Mount Hood

A safe alternative to walking is one call away for Western students

By: Jade Rayner
News Editor

Western provides a wide range of services to ensure the safety of its students. One of those services is WOLF Ride. WOLF ride is a “reliable shuttle service [for] students of Western Oregon University who would otherwise walk alone at night and risk their safety or possible assault,” as stated on Western’s Division of Student Affairs website. Whether you live on campus or off, you can use WOLF Ride to go grocery shopping, see a movie or to simply have a safe ride home.

wolfride-colorwou-eduUsing WOLF Ride is completely free, and you can be picked up or dropped off almost anywhere in Monmouth and Independence. For a map detailing the areas in which you can be transported, go to wou.edu/student/wolf-ride. Service hours are Monday-Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. In order to receive a ride, you can call WOLF Ride at 503-428-7238, then request where you would like to be picked up and where you are going. All ride requests are taken on a first come, first served basis.

There will be days when this service is unavailable; all of which you can find on the website mentioned above. Upcoming days to watch out for are Nov. 23-27 due to Thanksgiving break.

On the other hand, special ride request forms are now available for students who need a ride to connect to other means of transportation in Salem. During finals week, Dec. 7-9, you can make a request to be driven to the bus station, Amtrak train station or the Salem airport which has a connecting shuttle to the PDX airport for a $10 fee. The forms must be completed and the fee must be paid by Dec. 1.

For students who would like a safer and faster form of transportation than walking, WOLF Ride is an efficient and free option. WOLF Ride is in no way a designated driver service; intoxicated students will be refused service.

If you are seeking more information, or have questions call the office of Vice President for Student Affairs at 503-838-8221. Do not contact this number for ride requests.

Contact the author at jrayner14@wou.edu

WOU is Alive: a post-election discussion

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

Politics in the United States can be very dividing for our country and our citizens. Regardless of who won or lost the presidential race, we can all agree that this election cycle has been exhausting, stressful and thought provoking. For some, the result of Donald Trump’s win was devastating and for others, a glorious triumph.

wou-is-alive-small-colorWithin this election cycle, it has been no secret that president-elect Trump, who has no past political career, has used hate speech and hate rhetoric towards certain ethnicities, groups and individuals. Regarding these facts, some students at Western have concerns.

On Friday Nov. 11, ASWOU put on the event, “WOU is Alive,” to answer some questions and concerns, regarding what might happen to Western’s students once Donald Trump takes office. The panel to answer said questions and concerns included: Jaime Silva, Director of the Student Health and Counseling Center; Ryan Hagemann, Vice President & General Counsel; Rex Fuller, President of Western; Rebecca Chiles, Director of Public Safety; and Gary Dukes, Vice president of Student Affairs. The event was moderated by the president of ASWOU, Alma Pacheco.

The questions were from the audience who attended the event.

Question: Will campus security be up to combat or deter violent acts against minority groups, like women, LGBTQ folks, people of color, etc. What is Western doing to keep campus a safe space for all?

Chiles: We’re doing the same things we’ve always done in addition to just being more vigilant, being more open, being more watchful. We’re monitoring social media more than we ever have before … to see what is going on on our campus. We (Public Safety) are always here, 24 hours a day. To always be a person that anybody can go to for any reason at all. We want to have that opportunity available to everyone on our campus.

Fuller: If you see something that’s out of line be sure to report it, call for help if you need it and rely on the services that are available.

Question: What exactly is the concern of danger that individuals should be worried about on campus?

Chiles: I don’t know if there are any specific concerns that have been put forth. Because of this election, there were racially charged, racially motivated, ethnically motivated, gender motivated speech from some of the politicians involved in that. Certain segments of people are concerned because they have heard those threats or those angry, hate words said about their particular groups.

Question: Can you address the concern of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival students? How is Western specifically going to protect our students who are in that population? What can we do to become more involved so that maybe in the future we can have a voice in the political situation?

