Mount Hood

Pursue one’s dreams and become a business owner

Written by: Sierra Porter | Staff Writer

One of the greatest attractions Oregon has to offer is its large variety of unique, locally owned, creative businesses. These include businesses like food trucks, soap companies, haunted tours, bake shops, handmade items like clothes, jewelry and so much more. With a little bit of incentive and a lot of determination, one can turn their biggest passions into a career. Who wouldn’t want to be their own boss? 

One of the benefits of starting one’s own business is having full creative freedom and connecting with the community through that creativity. In recent years, there have been increasing opportunities for those who have a passion for arts and handmade crafts. 

Though one may not have their own store or permanent location to sell their products, there are numerous options to put oneself out there. Oregon has many seasonal/holiday markets, sporting events, local events and festivals that are open to local artists that allow them to get a chance to sell their wares. 

Getting a business on its feet can be a daunting task and renting out a spot in these types of events may not be accessible to all; don’t worry, there are ways to get one’s business out there without worrying about the starting costs. For example, the Oregon State Fair offers various types of competitions that do not require an entry fee and can provide an opportunity to get one’s name out there. Competitions like these create an opportunity for the public to learn how businesses are made and how they work — it can even give one an opportunity to sell their products to locals. 

Arts and crafts are not the only self-made business that is popular right now. Food trucks have also been increasingly popular throughout the years. It’s not necessary to go to culinary school or train under a star chef to be an amazing cook with creative ideas. 

Again, with a little initiative and determination one can take their favorite cuisine to the next level in their own food cart. As someone who personally works for an artisan grilled cheese truck, believe me when I say it is possible to do anything one loves to do. 

Regardless of what business one would like to pursue, there are many opportunities and benefits that come with all of them. Being one’s own boss means having the ability to create a schedule that is flexible and caters to one’s needs. If additional funds are needed, one can book more events; if one needs a break, they can give themselves a grace period that won’t affect any fiscal earnings. Overall, running a local business has so many positives for the owner and those working for the business, as well as the people in the community. 

Don’t just take it from me— hear some insight from the real self-made business owner of SoCheesy food truck, Gary Cooper. 

Cooper created his food truck business, So Cheesy, in 2016 and it has done nothing but grow since then. The best part, Cooper says, is “…putting a smile on customers’ faces – with the abundance of negativity in today’s society being able to provide a moment of comfort, peace and joy is rewarding.” 

Cooper gave the Howl some valuable tips to share with those wanting to start their own business. He admits it can be scary and, “You never know what tomorrow will bring (so) move forward with courage.” 

Cooper also recommends that it’s helpful to maintain a traditional job to cover financial needs — a young business has financial pressures so having another source of income in the beginning will be beneficial in the long run. His final tip was a simple but important one:

“Constant reinvestment is a key to growing your business.” 

The longer one has a business the more changes will come related to trends, increasing demand, increased opportunities as well as learning what customers preferences are. Reinvestment to cater to changes like these will guarantee your business to grow. 

Cooper encourages students to pursue their own businesses after college and says it’s a “…wonderful opportunity to exercise your potential.” 

The ability to create a career of one’s own, based on individual creativity and passions, is something most desire in life, and it may not be as impossible as one may think. 

Figuring out what to do after college is extremely intimidating and many students have an innate fear that they’ll be stuck in a job they hate for the rest of their lives. Starting a self-owned business has many responsibilities but the benefits are all worth it. Doing something that’s easy to love every day, creating connections with others, and having the freedom to make all the decisions sounds pretty awesome to me. 

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

Life lesson from Libby and Lucie

Written by: Liberty Miller | Lifestyle Editor

Growing up, I always lent my mom out to my friends like a blockbuster movie. I remember saying something along the lines of “She can adopt you, she’s the best. She’ll cook you lots of good food and tell you what you need to hear.” 

In my eyes, that was the recipe for a loving household. To this day, I think the cure to any tough situation is a home-cooked meal and a stern talk from the legend herself. Even though I roll my eyes and huff and puff about how she’s too hard on me, she gives her advice for a reason.

Present day, my mom is subject to my constant barrage of calls and debriefs on disastrous situations — not once has she let me down. 

So, in honor of putting my mom in the print edition of the Howl, I’m going to share some of the best advice I’ve received from her and some of my best advice as well. The premise: how to be a young adult in a world that makes young adulting nearly impossible. 

