Mount Hood

Organization for the disorganized

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

On the first day of class, it’s usually easy to spot the type of student with a color coded planner and neatly outlined schedule. For me, unlike these students, organization can be a challenge that requires constant effort. For those who need it, I’ve put together a number of different ways to stay organized when the common suggestions fall short.

It’s important to remember that not everything works the same for everyone. In my case, I used to repeatedly buy planners with the intention of using them throughout the year, hoping I’d keep the habit like some of my classmates. However, the pages would remain empty after the first few weeks of classes. I figured out that, as a visual learner, I also remember things better when I have frequent visual reminders.

This year, instead of buying a planner, I bought a large calendar and hung it near my desk, where I would clearly see my schedule laid out for me. I then applied this logic to my to-do list as well. Instead of writing it down in the back of a notebook, I wrote it on a whiteboard next to my bedroom door. It’s harder for me to miss that online assignment when it’s literally staring me in the face. For me, having a visual aid is effective, so students should consider trying multiple techniques until they find the one that works right for them.

It’s not just space but also time that can be utilized to keep life straight. Many of us have had the experience of being out with friends, ready to have a good time, only to be followed by the nagging feeling that something’s been forgotten. It can be helpful to get into the habit of checking Moodle, email or the calendar or planner in those short moments between classes or before work that might otherwise have been spent on social media. This reduces the chance that that assignment will be remembered at 2 a.m. the night before.

Another challenge is that it’s easy to become overwhelmed when there’s a long list of things to do and no plan. Even if planning out every hour of your schedule isn’t your strong suit, even taking small steps in advance will help get that assignment started quicker.

While living the ultra-organized life isn’t for everyone, that doesn’t mean us disorganized people need to shoulder more stress.

 

Contact the author at rmeyers17@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

 

Stepping into the world

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

After years of learning how to navigate through college, understanding the ways to deal with the workload and constantly being faced with new challenges, a new type of stress is coming for many of the graduating seniors: the pressure and fear that comes with life after graduation, and the daunting feeling of what is to come.

“It’s quite honestly the fear of the unknown,” explained senior psychology major Ashley Biles. “For most of us, we have been in school since we were four- or five-years-old. Graduation symbolizes the end of our education and schooling, therefore it is the end of the known. It’s time to step out into something we literally have no experience in … full-time adulting.”

For many students, Western has become a place of comfort.

“It feels overwhelming, honestly. Leaving (Western) is going to be the hardest transition. It’s home,” commented senior communications studies major Katelin Stewart.

While this intimidating and, for many, terrifying feeling that is associated with the transition that will soon occur can be difficult to manage, there are healthy ways to cope. For some, the immediate instinct may be to suppress these emotions of anxiety and fear, it’s far more productive to channel them into something that will help students reach a level of success.

“I have found that focusing on the end goal helps ease the stress,” commented Biles. “Don’t focus on not knowing what will happen in the future, but rather all that you have done to prepare for the future you have created for yourself.”

Aside from that, there are other ways to turn that stress into something positive.

“Reminding myself that I am capable and that I do have a plan even though it feels like it’s worlds away,” is how Stewart explained her means of coping.

Talking with friends who are also experiencing this feeling can help to calm nerves, and show that no student is alone in this type of emotion. On top of this, students can also “take a few minutes to yourself each night to work on resumes, cover letters and school (and) work applications,” recommended Biles. Anything that will further prepare students for stepping into this new adventure can be a beneficial way to subside that stress.

For students who are not graduating, there are ways to minimize this fear even before reaching the point of soon-graduating.

“Take advantages of the opportunities that arise,” said Biles. Seizing any opportunity to build up a resume and boost one’s hireability will make that graduating term stress far less impactful.

In the end, it’s important to remember that while the fear may feel daunting now, it’s only temporary. Students should take pride in the fact that they just earned a college degree; whatever life throws at them now, they will be more prepared than they realize.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of: Nhregister.com

Alumni: Where are they now?