Fuller: In terms of the DACA student standing, nothing has changed. The risk, of course, is as an executive order, it may be subject to revision or change. That’s the concern you see nationally and locally. One of the things that can help mitigate against that is to be actively engaged with those involved with the federal level, with regard to influencing the direction of the next administration. That’s one thing we can do. We also can be speaking as a group of presidents around the country talking about the need for immigration reform and to be part of that. With this change in administration, now is the time for higher education to speak to the public good aspect of what the university is. Both in terms of closing the educational attainment gap, but also in terms of a reasonable policy around what does immigration looks like, and how does that benefit from higher education.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

Are you graduating the right way?

By: Katherine Ljungquist
Freelancer

If this is your last year at Western, chances are you’re counting down the days until the commencement ceremony on June 17. In addition to finishing your coursework there is still a lot to be done before you graduate. If you were unable to attend the Senior Kickoff on Wed. Nov. 9, this article can catch you up on what you missed, including where to find help building a résumé, how to apply for graduation and how to get your cap and gown.

Western offers a handful of graduate programs in areas such as criminal justice, graduating-colormanagement and information systems, and education. If you’re planning on attending graduate school in the future and are seeking information regarding your specific program Student Administration encourages you to meet with Western alumni, Amber Deets. Amber is on campus Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and students are also welcome to schedule appointments with her via email at deetsa@wou.edu.

When preparing for life after graduation, students are encouraged to meet up with a counselor at the Service Learning and Career Development Center for help building a resume, practicing job interviews, and figuring out your next steps during your senior year. The Service Learning and Career Development is located downstairs in the Werner University Center in room 119, where you can find the development director, Adry Snorradottir Clark, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Students are also encouraged to meet up with alumni mentors through the Career Mentoring Program, where alumni share their knowledge and experience with students.

It is important that students visit the Registrar’s and Financial Aid Offices before their final term at Western. At the Registrar’s Office, seniors need to fill out paperwork to apply for graduation and they also need to check their Degree Works to make sure they will be finished by their last term. The Financial Aid office will help students navigate exit loan counseling and advise students on different loan payment options. Perkins loan exit counseling must be completed before a student can get their degree. If you are planning on attending graduate school, the 2017-2018 FAFSA is available now.

On April 3-5, there will be a Spring 2017 Grad Ordering Event outside the bookstore. Jostens is the company that supplies students with caps and gowns, personalized announcement cards, tassels, and official Western rings. If you are unable to attend this event don’t worry, after April 5 you can purchase your cap and gown at the bookstore or online at wolfstore.wou.edu.

Finally, as a graduate of Western Oregon University, you are encouraged to register as a Western Oregon alumni. You can register with the alumni program by filling out a contact update available at alumni@wou.edu.

Getting your immune system back on its feet

By: Paige Scofield,
Campus Life Editor

It’s that time of year. Colds, flus, bugs, viruses and bacteria are all around us. Being surrounded by many people in your classrooms and in your dorms can cause you to become more vulnerable to getting sick. Not to mention how stress can affect your immune system.

According to the American Psychological Association, “Stress of any significant duration – from a few days to a few months or years, as happens in real life – can ravage the immune system.”

Living in the dorms can be difficult. Being in close proximity with your hallmates and roommates who might be sick themselves, while trying to avoid the sniffle bus, can be a feat.

Despite this, the worst part of catching whatever may be going around is not being home with your parents, siblings or significant others who would take care of you with a full medicine cabinet.

But, part of growing up is learning how to take care of yourself – however annoying that may be. Medicine can be expensive when you’re living on a college budget, so here are some tips you can consider using when you’re on a budget and under the weather.

    1) Go to the Student Health and Counseling Center on campus

The Student Health and Counseling Center has free cold packets that are available to all students. They contain cough drops, medicine and other small things you might need. If your illness starts to become concerning to you, don’t hesitate to make a doctor’s appointment with the on campus doctors.

    2) Drink fluids

According to WebMD, drinking plenty of fluids helps break up your congestion, makes your throat moist, and keeps you from getting dehydrated. Most people should drink at least eight to 10 8-ounce glasses of fluid every day. This includes water, tea and sports drinks.

    3) Go for a steam

You can help your stuffy nose loosen up by breathing in steam. Turning your shower on to hot and closing the bathroom door can create a steam room rather quickly. Sit in your bathroom for 10 minutes or so to help reduce stuffiness. While doing this try to take deep inhales every few minutes, and blow your nose once you’re done to help the process.