Having a hard time adjusting to new circumstances, a hard job, a stressful workload or just people? Here’s what Lucie says to me: see it through, when one commits to something, it looks the best for that individual to see it through and do their best work. That way, coming out of a tough situation, they can still be confident in the fact that they did their best, did the right thing and overcame that challenge. 

So in the many times I came across a hurdle or situation that seemed unsolvable, I pulled myself up by the bootstraps and made it work somehow. This has helped me instill confidence in my ability to do hard things. Thanks, Mom. 

Unsatisfied with current employment or looking to pursue a different and more advanced career? Transferring schools or majors? Here’s what Lucie has to say about that: ONLY make lateral or upward movements. Pertaining specifically to jobs, either find a job that has equal pay and higher satisfaction or a job that pays more in a more advanced position.

This is what climbing the ladder is all about. Concerning the advice about seeing things through, it is smart, professionally, to stay at a job and do well for about 3 years, and then seek better opportunities in the future once established at the current position. 

In a committed relationship as a young adult? Learning to balance life and fun in college? Here is the best advice I’ve been given regarding that. Lucie says, first and foremost, to establish oneself as a woman/individual in the workforce before relying on someone else emotionally or financially. My mom worked and supported herself for years in Texas in the retail industry. It had its challenges, yes, but it also highlights the importance of independence and responsibility.

Asking for help from family and supporting/being supported by friends is crucial, of course, but asking for that type of support from a romantic partner ultimately doesn’t end well in a lot of cases. It’s best to have ownership of work, pride and savings to fall back on when disaster strikes. 

Speaking of family, ultimately, the best advice has been demonstrated by my mom, not just verbalized. In my culture, specifically because my mom’s side of the family is Hispanic, family is everything to us. Family will drive us insane; get on every last nerve humanly possible; argue and fight; family will also support us; help out financially; raise us; listen to us; spend Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter with us; and watch us grow up year after year. Family is there when there is nothing else left.

The best advice my mom gave to me was to value family over everything. There was a time in my life when romantic partners and friends took priority. They took my time and attention, but when all was said and done and those people eventually left, I had a family, a village to fall back on for unconditional love and support. 

There have been several situations where I’ve had to choose between family and others who wanted priority, and I’ve been steadfast in my decisions to choose my family and have been monumentally happier as a result. Whether you have close relatives or a found family, cherish them. 

Finally, the part where I share my advice. My mother raised a top-tier rebel, original thinker and troublemaker despite her best guidance, which means I have learned more life lessons the hard way than your average Joe. Therefore, all of my readers are now subject to my life-philosophy soliloquy, honed by years of making the worst decisions and somehow still ending up okay. 

How I survive life is by being honest with myself and staying true to my values. I try my best to live life authentically every day and set aside time to be quiet and practice gratitude. I forge ahead and do the things I’m terrified to do because the worst thing that can happen is rejection, which is a feeling that becomes less damaging the more I condition myself to it. I find my close friends and stick with them. I don’t change myself to fit other’s expectations or standards of what I should be and act like. I put a lot of effort into the things I care about.

When I make a mistake, I use it as an opportunity to grow and do something different. When I see an immovable wall, I find a way to crush it. I seize chances to make something that matters even when I don’t believe in myself. I have faith that everything will work out exactly the way it’s supposed to.

My words of advice are: life is too fleeting to let feelings like anxiety and fear stop someone from achieving great things. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Online dating safety tips

Written by: Taylor Duff | Freelancer

In today’s modern world, finding love is more than difficult as everyone can, in a millisecond, reject a profile they see while scrolling the many dating apps. By chance, scrolling through these apps, one might find someone who intrigues them. This person is perfect. They are funny and their values align with yours. The future looks bright! Now there reaches a point when a suitor is acquired and both participants feel things are going well enough to meet. When it comes to online dating, there are a few crucial things to keep in mind. 

Creating a profile — When creating a dating profile it is best to avoid using photos or videos of oneself in places that can be traced or reveal personal information.

Displaying interest — When it comes to displaying one’s interests and facts about oneself, keep it clear and subtle. Be clear about what one expects from the app; this helps others determine the difference between a real and fake account. 

Discretion — Be discreet: use only a first name or nickname on one’s profile, and refrain from displaying anything like a phone number or any other personal identification. 