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

With the end of the academic year just around the corner, graduating seniors are preparing to take that considerable step from Western student to Western alumni. As daunting as this prospect can be, seeing the way that previous Western students, now Western alum, have reached success in different aspects of their lives can be a comfort.

Here are what a few alumni are up to now to display that success can be found through any path a student chooses to take during their time at Western.

Katie Waugh

Graduated with: Bachelor of Arts in education in 2008, Master of Science in education with ESOL endorsement in 2010

Currently: Waugh is in her 10th year of teaching. She taught for nine years in Falls City, Oregon and one year in Monmouth, teaching first grade, second grade and kindergarten. Next year, she is heading back to Eugene and will be teaching kindergarten at Mt. Vernon Elementary.

Best Memory of Western: “Obviously meeting Patrick Waugh, my husband, at Western was the biggest highlight. Being an RA was an awesome experience, too. And … coming into my own as an adult and, as cliche as it is, finding myself was great. It has been awesome to stay close by so long and to have an opportunity to mentor other student teachers from (Western),” commented Waugh.

Photo courtesy of: Katie Waugh

Darlin Gray

Graduated with: Bachelor of Arts in art with a major emphasis in graphic design and a minor emphasis in printmaking and a minor in French in 1996

Currently: Gray moved to Seattle after graduation and started her own firm, which she is still running. Originally, she contracted in-house for larger design firms, ad agencies and corporations with in-house creative teams during the day and work for her own clients nights and weekends, but over time it has evolved into her working solely for her own clients.

Best Memory of Western: “During (the time) I was on campus, Campbell Hall was renovated and reopened … I can still feel the elation of going into the new building when it was reopened. We were a little afraid to dive into doing art in the new environment because it was so clean,” said Gray.

Photo courtesy of: Darlin Gray

Nawwal Moustafa

Graduated with: Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies with focuses in psychology and theatre in 2013

Currently: Moustafa works primarily in education. She has worked as a teacher in New York, then in Portland and now works for an education policy organization with a focus of bettering Oregon’s high school graduation rates. On top of this, she is also a comedian and an illustrator. She performs improv comedy in Portland, as well as festivals all over the country, and she released a coloring book in 2016 titled “Chin Up, Dreamboat.”

Best Memory of Western: “My favorite memory from Western is probably my three years as a PLUS team member!” said Moustafa.

Photo courtesy of: Nawwal Moustafa

Kevin Boss

Graduated with: Bachelor of Science in physical education with a business minor in 2007.

Currently: Boss married his college sweetheart and Western alum Breanna Boss (formerly Breanna Ramsey) in 2009. Together, they have three young kids: Zeke, age 5; Houck, age 4; and Nora, age 2; with another baby girl due this fall. After a six-year career in the NFL, Boss and his family moved to Bend, where he opened up his own Sports Performance Training Facility called Boss Sports Performance.

Best Memory of Western: “My favorite memory from Western is all of the relationships created there that have stood the test of time. And Yang’s,” said Boss.

Photo courtesy of: Kevin Boss

Elise Bradley

Graduated with: Bachelor of Science in education in 1981, completed Master of Science in 1985

Currently: Bradley is an instructor and supervisor of student teachers for Oregon State University College of Education. She was a classroom teacher at various elementary schools for 31 years prior to her current position at OSU.

Best Memory of Western: “I am most fond of the people, students and professors I met and had the opportunity to learn and grow with. The scuba class held in the campus pool is definitely a highlight,” said Bradley.

Photo courtesy of: Elise Bradley

Evan Sorce

Graduated with: Bachelor of Science in political science and a minor in social sciences in 2010

Currently: Sorce moved to Salem to get involved in local politics, volunteering for local candidates. He worked for Catholic Community Services in the quality department for two years, then left to work for Representative Paul Evans in the Oregon State Legislature. He currently works there and has become active in the Marion County Democratic Party and the Salem Sunrise Rotary.

Best Memory of Western: “The organizations I had a privilege to be a part of. I spent two years as a Peer Mentor, one year as an ASWOU Senator and one year as Student Body President,” commented Sorce.