   4) Stay warm and rested

Give your body a chance to fight off sickness, while giving yourself a break. Relaxing helps your body direct its energy towards fighting off your sickness. So snuggle up under a blanket and watch a movie, so your body can patch itself up.

   5) Prop yourself up

Sleeping with a plugged up head can be uncomfortable and awkward. Propping your head up with an extra pillow can help relieve congestion, and make it easier to breathe while trying to sleep.

   6) Soothe your throat

Herbal tea is one of the best home remedies to soothe a sore throat. There are many varieties of tea, but those that help with sore throats are: licorice spice, peppermint and ginger honey lemon. So drink up!

   7) Eat eat eat

Your body needs energy to fight off sicknesses, so make sure you’re giving it the nutrients it needs to become healthy. When you’re sick eating might not always be appealing, but try to eat three solid meals a day so you can fight the good fight. 

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

Life after college and the climb to get there

By: Shaylie Pickerel
Staff Writer

For all those students that will be graduating soon, all your worries and curiosities of what it’ll be like after college have been addressed.

On Nov. 1, the Service Learning and Career Development office put on a, “World after WOU,” event in the Werner University Center. During this event, Western students had the chance to ask questions and visit with alumni about what life is like after college. Set up like speed dating, groups of students received eight minutes with each alumni and then switched tables when the timer was up. There were alumni from as recent as June 2016, as well as alumni from 1994 and 1967. It provided a wide variety of experiences and advice for students to learn from, as well as opened work opportunities.

One thing that all the alumni agreed upon was the importance of meeting people. When asked what the best way to find a job or career path after college was, Bella Borja, an alumni from June of this year, said, “The most helpful thing is networking and meeting people.”

All the alumni had varying responses, but all underlined the theme of knowing people. “It’s about who you know, not what you know,” said Kelly Noack, an alumni from 2013. The alumni also gave students great advice on what to do and what not to do in interviews, the importance of organization and how helpful it can be to have public speaking skills.

Having organizational skills isn’t just important for school, it’s a valuable everyday life skill. “You’ll want to keep organization skills with you throughout college and life. It’s not only helpful to you, but you’ll also be able to help others more,” said Arielle Schultz, an alumni from 2015 said.

It’s clear that having such a simple skill can make you valuable in a work environment as well. If any soon to be graduates or any students who want to get ahead of the curve and be put on the right path, you can always contact the SLCD at slcd@wou.edu, or find them in the Werner University Center room 119 from Monday to Friday. Wolf Link is also a great way to stay connected on all job openings, internships and volunteer opportunities.

Contact the author at: spickrell15@wou.edu

An opportunity to love and support yourself and others

By: Jasmine Morrow
Staff Writer

Triangle Alliance is a social organization and club on campus for the LGBT+ community, as well as anyone else who wants to join. There’s a meeting every week on Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m. in the Health & Wellness Center room 301

The meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 2 began with everyone introducing themselves to the group to participate in what they call the Whip Around. Triangle Alliance’s Vice President, Sydney Culpepper, talked about and described polyamory. Discussing with the group that polyamory is being in a committed relationship with two or more people with consent and understanding.

During the hour meeting, the attendees also participated in events and games. On a slideshow were bad movie plot descriptions and everyone had to guess the movie title. It got somewhat competitive, but in the end, everyone had fun and was laughing at the horrible and funny plot descriptions. While people were guessing the movie titles, President Casi Healy gave everyone an incentive ticket. Incentive tickets are handed out at meetings and serve as an opportunity for meeting attendees to win a prize. The prize this week was a rainbow colored lanyard.

Towards the end of the meeting, there was an opportunity to talk about what is going on in everyone’s lives; the good and the bad. If someone shared something sad, Sam Stageman, the activities director, would pull up pictures of puppies to lighten the mood and to make everyone feel better. The meetings are always helpful and everyone is supportive of one another. There are upcoming events that the Triangle Alliance is hosting, look around campus for posters to make sure you don’t miss a wonderful time.

Contact author at jmorrow16@mail.wou.edu

“ Life and death is always united, always complimentary”

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

To help promote diversity on Western’s campus, the Multicultural Student Union held an event in the Columbia Room of the Werner University Center.