Scams — Be aware of scammers. The internet can be a dangerous place and that includes dating apps. People might ask for money, personal favors or more personal information than what one should be willing to give. If this occurs, it’s best to unmatch and block the user. 

Getting to know someone — If one is matched with someone they like, talk to them as much as possible and get to know them as they will reciprocate interest. This also ensures the person one is speaking to is real and of course, is interested. 

Video chat — Video chat and talking over the phone is not only a great way to communicate with a suitor but also to feel safe. 

Meeting up — If one chooses to meet a person through a dating app, it’s best to meet in a public setting during the day where other people are around.

Have a means of escape — Driving oneself ensures a safe way out if things go awry.

Share, share, share — Share the name of the person as well as their profile and location one intends on meeting.

Now with all these tips in mind, online dating can be safe and secure as we watch out for our well-being and potentially find our person. Love can begin and the swiping is over. Just remember that dating in this modern world can be a fairytale.   

Contact author at tduff23@mail.wou.edu

Whole bean coffee makes you whole

Written by: Liberty Miller | Lifestyle Editor

Listen while you read: Tom’s Diner by AnnenMayKantereit, Giant Rooks

Go sit in a coffee shop. Any college student — or college newspaper reader — with a busy schedule would ask what the value is in going to a coffee shop and sitting down without doing something productive. However, the plague in our society is our incessant need to be on the go — accomplishing herculean feats in every nanosecond of the day. 

In reality, sometimes the more productive thing to do is to sit in silence. Our world is full of sensory information, such as smells, tastes and sights. The environment we place ourselves in dictates the contents of our informational input. 

An employee can’t truly experience an island resort if they are simply drinking a margarita at nine in the morning from the confines of their office cubicle. They have to feel the ocean air, hear the birds and THEN drink a margarita. We must find places where we can feel at peace in the bustle and action of our everyday lives. Ergo, the coffee shop.

What about cafes brings people so much joy? They were created for joy. Community, conversation, comfortability — cafes. Every local sit-in coffee shop has some sort of theme and most likely some sort of artwork lining the walls, plants in every corner as well as comfortable seating and lots of windows. They were designed for people to sit down and enjoy what suits their tastes. 

Now, it may be in the innate marketing nature of these cafes that they would want to be the ideal environment to inhabit, but many times it’s much more than that — the people create the culture. So, when stressed, overwhelmed, angry or sad, finding the ideal sensory environment is important. 

And now onto more deep rooted issues than the design nuances of a cafe — the sense of I-need-to-do-ism. I’m sure 99% of readers are already infected by this plague. I would not say I am the role model in creating mindful moments or relaxing since I’ve stayed up until three in the morning studying for midterms, but I do know how to have an insanely productive non-productive cafe experience. 

Here’s what needs to be done: wear comfortable clothing, bring a real book i.e. paper, and set the phone to do-not-disturb for at least 1-3 hours.  Find the nearest cafe that fits the description above, and find a spot in the corner to sit down. For those 1-3 hours, look. See. Perceive. Watch the cars pass the window facing the street. Watch the barista pour espresso and cream into the brown mug. Watch the elderly couple try their scones and the little kid who was given the big responsibility of ordering his own hot chocolate. 

Next is to taste. Taste the sweetness in the mocha, or the savory cream cheese and bagel combo. At this point, become rooted in the present, and the due dates and worries about bills to pay will all start to fall away. 

But, if not quite convinced, try to feel. Feel the warmth emanating from the mocha, the comfortable chair being occupied and the sandy texture of book pages being flipped. 

The last step is simply to be. This is a place and time designated for one to be still and exist without external forces to dissuade. It’s all a part of the grand scheme of simply existing— observing the socio-environmental web that transcribes everyday life into a symphony. If the cup is empty, one must learn to fill it up again. The coffee cup, more specifically.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Cheap and easy food recipes

Written by: Sierra Porter | Staff Writer

Living in a dorm room on campus has tremendous benefits like meeting new people, having access to resources for school and finding opportunities for new experiences. One thing that does not come easy is finding cheap and dorm-accessible foods that don’t require a kitchen. 

