everyone is watching me and waiting for me to fail.” Negative thoughts can make overcoming fear more challenging by reinforcing avoidance behaviors and lowering confidence. It’s essential to replace negative thoughts with rational, positive ones, because that helps us to take action, embrace challenges and overcome obstacles. 

Extra support may be needed from other people in our lives. It’s a completely normal need, especially for those feeling like their fears are too powerful. Their encouragement and presence can provide the motivation and strength needed to take on challenges that come with facing one’s fears. 

Overcoming fears is a journey. Encouragement and praise make one feel accomplished. Although friends and family may be enough for most, professional help can be needed when a fear seems too powerful for one to face. This happens when a fear becomes too overwhelming and interferes with daily life. One type of helpful therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy. This can help people change the way they think about their fears. It focuses on identifying negative thought patterns, challenging irrational fears and gradually exposing individuals to fearful situations in a controlled and supportive way. 

The goal isn’t to eliminate fear entirely, but to learn how to manage it so it doesn’t control one’s life. By stepping outside of one’s comfort zone, confronting negative thoughts and taking small, courageous actions; one gains confidence, resilience and a greater sense of control. The greatest growth lies on the other side of fear. Franklin D. Roosevelt sums it up best — “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.” 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Surefire Design

April 2, 2025

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

Surefire Design has been in business in downtown Albany for at least 20 years. Despite this, many don’t know it exists, even in the heart of town. They walk past it on Saturday nights out, on the way to church early Sunday and spot it from the coffee shop across the street — wholly unaware of what they’re missing out on.

I joined the team three years ago, leading up to my high school graduation. It was the first job I ever got. I lacked experience, expertise and honestly, craft; painting was not my forte by any means. But I was 17, broke and desperate for purpose. Everyone I knew had a plan in place. I hadn’t prepped for college, hadn’t known what I wanted to do with my life, had no leftover friends and a dreaded home life — but I could have this job.

It was never just a weekend thing or teenage gig to me.

When I hated going home, I’d take extra care to sweep and make sure the tables were spotless. I’d check the windowsills for dust and organize the back — take my time, make it last. I would not always be so lucky.

There was a day over the summer when one of my coworkers called out last minute, leaving the shop dark and door locked. I had gotten into a nasty fight at home, leaving me to feel so unaligned and unwanted that all I could think to do was drive to work. I flipped the open signs, prepped the tables and manned the counter. It was grounding.

My first year in college was isolating and dead quiet. I lived off-campus and couldn’t make nor keep any connections with my peers. But at the shop, certain customers lingered longer at the counter so we could chat, some families knowing me by name. I remember the regulars, lost to the revolving door of life, and the times children offered me birthday cupcakes from their special day.

Before I turned 20, I was offered the position of studio manager. I took it without a second thought — originally unaware that this little pottery painting shop would cement itself into my character and build me as a worker, as a leader and person. That it would make my gloomy days a little bit more colorful, that I could find some semblance of peace at the front desk. That I could grow so close to my coworkers and customers.

I’ve been lucky enough to weave my own presence in the studio. I painted the counter pink and it’s my voice on the shop phone voicemail. I’m in a state of constant reinvention and renovation of myself and of Surefire Design, and it has been so fulfilling to work somewhere I love.

And, no, we’re not currently hiring. But we’re always accepting resumes.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@wou.edu

Fresh start

April 2, 2025

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

With springtime just around the corner, ‘tis the season to start the term with a fresh mindset. A good mindset can be cultivated by many factors, including staying organized, sticking to a routine and having a designated spot for work. 

Organize one’s space — Having an organized room is crucial for the start of a term. It is much easier to focus on classes and other important things if supplies are readily available. In my experience, having an organized space helps declutter my own mind. I become more focused and productive when my surroundings match that mindset. It can be very easy for an area to become disorganized, so one should try to take a little bit of time each day to make sure that everything is back in its correct place.

Create a routine — Make sure to know one’s class schedule in order to plan meals, study time and other events around it. I like to dedicate at least one hour a day outside of class to productivity, for things like checking emails, performing chores or doing that task that I’ve been putting off for a while. I also try to make time to be active, whether it’s going to the gym, doing yoga in the comfort of my room or going on a walk around campus. Don’t forget to carve out time for rest and relaxation. It’s important to remember that what works best for someone might not work for others. Taking a nap or relaxing in between classes might be a great idea for one person, but personally, naps make me unmotivated and groggy for the rest of the day. Figure out what works best for oneself, then try to stick with it for the whole term. 

Find a good study spot — Beds are for sleeping, not studying. It may be tempting to write an essay or study for an exam from the comfort of one’s own bed, however, research shows that it may be harder to fall asleep if people do homework or scroll on their phone in bed. Studying outside is a great alternative, especially with the warmer weather of spring. My favorite outdoor spots are the Grove, the tables outside the Richard Woodcock Education Center and Main Street Park in Monmouth. When the weather isn’t ideal for an outdoor study session, Hamersly Library or one’s favorite cafe are great alternatives. If certain spots are only used for studying, one can trick their brain into being in a productive mood by simply going to that spot. 

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

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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.

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