Dia de los Muertos or, “Day of the Dead,” was celebrated on Wednesday, Nov. 2. This event included a guest speaker, fashion show, tamales, hot chocolate and pan dulce.

The MSU’s Western page described Dia de los Muertos as, “a time for the spirit of the deceased to return home and visit loved ones, feast on their favorite foods and listen to their favorite music. The MSU honors our deceased with ofrendas, or offerings, which may consist of photographs, bread, other foods, flowers, toys and other symbolic offerings.”

The guest speaker was Jaime Marroquin, a Spanish professor here at Western. He had a 15 minute presentation on what exactly Dia de los Muertos is, and why it’s celebrated in certain cultures. “First, a little bit of history,” said Marroquin, “Dia de los Muertos has pre-hispanic origins that we’re unsure about. But we do know that there was a big celebration. One fundamental thing about Mesoamerican or pre-hispanic cultures is the concept of duality. Life and death is always united, always complimentary.”

Those who celebrate Dia de los Muertos, cater to the needs of deceased loved ones. They make altars of food and line paths with flowers so the dead can find their way home.

After Marroquin’s presentation was complete, it was time for the hungry party goers to eat tamales. Plates were loaded up and bellies were filled with this traditional dish.

To finish the event with a bang, MSU held a fashion contest. The contestants strutted their stuff down the runway to show off their traditional Dia de los Muertos outfits. The winner won items with the MSU logo on it.

If you are interested in helping Western become more diverse, or wish to learn about other cultures, MSU meetings are Wednesday nights at 6:00 p.m. in the Columbia room in the Werner University Center. To contact MSU, you can email them at msu@wou.edu or by phone at (503)838-8403.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

Abby’s House

Our name: The name Abby’s House was chosen in honor of Abigail Scott Duniway, who fought for women’s right to vote and to own property in Oregon and nationally. She was the first woman to register to vote in Oregon.  

Our mission: To provide the WOU community with educational programming, information, and referral services designed to promote equity and non-violence. We embrace a feminist model that empowers all people to actively stand against all forms of violence, harassment, verbal abuse, discrimination, and hatred.

Our services:

Resource and Referral Center

Resource and Gender Studies Library

Educational Programming

Located: Werner University Center

For more information: 503-838-8219 – abbyshouse@mail.wou.edu – wou.edu/abbyshouse

Weather your home is half a block away or half a world away, everyone can use a home away from home. That’s what Abby’s House is about. It’s a place to relax with a cup of tea, to meet with a group or to find the resources to overcome obstacles.

“Together we fight to take back the night”

By: Shaylie Pickerel
Staff Writer

Oct. 25 was the annual Take Back the Night event held by Abby’s House on the bottom floor of the Werner University Center.

This event is held on campus every October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Take Back the Night began with an informational piece about the origins of this event.

take-back-night-1-colorabbys-houseThe first Take Back the Night rally started in 1975 in response to the murder of Philadelphia-based microbiologist Susan Alexander Speeth, who was stabbed to death while walking home alone.

During the event, a gong is struck every nine seconds, representing how often women are beaten in the U.S. During this everyone is silent-showing respect and reflection for the event and victims lost to domestic violence and sexual assault. The power of the silence intensified after every gong ring.

Western’s President, Rex Fuller, was invited as a guest speaker. He expressed his feelings on the subject and shared some statistical facts surrounding campus safety and reported attacks. “Only 70 percent [of students] know where to go or what resources are available [after an attack],” said President Fuller.

Mary Ellen Dello Stritto, the coordinator for Abby’s House, also spoke about her opinion on the matter and how domestic violence and sexual assault affects Western students. She shared details about Green Dot and the training information that Campus Public Safety receives. Dello Stritto also shared educational facts about on-campus resources, including the three sexual assault nurse examiners on campus.

During the speaking portion, we also learned about the fears of the dark and human tendencies to blame victims. Following this, they had a portion called the speak out. The speak out is to give those who came to the event the chance to share their opinions or personal experiences.

Domestic violence and sexual assault are things that impact people’s lives and can be next to impossible to overcome. Take Back the Night participants marched through campus holding signs and candles to break the silence and to take back the night. “We are women, we are men. Together we fight to take back the night,” chanted students.

