Mount Hood

Health habits that help with studying

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

It’s that time of year when many students are reevaluating their study habits in anticipation of upcoming finals. By now, most students have their routines down and have fallen into whichever habits work for them. However, some might want to improve on their existing methods. Most people turn to aspects specifically involving how they study, but it turns out incorporating certain health related habits can have a positive impact.

According to Psychology Today, there are a number of different changes to routines that have been proven in controlled studies to improve test scores. These include adding a workout routine, eating breakfast, meditation and getting enough sleep on a regular basis. These habits are important to overall health, which will in turn boost mental sharpness.

There has been some debate as to whether chewing gum can actually help with studying, but a study published in Science Daily says that it’s no myth. According to the study, chewing gum can help with concentrating on a specific task that might be hard to focus on for long periods of time.

McGraw Hill Education also has some suggestions. For one, they claim that it can in fact help to use scents to remember study material by associating the information with a specific scent. For example, wearing a perfume or cologne that’s not usually worn while going over specific information and then wearing the same perfume during a test can help the mind recall what was studied.

They also say that studying in a warm environment can improve studying efficiency. This is because the cold can be a distraction, even if it’s not a conscious one. The body still has to work extra to keep its temperature regulated, which takes energy away from focusing on studying.  

Diet can also play a role in academic performance. While it’s been impressed on most from a young age that a balanced diet is important for health, it turns out it can actually help us prepare for tests. NCU.edu provides an extensive list of foods that they’ve found to be especially beneficial to brain function, which includes avocado, berries, rosemary, turmeric, walnuts and dark chocolate.

Finals can be rough, but they can be less so when students have confidence that their hard work will pay off. Some may be able to make drastic changes to their regular routines, but there are also smaller, simpler changes that can be made that will help give students the results they want.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Quick and easy Thanksgiving sides

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

Thanksgiving is nearly here, and most students are looking forward to their own Thanksgiving dinner with friends or family. For some, this means finding a way to contribute to the holiday meal. Fortunately, Thanksgiving dinner is about having an abundance of food and varieties of dishes, meaning there’s still time to find a quick and easy side or dish to bring to the celebration.

The following dishes are common staples to any Thanksgiving meal and do not require extensive culinary skill to make. Specific instructions and variations on recipes can be found online at websites such as Foodnetwork.com and Allrecipes.com.[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”][fruitful_tab title=”Candied Yams or Sweet Potatoes”]This popular Thanksgiving side takes some time to cook, but the prep is fairly simple and only requires a few ingredients. Recipes vary, but the simple version can be made with only sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar and marshmallows. The dish usually takes at least half an hour to cook if fresh sweet potatoes are used. [/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Mashed Potatoes”]Another popular dish that will definitely go quickly is mashed potatoes. Simply boil the desired amount of potatoes, mash and add butter, salt and other dairy product, such as half and half, depending on the recipe. Optional additional ingredients include sour cream and shredded cheese. [/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Cranberry Relish”]A classic side that will go with any Thanksgiving meal, cranberries are an easy dish that require only one main ingredient. This versatile dish requires just frozen cranberries warmed in a pan with a little water, sugar and citrus juice added. [/fruitful_tab][fruitful_tab title=”Green Beans with Bacon”]If all of the more traditional dishes have been made, cooked green beans sauteed with bacon and garlic is another easy — yet tasty — side to go with dinner. Add seasoning to taste, including red pepper flakes if desired. Some recipe add onions or pecans as well, so adjustments can be made based on preferred flavors and textures. [/fruitful_tab]
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Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

 

 

Keto: The pros and cons

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

As with many other aspects of lifestyle, new trends pop up every so often related to diet. They can have different goals, including becoming healthier or losing weight. Whatever the purpose, however, it’s important that they are done right so as to avoid unhealthy results.

One particular diet trend that’s arrived at Western is the Ketogenic, or “Keto”, diet. This involves making lifestyle changes such as greatly reducing the amount of carbohydrate intake, but not much else — one likely reason for its popularity. It’s rumored to have health benefits, but it brings up the question always raised at the mention of a new diet: is it safe? And if so, what rules should be adhered to in order to keep it that way?

The claim is that keto will help people lose weight quickly as well as give them more energy. It works by severely limiting a person’s carbohydrate intake, which creates a state called ketosis where blood sugar drops and the body starts breaking down fats for energy.

