Mount Hood

Struggling to plan effectively

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

I’ve always struggled with finding ways to properly manage my time. Being a full time student, working two jobs and finding breaks to take care of myself and my mental health can be incredibly exhausting; it’s definitely not an easy thing to do.

Pairing this with the fact that I’m also someone who will never leave a job unfinished can often lead to grueling, long nights of stress crying, a lot of complaining and inevitably more procrastinating that only fuels the vicious cycle.

With the start of the new school year, I wanted to try as best as I could to avoid making this habit become a serious problem. So, instead of letting it fester as time goes by, I’m trying new techniques that have been significantly easing the workload.

To-do lists have become my new best friend. Every week I create a new one, and add to it as each day goes by. Looking at everything I need to get done in an orderly fashion helps my brain envision my plan of attack. Plus, it feels incredibly relieving to be able to cross things off and see the list shrink before your eyes.

I also make sure to prioritize. For someone like me, everything that I know must be done is of equal importance. However, I’m learning to weigh the pros and cons of each task and figure out what truly must be done first. In the end, if time doesn’t permit me to get to a specific task, I’m learning to understand that it’s okay. My mental health is far more important than any assignment.

Managing time is a learning process for me, and an incredibly beneficial one at that. The better I’ve been getting at it, the stronger I feel as a whole. The tactics that I’m teaching myself now are one’s that I will continue to utilize through the rest of my life. What better time to pick up this skill than now?’

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

How to make the most of Halloween

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

For some college students, Halloween is practically synonymous with dressing up and partying with red Solo cups in hand. Meanwhile, Tuesdays are practically synonymous with homework, stress and extracurriculars. This year, the two happen to fall on the same day. Don’t let this discourage you; this Oct. 31 can still be one for the books, even if parties aren’t involved.

This Halloween, you can find yourself discovering new ways to make the holiday just as thrilling as it would be if it fell on a weekend. The best way to get equally fired up is with a classic addition to every All Hallows Eve season — haunted houses. If you have the time, grab a group of friends and head to the Oregon School for the Deaf’s Nightmare Factory. Though not for the faint-of-heart, the experience will be one you surely won’t forget.

If you want a similar event, but want to stay close to home, head to Independence for a more local haunted house. Located at 35 Northway St., almost anyone can find an hour out of their Tuesday to make their way over for a bone-chilling good time.

Still want to be scared but too busy to leave home? A horror movie date with friends is the perfect night in. Bake some Halloween-themed cookies, crowd around any classic scary flick and be prepared to have your heart beat out of your chest at every jump scare.

Not one to enjoy scares, but still want to celebrate? Get festive by partaking in the standard Halloween staple, and carve pumpkins. Anything from classic jack o’ lantern faces to intricate designs can be created — bonus points if you save the seeds and roast them for a sweet or salty treat.

While Halloween falling on a Tuesday may seem unfortunate, don’t let it disappoint you. There’s no reason you can’t make the most of it. So grab a bag of candy, throw on that costume anyway and start celebrating.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

First-year student bucket list

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

Being a first-year student at Western is an exciting, yet intimidating experience. For most, it involves living on campus in a dorm room that feels similar in size to a closet, immersing yourself in an entirely new group of strangers that are suddenly your neighbors, as well as learning the pros and cons to that 8 a.m. course you thought would be a good idea — trust me, it’s not the same thing as an 8 a.m. in high school.

Learning how to cope with these new circumstances is something that takes ample time and energy; being focused on that will result in the school year going by in the blink of an eye. With so much happening at once, it can be difficult to remember to stop every now and then and make the most of your beginnings at Western. Make sure that in your first year here as a Wolf, you manage to complete most, if not all, of our First-Year Bucket List.

        • Go to Midnight Movies at least once. It’s cheap, and usually an unforgettable experience if you’re going with the right people
        • Attend those Residence Hall Association events. A lot of work went into making those as fun as possible for students — plus you’ll usually get free things.
        • Borrow the keys to the kitchen and make your friends and yourself a homemade meal. Sometimes you just need to get away from Valsetz for a night.
        • Sleep in a dorm that isn’t yours for a night. It’s hard to explain why, but it’s always more fun and ends up feeling just like a slumber party.
        • Go to a sporting event you wouldn’t normally go to. Games are happening constantly: grab a group of friends and head to one.
        • Join a club or organization. By the end of the year, you’re going to want to have more friends than those you made in just your dorm or classes. It’s a good way to meet new people.
        • Have a movie night with your hall. It can be such a memorable experience to get together, eat popcorn and watch some B-List Netflix horror flick that will leave you laughing when you should be screaming.
        • Take a spontaneous road trip with friends. On a personal note: my first night hanging with my now best friends, they took me to the beach at 12 a.m. — I will never forget that night.
        • Pull an all-nighter. If not for homework, sometimes it’s worth it just to stay up for a classic Monmouth sunrise. They’re truly beautiful.
        • Take a free class at the Health and Wellness Center. Zumba, anybody?
        • Adventure around Monmouth on your own. You never know, you might fall in love with a coffee shop and become a regular.
        • Take pictures. Lots of them. You’re going to want to print those out later.
        • But also, don’t live on your phone. Sure, snap that photo, then put it away. Live in the moment.
        • Take a late night walk around campus with a friend or group. Another personal note, doing this with my now boyfriend of 11 months is how I fell for him.
        • Get to know some upperclassmen. They know so much about several aspects of Western and most would be glad to give advice.
        • Go to a party. If parties aren’t your thing, host a party alternative on your own where you spend the entire night doing things you love.

        Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

        Maintaining healthy and stable relationships

        Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

        In this current age where social media is a source that many depend on for news, entertainment or even their own personal diaries, it’s as if everything one does, says or thinks ends up online. For many, this includes their relationships as well.

        The line between what is normal and what isn’t has become blurred. When all anyone sees while surfing through Twitter or Instagram is infinite couples seeming perfect, it becomes hard to realize that there is more than what is depicted on the screen. For every post, there’s a backstory. Every relationship has its own history that can’t be understood solely through what we see online.

        Finding a way to maintain a healthy relationship in these changing times, with the increase of social media interactions, can be a difficult thing to do. Adding in the factor of stress and change that comes about with college can add strain. But, it’s not impossible. In the end, what it all comes down to is one simple, yet incredibly necessary, tactic that far too many couples forget to utilize: communication.

        Communication, when used in a healthy and constructive way, will solve the problems of many relationships. It helps both partners understand each others needs, and the ways in which those needs can be met. With communication, those in relationships should be able to comfortably discuss problems they are having, and can do so in a way where both feel understood.

        To achieve proper communication, one must force themselves to listen to what the other is saying. Often, it won’t be what you want to hear, but the best thing that can be done is to try and understand the point the other is making. If, in the end, there is still disagreement, then the other can plead their case calmly and without being accusatory or irrational.

        It’s also important to always be honest. It may not be the easiest thing to do, but if problems aren’t brought up, then the anger will continue to grow inside until you erupt. Don’t allow it to get to that point.

        It can be easy to forget that communication is not only vital in romantic relationships, but in any and all relationships. Family, friends, roommates and coworkers all deserve the respect of open communication. It will ultimately lead to happier and healthier relationships within every aspect, bettering one’s life as a whole.

        Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

        DIY face masks for every skin type

        Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

        Maintaining healthy and vibrant skin can be incredibly difficult. However, finding a way to do it can be exactly what you need to look more awake, have softer skin and feel more confident overall.

        Face masks are an easy and effective way to achieve this. Purchasing them can get expensive, though, especially if it’s something you’re looking to do on a semi-regular basis. Why spend money on these masks when you often have the supplies to make masks for yourself right at home? No matter what the face type, there’s a face mask for you.

         

        Dry Face: Avocado Honey Mask

        Combine ½ of an avocado with ¼ cup of honey. Mix well, and apply to face. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

        Mask found on Brit.co

         

        Oily Face: Banana Honey Mask

        Combine an entire ripe banana with 2 tablespoons of honey and mix well. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Leave it applied to face for 15 minutes.

        Mask found on blog.radiantlifecatalog.com

         

        Sensitive Skin: Yogurt Honey Mask

        Combine 1 tablespoon of plain, unflavored yogurt with 1 teaspoon of honey. Add 1 teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder, and mix well. Allow it to sit after applying for 10 minutes.

        Mask found on thebeautynerd.com

         

        Tired Skin: Lemon Mask

        Add the juice of an entire lemon with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well and rub onto face well. Allow it to sit on your face for 10 minutes.

        Mask found on beautybanter.com

         

         Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

        Getting festive for a horror fan-favorite

        Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

        “It’s Halloween, everyone’s entitled to one good scare.” As established by the 1978 horror film classic “Halloween,” the holiday’s original goal was for one thing: instilling fright into others.

        The easiest way to accomplish this task is by dressing the part. Scary Halloween costumes were an original trick-or-treater favorite. If your intent this All Hallows Eve is to don yourself in spooky attire, your options are countless. Horror icons are well known by most; dressing as one is an incredibly simple, yet crowd-pleasing way to strike terror in whomever you come across on Oct. 31.

        Purchasing or creating masks will allow you to dress as several infamous horror movie characters: Michael Myers, Jason Vorhees, Freddy Krueger and even Ghostface are among the many widely known faces. However, if you want to go as a more modern role, look towards movies such as “Annabelle,”“The Purge,” “The Babadook” and even the newly reinvented Pennywise from “It”.