Aislinn Addington, the director of Abby’s House, discussed some of the actions that Western students can take to break the silence surrounding domestic violence. “The most important step is bystander intervention,” said Addington, “the incident [any form of domestic violence or sexual assault] doesn’t just affect the immediate parties, but all of us. It’s our job to talk about it and raise awareness.”

Take Back the Night occurs on campuses across the nations and serves as the, “hallmark event of Abby’s House.” Addington recommends that all students should, “take the pledge to take action.”

Contact the author at spickrell15@wou.edu

Cocktail Corner

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

For our last Halloween themed cocktail, I’ve chosen a quick, simple and mighty tasty beverage.
All you need are two ingredients. That’s right, only two. You don’t need fancy shmancy liqueurs to have a delicious, relaxing drink. I present to you: The Whiskey Ginger.cocktail-color

What you need:
– A cup
– Whiskey (any brand is fine)
– Ginger ale (any brand is also fine)

Directions:
Grab ingredients and mix to your preference. Personally I do a shot and a half of whiskey, and then add ginger ale until it’s to my liking. How strong or weak it is, is up to you.

Although this isn’t an overtly Halloween themed drink, it will still get the job done. I hope this month of Cocktail Corner was to your liking. Happy Halloween! Remember to drink responsibly.

If you have any cocktails that you think are delicious and would like to share, please contact me.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@mail.wou.edu

Abby’s House welcomes Aislinn Addington

abbys-house-color

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

Abby’s House has recently hired a new director, Aislinn Addington, Ph.D. Addington’s first day of work started on Oct. 3. “It’s fantastic so far, it’s been great,” she said smiling.

Before becoming director at Abby’s House, Addington received her undergraduate degree from Pacific Lutheran University where she double majored in political science and sociology. She then received her Ph.D and Masters in Sociology from the University of Kansas. After her college education, she taught sociology at Pacific Lutheran University and University of Kansas. “I taught with specialities in women gender sexuality and religion and secularity. I also did some non-profit work in arts education for young people with disabilities,” Addington explained.

As the new director of Abby’s House, Addington’s job entails many different things. “On a day to day basis, there are 16 trained advocates that are students here, I manage them, and we as a group have a meeting once a week. We put on programs like Take Back the Night that happened earlier this week,” she said, “the director of Abby’s House is a confidential position, so if someone comes in and has a situation they want to talk to someone about confidentially, I’m here for that as well.”

Abby’s House is a resource and referral center for everyone. Their job is to help those in need find the services that they need. “I think of us kind of as the hub of a wheel. We have a lot of information here, both in terms of literature, resources and the 16 student advocates. If people come in with questions or concerns about any number of things … we have information to share, we have other resources on campus, as well as off campus,” she said, “come here and find what you need.”

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@mail.wou.edu

The evolution of Wolfie

By: Paige Scofield 
Campus Life Editor

No one has been more loyal to our school than our energetic, wolfie3-colorlovable mascot Wolfie. This week next to the Werner University Center Bookstore, there is a display of Wolfie throughout the years titled “Go Wolves! The Progression of Our Mascot.” To celebrate how much we’ve changed over our hundreds of homecomings, the Hamersly Library Archives, Student Engagement, Student Activities Board and the Office of Alumni have cooperated to set up several display cases that hold the past heads of Western’s biggest fan. Wolfie was originally named Waldo when he made his debut at our school in 1928. He claimed the name Wolfie in 1982. Wolfie has been representing and supporting our school for all of these years, and will continue to, even after our world turns to dust. Although he has changed through the years, the messages he sends out to our students and fans are the same as ever: have pride in your school, joy in your work and keep on fighting. Go Wolves!

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

Where did all your clothes go?

By: Jasmine Morrow
Freelancer

On Oct. 20, the fifth annual homecoming Fundie Run took place on Western’s campus. Though there weren’t many runners, it was still a success, given that the event got postponed to later in the week. The Fundie Run is a homecoming event that asks each contestant to donate at least two articles ofundie-run-colorf clothing in order for them to enter a running race around Western’s campus. The race is a mile long run that the participants compete in while wearing only underwear, or running clothes if they prefer. The race then ends at the bonfire location; the person who wins the race then lights the bonfire. The event raised a full barrel worth of clothes that will be donated to the Union Gospel Mission, located in Salem.