According to Healthline.com, ketosis is actually ketoacidosis, something that affects those with type 1 diabetes, in a very mild form. Despite this, experts like sports nutritionist from Healthline, Rudy Mawer, have said that the diet can be a safe, effective way to lose weight for health reasons and become more energetic. “You can get motivated by this weight loss”, he said in reference to working out on keto. Another expert, clinical dietitian from Healthline, Lisa Climperman, notes that it can increase insulin sensitivity, a plus for those with type 2 diabetes

“The first week was a little rough because of the “keto flu.” Once my body got used to having no carbs and no sugars it was smooth sailing,” said Senior Stephanie Franco, a business major, who tried the diet herself and had an overall positive experience. The “keto flu” referenced occurs in the beginning stages; as the body adjusts it sometimes experiences flu-like symptoms.

However, the diet does have its critics. Some experts like Climperman say it won’t keep off weight long term and that it hinders muscle growth. In fact, she notes that once symptoms like fatigue set in from lack of calories, “Then it actually becomes even harder to lose weight.” Healthline also notes that anything less than a 1,200 calorie diet is essentially starvation, and it’s harder for some to keep up their calorie intake after cutting out nearly a whole food group. Education major Karlene Curtin tried the diet and did see results early on, but quickly learned it wasn’t for her.

“On the third week I began to feel really sluggish and pretty sick when I was working out. I ended up fainting during my regular three mile run,” Curtin said. She visited a doctor shortly after, who told her she wasn’t getting proper nutrition.

“I was just told to eat healthy and work out regularly in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.” Curtin added.

As with most diets, a healthy approach is key to reaping any benefits. Before committing to keto, it may be worthwhile for students to consider their own personal health and do some research to determine if it’s right for them.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Diversity education with the Multicultural Student Union

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

Western is home to many different clubs and organizations that seek to enrich the college experience. One of these is the Multicultural Student Union, a group that was formed to educate and bring awareness to the diversity of cultural backgrounds at Western.

Gabriela Acevedo, the Activities Director of the MSU and a member of three years, sat down with me to talk about the Union’s work and experiences. She has coordinated a number of events over the years, such as the Dia de Los Muertos celebration as well as last years’ Out and Proud event.

Acevedo explains the club as, “dedicated to sharing different cultures and educating people who are attending our events about people of different backgrounds…It’s a way to connect with different people.”

The purpose of the club and their events are to provide entertainment, but also to educate the public on different cultures. Events are open to anyone at Western, and many are also open to the public.

To students who may be considering joining, Acevedo said, “Give it a try. It’s a great way to meet and learn about new people.” She said that attendance varies by term and time of year, but there are usually at least a few dozen people participating at once.

“We want it to be a supportive environment and a safe zone for everyone,” Acevedo added.

Due to the number of large events the club puts on annually, all open to the public as well as students, Acevedo also notes that membership can lead to opportunities for building leadership skills, such as the experience she has gained through her position as Activities Director. Students can become members merely by attending weekly meetings, but also have the option of participating in the organizations of the events.

The closest annual event is currently Out and Proud, which will be hosted in February. Other events to look out for are Women of Culture, the annual Pow-Wow which will showcase parts of Native American culture, and Nuestra Fiesta Latina towards the end of the year.

The MSU’s weekly meetings are held Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. in the Columbia Room of the Werner University Center.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Meyers

Off-campus study spots

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

Many students regularly find themselves needing a study space. Some prefer the comfort of their own homes, or the convenience and resources of Hamersly Library. For some, however, sometimes physical space away from campus helps clear the head. For these needs, I’ve compiled a list of a variety of off-campus study spots.

DIY Tea and Beyond is closest to campus, located right behind Urban Deli, but it is set up to be the perfect student hangout. The cafe offers both caffeinated and un-caffeinated beverages, as well as wifi and a printer. 176 Main St, Monmouth is where students can find this location.

Java Crew is a cafe located on Monmouth Avenue, right on the edge of downtown Monmouth. This cafe is perfect for morning or afternoon study sessions for those that love an atmosphere that’s not too busy and not too quiet, has different seating options and has access to coffee. This cafe’s address is 139 Monmouth Ave, Monmouth.

A similar cafe can be found just down Main Street. Rick’s Place also has a calm atmosphere great for mornings or afternoons, and is a little more open spacewise. Find Rick’s Place at 123 Main St, Monmouth.