Photo by: Evan Sorce

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

 

Beat the heat with DIY popsicles

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

As spring term officially comes to a close and the temperatures continue to rise, now is the time to celebrate and enjoy the sunshine. What better way to beat the heat than with homemade popsicles? Made with simple and cheap ingredients and requiring next-to-no effort, these delicious treats will keep you cool and have you enjoying every bite.

All ingredients can easily be altered to match your preferences, and the recipes can be cut down to make however many you see fit. As written, each recipe yields 10 popsicles. Aside from the ingredients, the only other supplies you need are popsicle sticks and a reusable popsicle mold, which can be found on Amazon for under $10.

 

Blackberry Lemon Popsicles

Ingredients:

⅔ cup lemon juice, and zest from a lemon

2 ½ cups vanilla Greek yogurt

2 ½ cups blackberries

2 ½ cups mixed berry Greek yogurt

 

Directions:

Whisk lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla yogurt in a medium sized bowl. Set aside. In a blender, puree the blackberries and mixed berry yogurt. Take the two and layer them in the popsicle mold one tablespoon at a time. If you’d like, you can swirl them together for appearance. Freeze for at least six hours.

Recipe inspired by jessicagavin.com

 

Virgin Pina-Colada Popsicle

Ingredients:

4 cups pineapple, chopped

1 15-oz can cream of coconut

3 Tbsp lime juice

 

Directions:

In a blender, puree the pineapple with the cream of coconut and lime juice. If it’s still thick, add a little bit more coconut or lime juice, depending on which flavor you prefer. If you have it, you can add pineapple juice as well. Pour into the mold and freeze for at least four hours.

Recipe inspired by realsimple.com

 

Energy Drink Infused Popsicle

Ingredients:

1 16 oz can Red Bull (or preferred energy drink)

2 cups strawberries, chopped

1 cup raspberries

1 cup mango, chopped

 

Directions:

In a blender, combine all ingredients, slowly adding the energy drink as it is carbonated. Puree, and continue adding energy drink until it reaches a juice like consistency. Pour into molds and freeze for a minimum of four hours.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

 

Photo by: Caity Healy

Serving bright smiles and fresh coffee

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

As I walked down Main Street on a warm spring afternoon, I decided to stop by a coffee house on the side of the road. Upon entering, I was greeted by the smell of freshly brewed java, the sounds of a musician at the piano, a relaxing environment and a smiling face. This was the smile of Rick Gydesen, co-owner of Rick’s Place Coffee House.

This shop has been a study location and lunch destination since its inception in March 1995. Ever since, owners Rick and Mary Gydesen have been creating memories with their regulars, which are customers of all ages.

“I have quite a few regulars,” said Rick. Gesturing towards his wall, he showed me all of the mugs he had on display. Each belonged to a customer who came in on a daily basis.

“Some of these mugs are used every morning. Some are on display in memory. Some of these people have moved. This has been on our wall for at least 15 years now,” Rick commented.

When it came time to order, I got their garden salad and my friend ordered a turkey cranberry sandwich. As we were waiting, we noticed everything that this restaurant was. It’s more than just food; it’s a hangout meant for anyone.

“It’s a good study area, a place for piano players, a place to feature local photographers, authors, painters and craftsmen,” said Rick.

After a while of playing a few tunes on the piano and enjoying ourselves with a cup of coffee, our food was delivered to us. Cooked and made by Rick himself, he was able to bring it out to us fairly quickly, and did so with a smile that made us feel welcome.

The meals were very enjoyable. The sandwich was put together with hazelnut bread, cream cheese, cranberries, sunflower seeds, lettuce and turkey. My friend had never had a sandwich like this and she loved it. The flavors went together well and the crunch in each bite was perfect. My salad was great as well; it was fairly simple, as most garden salads are, but I enjoyed every bite.

Before leaving, Rick spoke with us a bit more on why he loves working here: “Meeting people is my favorite part. I love seeing different faces, and I meet a lot of interesting people here.”