Contact the author at jmorrow16@mail.wou.edu

Art, music, theater, and dance

 

By: Jasmine Morrow
Freelancer

On Oct. 21 an amazing event happened on campus: creative arts day. Creative arts day is a great way for high school students to get involved in the art, theater, music and dance programs offered at Western. It also helps the students get to know more about the college itself and see if Western is the school for them. The day was full of tours around campus, a great lunch at Valsetz and being able to see the fantastic options offered here at Western.

This is a brilliant opportunity for high school students because, “it’s really helpful for the students to see the cacreative-arts-day-2-colormpus, and get a familiarity and see how it feels to be on the campus, because that’s really influential on deciding where you go to college,” said Sydney Culpepper, a Western ambassador who gives tours of the campus and helps people get from session to session. “It’s also really nice to see the different opportunities because a lot of students don’t know the things that they can do when they come to college.”

Already being familiar with the campus before getting to college is incredibly helpful. This is one of the many things Western has to offer and since a lot of high school students aren’t aware of what a college can provide, this makes sure that they are informed of the opportunities presented. The possibilities here at Western are close to endless and spending the day here shows how impressive Western Oregon is.

Contact the author at jmorrow16@mail.wou.edu

Cocktail corner

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

This week for our Halloween cocktail we have a poison apple punch. This cocktail, although served cold, leaves you wscreen-shot-2016-10-25-at-5-13-40-pmith a warm feeling (and it’s not from the alcohol). The use of spiced apple juice leaves you with the taste of autumn in your mouth. This is the perfect drink for fall. The recipe is as follows:

What you need:

2 parts spiced apple juice
1 part ginger beer
0.5 part raspberry syrup

Making spiced apple juice:
1. Bring apple juice to a boil along with some cinnamon and whole cloves.
2. How much cinnamon and cloves? Start with 3 cinnamon sticks and about a teaspoon of whole cloves per half gallon (64 ounces) of apple juice. Feel free to adjust. If it’s too spicy, just dilute it with more apple juice.
3. Once the juice has reached a boil, cover it and remove from heat until cooled.

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a punch bowl and stir.

Recipe courtesy of www.12bottlebar.com

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@mail.wou.edu

Western’s homecoming spirit burns on

By: Shaylie Pickerel
Freelancer

The annual homecoming bonfire refused to go down without a fight. Despite the rain at the beginning of the week and the event being postponed to Oct. 20, the weather cleared up just in time. The bonfire had a soggy start and it took a few attempts to get things running, but as the flames grew, so did the crowd surrounding it. There was live music provided by Western’s pep band as well as a visit from Wolfie, our beloved mascot. The field near the Campus Public Safety office was filled with laughter and excitement, as a pie eating contest went underway causing everyone to come together. Wolfie even busted out a few popular dance moves. You could definitely feel the Western community spirit.

Contact the author at spickrell15@wou.edu

Signing with passion

asl-speaker

By: Shaylie Pickerel
Freelancer

NOTE: Last names of those involved in this event will be added soon!

On Oct. 20 the ASL club had a meeting with a guest speaker that included a question and answer panel. Western’s ASL club is very welcoming to anyone who is wanting to get more involved in the deaf community, become better at signing or anyone who just wants to hangout. During this meeting, elections were held for the officer positions in the club, as well as a small information session from all the people running.

The second half of the meeting was the question and answer panel. The panel included Mika Woodward, ASL President Holly Wright and Hanna Strahan, a guest from Oregon State University. The questions included everything from favorite pets, to what it was like growing up deaf, to when they learned ASL. When responding to the questions, the members of the panel would first sign and then speak, allowing people who are newer at signing to compare what they already know and what they need to practice. Some of the questions were harder to answer, such as what Strahan’s favorite sign was. When asked this question, she looked puzzled and then signed “butterfly.”