For those that don’t require refreshments and prefer quieter environments, Monmouth and Independence have public libraries. These would offer students similar resources to Hamersly Library, but will likely not be as full of other students. In Monmouth, the public library can be found at 168 S Ecols St, and in Independence at 175 Monmouth St.

However, for those that like their long-term study spots to be open later and offer food, there’s Koyote’s Tacos right next to campus. Students can study at this location using the free wifi until two in the morning, and enjoy affordable food while doing so. Koyote’s is located at 159 Monmouth Ave N.

Another option including food and later hours is Brew Coffee and Tap House, located in downtown Independence. Students can expect a busier atmosphere, but have the options of coffee and food available to them. Students can find Brew Coffee at 211 S Main St, Independence.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

A look into Eola Hills Wine Cellar

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Located in the small town of Rickreall, just north of Monmouth and Western, is Eola Hills Wine Cellar. If the name sounds familiar, it’s may be because their bottles can be found in local stores alongside other names from the Willamette Valley. To find out more about this local winery, we had an interview and brief tour with winemaker Steve Anderson.

Standing just outside his office, the end of the hallway that leads to the large warehouse containing hundreds of barrels is just visible. Inside where we met, the space is more cozy; a regular office except the top of the walls are lined with medals.

My first questions had to do with the actual process of making wine, and how Anderson had become interested in it. The short version is simple: grapes are picked, pressed for the juice, and have yeast added which converts the sugars in alcohol through fermentation. Red wines are left with the solids for longer to keep the hue. Anderson’s years of experience have taught him that, in his words, “Happy yeast (means) happy wine.” Also, rather than a process of trial and error, he likes to call it “trial and success.”

His experience in winemaking stretches several years. Anderson can recall the exact date at which his official career in winemaking started — as he puts it, when he began getting paid for doing so — as well as earlier attempts. Anderson, who holds a degree from Oregon State University in horticulture, made his first wine as a teenager, inspired by stories of his elderly neighbors’ success at doing so. 

“It wasn’t about making alcohol so much as a science project,” said Anderson. The result of said science project was about what one would expect from a first attempt at wine; it was sweeter than most and didn’t have the clear hue most wines have.

“Compared to what I make today, I would say it wasn’t very good, but my family and neighbors who tried it enjoyed it, so in that sense it was still a success.”

Before the tour of the actual cellar, Anderson told us a little about some of the awards hanging on the wall. Since its founding by Tom Huggins in 1982, the winery has acquired an impressive collection of awards. On one side are five identical ribbons, representing the five years in a row Eola Hills won at the Bite of Oregon event in Portland.

Directly inside the warehouse is where the barrels of wine are stored. Stacked high and labeled, the barrels wait to be shipped out around Oregon and California, the main markets of Eola Hills wine.

Like many other wine producers in the Willamette Valley, Eola Hills grows a lot of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Anderson explains that they’ve sold wine in 24 states, but that doesn’t mean that those sales were necessarily large quantities and that the majority of their wines stay in the Pacific Northwest.

Further in, Anderson showed us where the fermentation happens. In the front are large vats containing the pressed grapes floating on their juice while they separate. The juice is then transferred into holdings where the yeast can ferment, and the solid parts of the grapes are recycled as compost for the rest of the grape plants, and the cycle completes.

Eola Hills will be hosting some events over Thanksgiving weekend. For more information about visiting, the wine and the team behind it, visit eolahillswinery.com.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

Holiday attractions opening soon

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

With winter approaching, fall festivities are beginning to meet with seasonal and holiday opportunities. The holiday season is often when people are looking for ways to get into the holiday spirit in anticipation of the upcoming celebrations. Thanks to this, many once-a-year opportunities to visit certain places or attend events happen during this time of the year.

 

Ice skating

The cities of Salem, Sherwood,  Ashland, Eugene and Portland all have ice skating rinks available to the public. Most open after Thanksgiving weekend. Some of these rinks, like in Eugene and Sherwood, are also home to athletes who play ice sports, so hours available to the public might be limited. In these cases it is advised to look up open skate hours on their website before going. The nearest rink, Salem on Ice, is primarily a recreational rink open to the public but can be rented out for groups as well. This attraction can be found at 200 Water St NE, Salem.

 

Seasonal lights

There are various locations in Oregon that have seasonal light displays. A particularly popular one can be found in Portland at the Oregon Zoo, where they have an annual ZooLights display. The Oregon Gardens also have a seasonal lights display known as Christmas in the Garden.