        Being scary doesn’t mean having to portray a character that already exists; you have the freedom to create an entirely new character you’ve never seen before. Often, all it takes to make a costume scary is to add a little bit of fake blood, which can be purchased or easily made, and tear up your clothes a little.

        While Halloween is known for being spooky, the costumes don’t always have to be. For some, the best costume is simply dressing as something you’ve always wanted to be, or something that will get a laugh out of others.

        Taking this route is the perfect way to create your own costumes. Throwing on a flannel and cowboy hat will transport you into the Wild West; putting your creativity to work can morph you into your favorite Snapchat filter, and wearing a black and white striped shirt can turn you into a criminal — add white face paint and suddenly, you’re a mime. For more DIY inspiration, head to Pinterest for never-ending options.

        However, if DIY isn’t your thing, you can always purchase a costume. Spirit Halloween in Salem is home to a large array of choices. Purchasing them brand new can be spendy though — for a cheaper option, look at secondhand stores, such as Goodwill.

        If you have someone that you’re looking to team up with this Halloween, fear not. This often allows for the best dynamic duo costumes. Partners in crime — such as Batman and Robin, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Mario and Luigi or even everyone’s favorite television couple Jim and Pam from “The Office”  — can make perfect couple ensembles. Don’t be afraid to get creative with these.

        Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

        Transforming Western into a fall fashion show

        Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor
        Photo by Caity Healy

        As the temperature began dropping on campus, the fashion started heating up. Students made Western their runway as they began throwing on

        their sweaters, lacing up their boots and donning themselves in the shades of autumn.

        Fall fashion, commonly known as “sweater weather,” is, for many, a favorite aspect of the season. The wardrobe selections begin offering more options than the previous season’s would; building outfits that appear to be well put together is actually a lot simpler than it seems.

        In order to assemble the perfect autumn ensemble, students have to know where to look when shopping for those first-rate fall statements. Oftentimes, the best deals can be found online. By looking at apps and websites selling secondhand attire, Poshmark and OfferUp to name a couple, cheap but quality clothing can be found that will add to any outfit.

        The search can also continue at local boutiques, such as Gracy Lu’s on Monmouth St., or Fashion Sense on C St. For a more thrifty pursuit, students can head to Dallas to search for the ideal wardrobe by partaking in a bit of a treasure hunt at the Goodwill in town.

        Photo by Caity Healy

        With a full wardrobe, it’s time to start putting together that fall statement. The easiest way to dress for autumn is with a few seasonal staples. Key items that are a must for anyone are: beanies, sweaters, scarves, boots and, of course, any other piece in the hues of fall — reds, oranges, and certain shades of yellow are a must.

        With this short guide, and a full closet, all the necessary steps have been taken now to put together an ensemble that reflects the season. For those who choose to partake, don’t forget to dress in a way that matches your sense of style, as well.

         

        Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

        How to prosper at your next interview

        Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

        Tuition, rent, utilities, groceries, internet — this just names a few of the necessary bills that many students pay consistently while trying to make being a student their priority. It’s no wonder that for some, getting a job is an unavoidable demand.

        Being in a small town, it can be difficult to find work that will match all of your needs. However, it’s not impossible.

        To get the opportunity to work, most times you’ll have to provide a resume, and often a cover letter, that can properly reflect who you are. When writing your resume, make sure that it is formatted in a way that will reduce the work for the person hiring you. Pick a font size that is easy to read and, likewise, pick a font that isn’t too decorative.

        If you don’t have lengthy job experience, don’t let this deter you from providing a resume; name your accomplishments and volunteer experience, as well — but make sure what you mention will impress the right people. Whatever you emphasize should match the job you are applying for. Once everything is written out, try keeping it to one page.

        Once you have the first draft of your resume written out, head to the Service Learning and Career Development office in the Werner University Center for further advice. There, they’ll provide help with editing, connect you to jobs, provide career advice and can even hold mock interviews. Allow them to look over your resume, and grab a handout that can point out every aspect that should be included. Make sure that your resume matches all the necessary requirements, and then include it while applying for jobs.

        If all goes well, and the hiring managers are impressed with your application and/or resume, you may be called back for an interview. This is where you’ll make a real impression on the people you’ll potentially be working with; take advantage of it. Dress a step up from the job you are applying for. Always look put-together, wrinkle-free and bear a welcoming a smile that will make your interviewer feel comfortable, as well — remember, in many cases, they’re just as nervous as you are.