This event was inclusive and informational, especially when the panelists received questions which involved their opinion on signing in exact English. Strahan was very enthused to receive such a question; she said she was, “Very against it. Primarily because it’s not the true native language of the deaf community.” Her answer helps emphasize that ASL is like any other language; it involves variation in meaning and grammar and never translates perfectly.

You can learn more about ASL club and their meeting schedule, by reaching out to them on Facebook and Instagram at WOU ASL club. You can also find out about more deaf community events around Oregon on www.OAD1921.org.

Contact the author at spickrell15@mail.wou.edu

Cocktail Corner

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

Nothing screams fall more than caramel apples and nothing screams early drinking like mimosas. So why not combine the two? This is a simple, quick and delicious caramel apple mimosa that will go great with that brunch you’re probably not going to make. The recipe is as follows:

Servings: 4

What you need:
2 tablespoons caramel
2 tablespoons cinnamon sugarcarmel-apple-mimosa-color
1 cup apple cider
8 fluid ounces caramel vodka (optional)
1 bottle champagne
Apple slices for garnish

Directions:
1. In a small dish pour caramel sauce. In another small dish pour cinnamon sugar. Dip champagne flutes into caramel to rim glass then dip in cinnamon sugar.
2. Pour apple cider, caramel vodka (optional) and top with champagne into flutes.
3. Garnish with an apple slice and serve.

This mimosa is fresh, fruity, fizzy and frightfully good. If you utilize this cocktail, your brunch buddies (drinking buddies) will think you’re a pretentious snob but will thank you for the alcohol. I’ll be adding a new cocktail each week of October so your Halloween party can be the talk of the wizarding world! Please drink responsibly and happy Halloween!
Recipe courtesy of delish.com.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

A blast from the homecoming past

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life

Throughout the years, Western has held homecoming as a pivotal experience to have and enjoy while in college. It’s a week full of entertainment, unity and memories. Homecoming allows you to take a break from your studies and have some fun. You meet new people, experience new things and get to know your school better.

Over the years, Western has been steadfast in keeping up with the traditions of homecoming. Bonfires, powder-puffs, powder-tuffs, homecoming courts, homecoming football games and all the festivities in between, have been keeping the students at Western entertained for decades. According to Jerrie Lee Parpart, archives and exhibits coordinator at Western, this week of celebration used to be called Alumni Day, but later the term “homecoming” became popular.

Homecoming has been occurring at Western for over 100 years. Let’s go on a homecoming blast from the past with these photos of former homecoming events between 1980-2015. If you’d like to view more past activities of Western homecomings, visit the homecoming exhibit on the second floor of Hamersly Library.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

Dear Esmeralda

Dear Esmeralda,
Screen Shot 2016-04-17 at 9.05.53 PMI’m a freshman bisexual girl and I have a big problem with relationships. They make me feel awkward. I don’t like holding hands and the mushy-gushy stuff hurts my soul. I’m asking for help to come out to my parents and also what I should do about not liking relationships. Am I the only one like this? I told my friend once, and she was really confused.
Confused in the Closet

Dear Confused in the Closet,
You have written to the right drag queen on this kitty girl! First of all, there is no rush in coming out to your parents. This can be one of the hardest things to do! Take a deep breath and, if possible, talk to them in person. I know it can be harder than a go go dancer’s abs but it will make you a happier person in the long run, for better or worse!

As for not liking relationships, this is easy as pie! There are many layers to an LGBTQ+ identity (not unlike onions)! There is romantic orientation, sexual orientation and, finally, gender identity! For example, I have this friend, (they are kinda a goofball and annoying but I love them anyway) whose full-blown identity is panromantic-grey-asexual-genderqueer. This means they are romantically attracted to all genders of people but rarely experience sexual attraction. No tea, no shade, no pink lemonade hunty, but it sounds like you could be the flip of them. You could be an aromantic bisexual. Be very careful to note the difference between aromantic and aromatic. One means you don’t experience romantic attraction and one means you have a smell about you.

To wrap it up, you are never alone in your struggles. Visit the Stonewall Center on campus or attend Triangle Alliance.
Please, if anyone out there has questions about their orientation ask the folks there or even bug me about it! Best of luck my dear!

Esmeralda

Western Oregon University

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WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
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Monmouth OR 97361

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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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