 

Wine cellar events

Thanksgiving weekend is when visitors to Arcane cellars in Salem, and Eola Hills in Rickreall can find annual wine tasting events. The city of Aurora hosts an annual wine and chocolate event on the first weekend of December, and a similar event can be found at Spirit Mountain Casino, which hosts a free admission, free samples included event.

 

Dallas Winterfest

Located on Main Street in Dallas, this festival on Dec. 7 will have vendors, food, holiday treats and music. The festival is free to visitors but will only be open from 5-8 p.m.

 

Holiday Tree lighting

There are multiple tree lighting events in the Salem area, often accompanied by holiday parades. One will be hosted here at Western on Monmouth Avenue on Nov. 30. Others can be found in Salem at the capitol on Nov. 25 or in Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square on Nov. 23. Portland will also be hosting a Menorah lighting at Director Park on Dec. 2-9.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Tips for managing finances and credit

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

As many students are stuck in the limbo between living with their parents or guardians and becoming fully fledged adults out on their own, there are many life lessons they need to tackle between point A and point B. Of these lessons, learning how to manage personal finances and a credit score is one of them. This task can seem intimidating, but breaking it down into main points to deal with can help with avoiding a crisis.

Knowing the basics is an important first step in credit management. Future purchases, such as cars and houses, are affected by financial decisions made now. Student loans, for example, are one way that many students are faced with the need to understand personal finances and credit. This often leads to questions like the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans or which credit card to get, as most people at some point will apply for a credit card.

Plenty of scary stories about the dangers of credit cards have been passed around, but these stories are worth telling if it means those new to credit approach their finances with caution. Part of the above mentioned education on the basics should include the tip that it’s not necessarily a good idea to get a credit card with the intention of paying off only the minimum amount each period or of adding more expenses to daily life with the acquisition of a credit card rather than using it to help with existing expenses. It all has to be paid back eventually, and spending more than can be paid back immediately can be risky.

If there’s uncertainty still about financial and mental preparedness for adding more bills to the pile, reconsidering which are really needed can save some time and effort. If the main goal for getting a credit card is to build up good credit, keep in mind that there are other ways to earn a good credit score. Paying rent and making payments to student loans are both other ways that credit will build up without a credit card.

On the other hand, another thing to consider for those needing to apply for a loan or a credit card is that people with little to no credit will likely have trouble getting approved without a cosigner. This means, for example, that students needing an extra loan may not be able to get one unless a family member signs on, and that it would be a good idea to discuss plans early on.

Asking for help in situations like this may not be everyone’s first choice, but it’s not an uncommon necessity. When it starts to feel overwhelming, remember that, though it does take personal effort and educating to nail money management, there are plenty of resources to consult.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Illustration by Rachel Hetzel

Transportation options

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

College, on its own, is a stressful time for many. On top of this, some students have the additional problem of figuring out transportation. Those don’t own a car face the regular challenge of finding arrangements whenever they have need to get around or out of town. Though Western is conveniently placed near downtown, walking or biking may not be an option when the destination is farther away or later in the evening. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to do so that are available to Western students.

 

Wolf Ride

Wolfride is a free transportation service for Western students. All that’s needed is a current Western V number. Hours of operation are during afternoons and evenings. Full details can be found at https://wou.edu/student/wolf-ride/.

 

UCarShare

UCarShare is another option provided on Western’s campus. This service allows students to rent cars by the hour and include cards for purchasing gas if necessary. All that is required is signing up on the app, which is how students can pay for their rentals.

 

City Bus

Public transportation is another option for getting to locations in Monmouth or Independence. The city bus stops conveniently outside Hammersly library and takes riders through Monmouth and Independence. A full map and schedule is posted at the stop.

 

Amtrak and Greyhound

Amtrak and greyhound trains and busses, which can both be found in Salem, are inexpensive ways to do long distance travel. Their websites allow for reserving trips in advance and have various routes and schedules for each destination.

 

Contact the author at howlifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Tips for writing a cover letter

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

Many students are reaching a point in their life where they’ve begun to think about the future and their careers. Some, however, may still feel somewhat unprepared for the job of pitching themselves to an employer. The skill of writing a cover letter is an important tool both for students starting out in their career and students who just need to pay the bills until they get there.