        Basic tips for interviews include, “look them in the eye, and don’t deadfish them”, as noted by junior psychology major Kaylee DeBolt. Maintaining eye contact creates mutual respect, and a firm handshake is an impressive and necessary factor to most interviews.

        Finding work, especially in a college town, is not always an easy task. Making use of the services at Western such as SLCD, can help ease that burden. Take advantage of it.

         

        Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

        The importance of a full night’s rest

        Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

        “I maybe get five hours a night,” commented first-year pre-nursing major Stephanie Oseguera. “I feel really good in the mornings and then I just crash.”

        This problem amongst students at Western is all too prevalent. With seemingly never-ending to-do lists and countless responsibilities, sleep can often fall to the back burner. Priorities are made and, for many, getting to bed on time isn’t one of them. Making this a part of your routine is far more than a nasty habit; it’s detrimental to your health.

        Short-term sleep deprivation has many negative consequences: drowsiness, forgetfulness, high anxiety, high irritability and decreased awareness are among the few. Regularly having nights of poor sleep, though, will do far more than the simple next day irritability.

        Without proper sleep, you’re putting yourself at risk for problems such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. It’s not just a want — getting a full night’s sleep is essential to living a full and healthy life.

        According to a study done at Stanford University, the average sleep requirement for college students is well over eight hours. So, if you have an 8 a.m. class, and want to get up at least an hour before — which will also help you feel more awake and energized during class — you’ll want to be asleep by 11 p.m.

        While getting to bed on time is definitely a good start, you’ll want to make sure that you’re actually getting a full night’s rest, rather than being fitful and never actually getting deep sleep. In order to do this, there are some simple steps to follow.

        Do not drink caffeinated beverages four to six hours before you head to bed: no late night lattes, energy drinks, soda or even drinks such as green tea. Simply enjoy those well before bedtime.

        Next — and this one is often the hardest for many — create a sleep schedule and stick to it. Unfortunately, this also includes your weekends. While it may be tempting to stay up until 3 a.m. when you know you have no responsibilities the next morning, you’re setting yourself up for failure when Monday morning rolls around. Do yourself a favor, and attempt to stick to a similar schedule everyday.

        Put away all your electronic devices 30 minutes before bed; Instagram will still be there in the morning, you can check it after sending your Snapchat streaks when you get up the next day. It can wait. Dedicate those 30 minutes in bed before sleeping to unwind, relax and let your mind shut-off.

        In the end, we are still human beings. Sometimes, those late night homework sessions are unavoidable. The best thing you can do to deal with sleep deprivation the next day is to make sure to stay fueled up and hydrated. Give yourself some breaks during the day. If possible, take a very brief nap. Make sure you aren’t napping too long though, or you’ll be stuck in the same cycle tomorrow.

         

        Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

        Eating gourmet from a mug

        Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

        Whether you’re an on-campus student with the desire to stay in dorm or an off-campus student on a time crunch, or you’re simply out of clean dishes, now’s your chance to practice creating these microwave masterpieces.

        What’s better than a meal in a mug? It’s effortless to eat while binging Netflix in bed, or perfect if you’re on the go. Made with ingredients that are cheap and easy to keep in a mini-fridge, these recipes are foolproof for any student.

        Photo by Caity Healy

        Simple Scramble

        Crack 2 eggs into a mug. Add about 1 tablespoon of milk and stir. Microwave for 1 minute. Add any toppings you would like — cheese is a must — and cook for another 30 to 60 seconds. Season with salt and pepper.

        Inspired by a recipe found on spoonuniversity.com

        Photo by Caity Healy

        Straightforward French Toast

        Mix ¼ cup milk, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, cinnamon and 1 egg in a mug. Take 1 slice of bread, butter 1 side if possible and rip it into bite size pieces. Submerge this in the egg mix. Microwave for 2 minutes, pausing every 30 seconds. Allow to sit 1 minute before eating. Optional: add chocolate chips for a really sweet treat.

        Inspired by a recipe found on prettyprudent.com

        Photo by Caity Healy

        Manageable Mac n’ Cheese

        Put ½ cup of macaroni noodles in a mug and pour in about 1 cup of water. Microwave for  8 minutes, checking every couple of minutes, until the noodles are soft. Add ½ cup of a cheese of your choice to the mug while there’s still a small amount of water. Heat for another minute, and stir until the cheese is melted.

        Inspired by a recipe found on madebymonique.com

        Photo by Caity Healy

        Cheap Chocolate Cake

        Purchase 1 box of chocolate cake mix. Take out about 2 tablespoons and mix with 2 tablespoons of soda — cola or cream soda are recommended — and microwave for 60 to 90 seconds. Weird, I know, but I promise it works. Plus, you can save the rest of the cake mix for a future mug cake.

        Inspired by a recipe found on spoonuniversity.com

         

        Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

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