For those interested in a relaxing eatery with fair-priced options, a well-lit study spot or simply a place to sit on a sofa and chat with friends, this restaurant makes for a perfect destination.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

 

An ongoing quest for confidence

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

Previously, for this publication, I described the struggle I had with finding self-confidence. After ups and downs, and years of self-discovery and finding faith within myself, I was finally able to come to an acceptance of who I am, who I want to be and who I will choose to be. I was able to find techniques that made this an easier task, such as exercise. Working out greatly improved my self-esteem. I thought I had figured it out. However, this wasn’t necessarily true.

After publishing my original article “Searching for self-confidence” in issue 2, I reached a new obstacle: my workload was so heavy that finding time to work out was almost impossible. Again, my confidence plummeted. It was then that I realized: confidence cannot be rooted from only my actions, but from my perception of myself. Of course, actions are a large reflection of who a person is, but ultimately, I wanted to be confident in myself without having to justify it with my actions.

My confidence is something that is now greatly improving with a simple act: reassurance. Telling myself that I am able and that I am worth it can be greatly useful. It can feel uncomfortable to speak this way, or to have to reassure yourself of these things, but by forcing myself to repeat it, I slowly began to believe it.

By no means is confidence something that comes easily to me. It’s a daily struggle. However, it’s a struggle that I grow from everyday. Slowly, I can feel myself becoming more confident in situations where I normally don’t feel this way.

I know that I am not the only student at Western who can relate to this feeling. It’s overwhelming, daunting and can make the simplest tasks feel difficult. Clearly, I don’t have an exact, specific answer for anyone who is in need of one, but I urge those in need of answers to look for it through your own experiences. No two journeys to self-confidence are going to be identical; each person will have their ups and their downs.

My advice to anyone struggling with this is to look to those they care about for support. Sometimes, moments of reassurance can be found from those we love, if it’s too much of a difficulty to find it in yourself. For many, there’s nothing easy about getting to a point of high self-confidence, but with the help of others, it can certainly ease the hardships.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Resume organization made simple

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

As the year comes to a close, the search for the ideal summer job begins. Wherever students may look, there’s one component that is almost always needed: a fine-tuned resume. An applicant’s resume is often the first thing an employer will see, therefore, it’s necessary that it’s well put together. This first impression could be the difference between whether an applicant does or doesn’t get a position.

When putting together a professional looking resume, there are some tips students should keep in mind.

“Choose a different font from the defaults,” Dr. Lars Soderlund, professor of technical and workplace writing, commented. He added that the basics are all too familiar “and may make it more likely for your resume to be overlooked.” Instead, opt for a less popular font that might help you stand out.

Soderlund also added that students should “choose a resume template that you like, and make sure it fits with what career you’re pursuing.”

Junior communication studies major Karina Lopez, a Student Learning and Career Development employee, noted that students should “definitely keep it to one page. Add in any current involvement or work experience.” For those who have a lot of experience and are unsure what to include, she added that students should come into the office with a master resume and they will help ween it down to the important items.

On the other hand, some students may struggle and feel as if they don’t have enough to include — however, there are options.

“Focus on education,” Soderlund said. “Students forget that they’re very qualified for a lot of jobs merely by virtue of being in college … if you don’t have a ton of work experience, I recommend starting your resume with Education and having (Western) at the top.”

Soderlund also noted that it’s important to “make the most of your experience … whatever you’ve done, find a way to generate bullets about it that reflect its importance.”

Whether a resume has been edited several times, or it hasn’t even been started, a good place to go for some extra advice or help getting started is the SLCD office. Once there, it’s important to keep an open mind.

“Sometimes students want it to look one way, but at the same time we know what will be most effective,” commented Lopez.

Even if a resume has been checked, edited and reworked time after time, it never hurts to get another set of eyes on it again.

“I would definitely recommend coming in as many times as you can … coming in and polishing it off is great because feedback is always helpful,” Lopez mentioned.

Especially for graduating seniors, having a fine-tuned resume is of the utmost importance.

It should be written with care, and reviewed as frequently as possible to make sure it matches the job and hits all of the main points.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

 

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