The first point to remember is to make sure a cover letter isn’t just a repetition of a resume. Employers usually ask for both, so being redundant won’t help applicants stand out. Instead, try to add something that didn’t really fit in a resume but is still relevant, such as long term goals with the potential employer. This is especially important when applying without much experience relevant to the position. If the resume is lacking in experience, the cover letter is an extra opportunity to present oneself as a viable candidate.

Another thing to remember is to make sure it’s conveyed that the position being applied for is fully understood. If possible, address the letter to the person in charge rather than ‘hiring manager.’ Be sure to also mention specific aspects of the job that relate to the skills or experience listed in the resume.

If still unsure about how exactly a cover letter should look, it can be helpful to look up examples. There are various templates that can be used as a starting point. These can be adjusted according to the position being applied for.

Resume and cover letter writing is an essential skill for young adults. Tackling an application can be intimidating, but with the right starting point it can be easier than it seems.

For more help, students can visit the Service Learning and Career Development center (SLCD). Information can be found at wou.edu/slcd.

 

Contact the author at howlifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Students display their jack-o’-lanterns

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

Halloween is here, and for many this means their pumpkins have become jack-o’-lanterns. Western students are no different and have been busy getting creative, making everything from classic spooky jack-o’-lanterns to nontraditional works of art. They’ve drawn inspiration from multiple different sources, such as social media and their passions for art.

Those looking for last minute ideas have similar options as far as sources of inspiration. For senior Michelle Soutar, her spooky jack-o-lantern served to help create the atmosphere for her halloween party. For junior Jackie Shepherd, her pumpkin was a way to use her artistic strengths, which happen to be painting. Others like junior Madison Gaylin and myself simply browsed Pinterest until they found the idea that spoke to them most.

In addition, I’ve assembled a compilation to display their carved creations and hopefully bring more ideas for those still looking for the perfect one.

“Happy Halloween” by Jackie Shepherd, junior, education major.

“I really love to paint flowers, so I saw this as an opportunity to incorporate beautiful fall colours into my favourite subject.”

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Meyers

 

“Pokemon” by Megan Bricco, junior, education major

“Gengar was just the first thing I thought of.”

Photo courtesy of Madison Gaylin

 

“Carved Flower” by Madison Gaylin, junior, education major.

“I saw other floral pumpkins that inspired me to make this one.”

Photo courtesy of Madison Gaylin

 

“Classic jack-o’-lantern face” by Michelle Soutar, senior, communications major.

“I originally wanted to put a fog machine behind it…I saw a similar face done…and thought it was spooky so I attempted it.”

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Meyers

 

“Bats” by Rebecca Meyers, senior, international studies major.

“I usually do the usual Jack o lantern as a face, so I wanted to change it up this year.”

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Meyers

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

The best locations for fall photoshoots

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

Midterms are arriving quickly, but many students are still finding ways to enjoy fall while it’s here. One way to do this is to find a friend, a camera and a nearby scenic place and take a fall photoshoot. Finding the first two is usually the easy part, so we’ve helped with the final step and compiled a list of scenic places that are only a short drive away.

Dallas City Park, Dallas

Address: SW Academy St Dallas, 97338

The largest park in Dallas, this site includes wooded trails, an arboretum and a Japanese garden.

Bush Pasture Park, Salem

Address: 890 Mission St, SE Salem, 97302

Bush Pasture Park, located not far from the capitol, includes a gazebo, garden, and an open area with lots of trees perfect for fall photos.

Minto Brown Island Park, Salem

Address: 2200 Minto Island Rd SW Salem, 87302

Found just off River Road on the way to Salem, this park is a large, wooded area with a number of different trails.

Fitton Green Natural Area, Philomath

Address: Location does not have specific address. For directions, search “Fitton Green Trail”. Directions should end on Chaparral Dr.

This spot, which is just west of the popular hiking spot Bald Hill, is located on a hillside and offers a scenic backdrop.

Peavy Arboretum, Corvallis

Address: NW Peavy Arboretum Rd, Corvallis 97330

Part of Oregon State’s McDonald research forest, this large site is perfect for woodsy fall photos.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Volunteering Opportunities

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

Often as college students, we are busy preparing for life outside of school. Volunteering is an opportunity to do this, whether the purpose is to learn new skills, help out the community or even just add a line to a resume. Luckily, there are many opportunities to volunteer in or around Monmouth. I’ve listed some examples below to help spark an idea.

 

On Campus

Western has a food pantry that is open and free to members of the community in an effort to combat the food insecurity prevalent among students. It is run by volunteers, and needs them to be open during regular hours on weekdays. Contact them at foodpantry@wou.edu or at foodpantryvolunteers@wou.edu.

Western also runs a program called Alternative Break, where the school collaborates with other organizations to bring positive social change. The program takes place over spring break, is student run and has different options for locations. Applications are currently open, though students should note they close on the 28th of October. Students can apply or find out more at https://wou.edu/slcd/ab/

 

Off Campus

The Willamette Humane Society is located in Salem and has many volunteer positions that are perfect for animal lovers, from adoption ambassadors to kennel buddies. The Humane Society depends on having a large number of volunteers, meaning many positions have ongoing availability. For more information, visit https://whs4pets.org/get-involved/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities/

The city of Monmouth also has several volunteering positions available, some of which can potentially offer valuable job training and skills such as positions on city boards or commissions. Other opportunities include park and festival projects, the public library and the police department. For the full list, see www.ci.monmouth.or.us/

For those who are willing to make strong commitments to help communities, the cities of Dallas and Corvallis also have the option of being a volunteer firefighter. Volunteers do have to meet a certain fitness standard as well as attend the occasional mandatory training. More information can be found at www.corvallisoregon.gov/fire/page/volunteer-firefighter-information and https://www.dallasor.gov/163/Volunteer-Division

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Self-care tips for midterms

Rebecca Meyers | lifestyle editor

Midterms are notorious for bringing in a lot of stress. Some students find this time of the term especially difficult as it is challenging to balance school work and basic survival needs. However, it’s important to remember not only the importance of self-care for students under lots of stress, but it will likely help your grades in the long run.

It may seem obvious, but it’s important to remember the basics. Physical health has an effect on energy and focus, and will therefore help in class. This means it’s important for each student to know their own limits and habits and plan accordingly, like making sure there’s enough time to get a decent amount of sleep or plan a meal instead of ordering takeout every day for the week.

It may seem difficult to schedule time in for things like these, especially for those unlucky students who have their midterms lumped together rather than spread out over two weeks. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of work there is to do, which can feel paralyzing when it’s hard to tell where to start. When this happens, it’s helpful to take a step back and organize priorities. Questions to ask, for example, are: what work has to be done first? Which will take the most time? Can any studying be done in a group so that any questions will be answered quicker?

Another important reminder to students is that asking for help can be productive, whether this means using a professor’s office hours or asking friends to be mindful of one’s time and space during midterms. Many professors will offer study guides, and if assignments pile up onto a small space of time, it never hurts to see if they’ll be understanding and be more lenient with deadlines. Also, while having a social life is important to most students, sometimes it’s also important to set aside time with no social or academic obligations for both mental and physical rest.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Tips for living on-campus

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

Even those who have never lived in the residence halls have heard of the struggles. They’re usually small, often crowded and shared with a few hundred students. However, residence hall life doesn’t have to be as miserable as some make it out to be. As someone who lived in residence halls, I know the struggle of trying to be resourceful when the most common piece of advice is to pack lightly.

The first piece of residence hall survival is finding out what can be done with a limited number of appliances permitted in most of Western’s halls. One thing I didn’t enjoy was not having a kitchen. I didn’t want to be the typical college student living off of ramen for a whole school year. A simple example is smoothies made in a small blender for breakfast or a snack. It’s also possible, as I found out, to microwave regular pasta. This just goes to show that the key to living the best residence hall life is creativity.

Some things about residence hall-life merely have to be faced head on. Sharing the various facilities can be rough, but it’s unavoidable. It may take a while, but it’s usually possible to work out a routine that doesn’t clash with other residents.

When asked her advice for those living in residence halls, senior community health major Setareh Entagh, an RA for three years, said, “You can make the most (of it) by just getting involved with your hall. That can be by hanging out in the hall with hallmates, going to programs, studying together, et cetera. If you’re always in your room or outside of the hall you miss out on making friends and being a part of a community.”

For a final, slightly less utilitarian tip, my advice is to go all out in decorating. Put up all the posters or wall hangings with cheesy sayings on them. String lights everywhere. Make it a place you can comfortably study, eat and even hang out with friends. It may not be considered home for everyone, but it can be made the next best thing.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

 

In the Western Howl’s original publication of this article, we referred to residence halls as “dorms.” This has been corrected.

We apologize for a comment we made comparing the appearance of the residence halls to prison cells. We have removed the comment.

 

Nearby haunted houses inspired by Halloween

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

Halloween is just a couple weeks away, and the spookiness theme is appearing all around town. Some like to get into the spirit by giving themselves a few good scares. Horror movies might do the trick, but they’re not the same as interactive experiences. Fortunately, there are plenty of places nearby to do just that. Here are some of nearby haunted houses for full immersion into the Halloween season.

 

The Fear PDX

Portland is home to The Fear, whose website calls itself “Portland’s largest Halloween event.” Admission to The Fear’s locations gets visitors four haunted houses for the price of one. This location is currently open every Friday and Saturday until November 3rd as well as a few weekdays. Hours vary by day, but for a complete listing, visit fearpdx.com

Address: 12301 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97230

 

Fearlandia

Located in Tigard, Fearlandia is split into two main sections: TJ’s backyard and Into the Darkness. It also has a date night package option for pre-purchased tickets. This haunted attraction is open from 7-11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, but will be open on Oct. 31 as well.

Address: 16255 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd, Tigard, OR 97224

 

The Nightmare Factory

Located in Salem on the campus of the Oregon School for the Deaf, the Nightmare Factory was once featured on an episode of “Extreme Makeover”. This interactive haunt has options for group discounts as well. The Factory is open Fridays, Saturdays, and most days the week of Halloween.

Address: 999 Locust Street NE, Salem, OR 97301

 

The Frightuary

Found in the Eugene fairgrounds, The Frightuary is a three part attraction that includes exhibits and actors. Visitors can enter Thursdays through Saturdays as well as the Oct. 30-31.

Address: 796 W 13th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402

Note: some attractions warn that those with heart problems or who are prone to seizures should not enter. Students should make sure they are safely enjoying the haunted attractions.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Independence’s new restaurant Valkyrie Wine Tavern review

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Downtown Independence has seen a number of recent changes. One of these is the addition of the Valkyrie Wine Tavern on Main Street. The tavern is still somewhat under construction, but is now functional and open for business. Curious as to whether this new location could be a potential hangout for students, I headed there for dinner last week to get a sense of the place.

The interior of the tavern is certainly unique. For the moment, sitting placements are somewhat sparse. The bar takes up the main focus of the room, expanding about halfway out into the room lengthwise. Past the bar is more available seating for a sit down evening.

As for the decor, the theme is that there isn’t really one. Among the more noticeable features are a half stuffed bison attached to the chimney of the small fireplace and a fake suit of armor against the wall. On display as well are some of the restaurant’s wine collection. Once adjusted to, the overall effect is not terrible for those that don’t mind a somewhat eclectic and laid-back environment.

The menu is fairly small, but still allows for a decent variety with options. It’s split into sides, small dishes and larger dishes. I went with a friend, so we each ordered something different and sampled both meals. I ordered the Muffaletta sandwich, which came with a side of salt and vinegar chips, and my friend ordered the steak, which came sides of salad and fries. We also got a side of smoked butter and bread.

My dinner, consisting mainly of Italian meats, was fairly enjoyable — as my friend pointed out, “it’s hard to go wrong with a sandwich”. The steak, however, was well seasoned and paired nicely with the salad. I did thoroughly enjoy the smoked butter and bread, which was both tasty and well presented.

While the tavern is currently only open in the afternoons and evenings (visitors should note that Google does not give the correct hours), the owner, Savannah Pearce, told me that they will consider opening hours up to brunch.

For students interested in a new dining spot with character, the Valkyrie Wine Tavern is a good consideration. However, the restaurant does have a no minors policy, so it’s a location best enjoyed by students who can legally enjoy one of the many wine options the tavern offers as well as the food.

Overall Rating: I would recommend this restaurant

Address: 301 S Main St, Independence

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

An interview with an international exchange student

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

Western is home to students from all over the world. Some of them come through international exchange programs, and came into Fall Term only having studied America in textbooks. They face the challenge of studying in a foreign language in a place many of them have never been to. During their time here, they will hopefully get to know more Western students and share some of their culture in return.

Due to their outside perspective, I was curious as to what Western and Monmouth look like from the standpoint of an exchange student. To answer this, I had a chat with Krystal Wang, a foreign exchange student from Shanghai, China. She arrived here in early September, just before Fall Term started, and is a senior business major.

My first questions had to do with first impressions. I asked what she had noticed early into her visit here.

“The homework,” she told me. According to her, the workload for students here is heavier than she is used to, and Chinese students are not assigned as much outside of the classroom. She also mentioned that the Western campus was big compared to her campus back in China, a detail I found interesting as it is considered relatively small here.

I then asked what Wang missed most so far from her hometown.

“Chinese food. I like hamburgers, but other things I am not very accustomed to.”

When I asked what she liked about Monmouth so far, she commented that, “I like the sunshine, and the air is cleaner here,” adding that “In my town, the industry makes the air less clean.”

As an Oregonian, I was not used to people saying they liked our state for the sunshine. However, it was a nice reminder to enjoy some things I take for granted, like our relatively mild weather and fresh air.

Another similar reminder came with her answer to my next question of what surprised her about our country.

“Maybe the atmosphere in the classroom…[There is] more freedom. We can voice our opinions. Where I’m from, we mostly just listen to what the teacher says.”

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Meyers

Interview with the Student Health and Counseling Center

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

Students have many helpful resources on campus for a variety of needs. One such resource is the newly opened Student Health and Counseling Center. The center offers certain health services free to students taking at least six credits. These services include counseling and mental health assistance. To get an idea of student health patterns from the perspective of a staff member, I sat down with Assistant Director of Wellness Education Craig Wimmer and Wellness Educator Pam Medzegian of the SHCC about the most common causes of student visits and what we can learn from these experiences.

In response to the question of advice the SHCC wants students to know, the answer is first and foremost that students should not hesitate or feel embarassed to make an appointment or come in. The staff is there to help solve problems and help educate about preventative care. Wimmer also notes that students should make an effort to be health conscious even when healthy.

“If we’re talking about traditional students, they’re in a pretty good place in their lives in terms of their overall health. They’re not thinking about chronic long term things. So I think this is a point in their lives where they start to learn why these things are important.” said Wimmer.

I asked whether there was any advice they had that for students that might be helpful in saving them a trip to the clinic. Instead, I got somewhat different, but more helpful advice.

“It’s not necessary to wait until you have a problem; until you’re sick or you’re having a mental health crisis,” he told me. Wimmer and Medzegian’s focus at the SHCC is preventative health, meaning they’re there to help students avoid having preventable health issues.  They explain that it’s better to visit for something minor and avoid having a bigger problem surface later, even if it just means stopping by to pick up a free cold kit.

Students can also make appointments for 30 minutes in the new R&R room, which includes a massage chair, space to meditate, a range of music or sounds to choose from and a full spectrum light to help clients with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Staff like these two also have outreach events such as ones that involve alcohol education and, most recently, free flu immunizations on campus.

“In general, I think society tends to treat mental health better, and that gives us access to students needing support,” Wimmer said in response to the number of counseling clients, which has a seen a sharp upturn this year. The good news is that this means many students are taking full advantage of the resources available to them and are taking the time to invest in mental health.

College is a time of learning to take care of oneself and direct their own lives. This includes taking time to invest in self-care and health, both physical and mental. When flu season hits, or anxiety starts to kick in, the SHCC staff is there to help see students through the challenge.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Meyers

Cheesecake recipe

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

Making a nice meal instead of going out usually comes with the satisfaction of having put a lot of effort into the result as well as the comfortable, familiar atmosphere. But why stop at dinner? There are plenty of dessert recipes to accompany a nice night in either alone or with guests. For those who really want to impress said guests, or just enjoy trying something new, this recipe offers a unique option for a homemade dessert. On top of that, it’s surprisingly simple.

 

HOMEMADE CHEESECAKE

Start to finish: 1 hour

Servings: One standard pie pan

Crust:

1 ½ crushed graham crackers

¼ cup confectioners sugar

5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon butter, melted

⅛ tablespoon salt

Filling:

2 cups cream cheese

2 eggs

⅔ cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, mix together the crust ingredients. Using the crust mixture, take the pie and and spread the mixture on the bottom and sides evenly.

Make the filling by mixing the cream cheese (at room temperature) with the sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until smooth again. Pour the filling into the pie pan on top of the crust.

Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove and let sit. The filling may not look fully settled at first. After letting sit, refrigerate until it’s ready to serve.

Serve plain or with desired toppings.

(Recipe from kingarthurflour.com)

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Meyers

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