Here are three delicious dorm room food recipes that are $15 or less and are sure to satisfy one’s hunger without leaving the comfort of one’s room:

FINGER LICKER SANDWICH: 

Start to finish: 15 minutes

½ cup banana, sliced

2 tablespoons of nutella 

2 slices of cinnamon bread 

2 tablespoons sugar

1 cup cream cheese, softened 

Let the cream cheese sit in a small bowl for 8-10 minutes to allow it to soften then add sugar – and mix until smooth. Add nutella to one side of the cinnamon bread and the sweet cream cheese on the second slice. Cut the banana into smaller slices then lay them on top on the nutella side, close and enjoy. 

Recipe from Socheesy.guru

APPLE CINNAMON OVERNIGHT OATS:

Start to finish: Overnight or 8-12 hours

½ chopped apple, or whatever fruit one prefers

½ cup old-fashioned oats

1 tablespoon raisins 

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1 cup 2% milk, or whatever milk one prefers 

Chopped nuts — optional 

Chop up an apple, or fruit of choice, into small pieces then combine all ingredients in a container or mason jar. Another option is to layer; put half of  the oats, fruit, ground cinnamon, raisins and then ½ cup of milk in one layer– repeat again for the last layer. Keep cold overnight and enjoy at one’s leisure. 

Recipe from Taste of Home

HUMMUS & VEGGIE WRAP:

Start to finish: 5 minutes 

2 tablespoons hummus 

1 wheat or flour tortilla

2 tablespoons shaved or finely cut carrots 

2 tablespoons finely sliced cucumber 

¼ cup mixed salad greens 

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 

2 tablespoons of chopped sweet onion, optional 

Spread tortilla with hummus. Layer with salad greens, carrots, cucumber and onion. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and roll up tightly. 

Recipe from Taste of Home 

Growing up is bad for you

Written by: Liberty Miller | Lifestyle Editor

t seemed like only yesterday that my biggest concern was feeling nauseous on the 30 minute bus ride back home before getting picked up by my mom at the end of the lane; everything was taken care of, and I had little to no thoughts about the future… back in the day. 

Nowadays, we are all in the unique position of having adult responsibilities like work, the dreaded annual taxes, homework and the understanding that if we sleep wrong, our necks will hurt for the next five days; and yet, we are not quite real adults. College is a buffer where one can undergo a trial phase instead of feeling the crushing reality of adulthood immediately following high school graduation. 

There are a set amount of variables that we can count on to appear as we traverse into our early 20’s: jobs, financial responsibility, stress, challenges and independence. However, I think that there is one big fallacy — a lie that’s been incorporated into our minds by society for years now. 

Childlike wonder, youthful optimism, utter refusal to abide by the stoic and unforgiving rules of society. These are the things we need to carry into the world and possess — in tandem with all of the givens that define adulthood. 

The big lie of society is the predetermined expectation to let these things go. Don’t give up on the smallest of small things that make life joyful because of societal conditioning to be put together, ultra-productive, serious and “mature.” 

If I think that the Wiggles are the greatest musical group to ever exist — bet on it that I’m going to that Wiggles concert. If I feel that crocheting, watching Disney channel or having deep conversations with my stuffed animal is going to bring me even the slightest molecular glimpse of happiness, I am going to do that. 

We supposedly only get the first 18 years of our life to act like a fool, but it takes a brave soul, and some belligerent optimism, to carry on that joyful spirit past the years we’re told are socially acceptable. So my advice is that after reading this article, we go about life doing whatever the hell we feel like doing. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

October opportunities and activities

Written by:  Sierra Porter | Staff Writer

As students jump into the school year this fall, heads will be filled with priorities of homework, classes, jobs and of course, the pressures of everyday life. Oregon has a tremendous amount of October opportunities of all sorts stemming from screamingly scary to family friendly. 

When it comes to the scariest Oregon has to offer, Fear PDX, Nightmare Factory and the Halloween Train are the best places to look. 

Fear PDX Haunted House takes place every weekend from Sept. 29  until Nov. 1 and is the largest Halloween event in Portland. Fear PDX offers up to eight different terrifying attractions that include gore, chainsaws and escape games. 

The Nightmare Factory is at the Oregon School for the Deaf and is held every weekend in Salem from now until the end of November. Deaf students, alongside volunteers, provide a heart-racing experience with interactive lights, displays and scary characters. Proceeds from the Nightmare Factory contribute to the yearly funds for the Oregon School for the Deaf and help support the longest-running haunted house in all of Oregon. 

Mt. Hood offers the Phantom of the Rails Halloween Train — available to book online Oct. 20-21 and Oct. 27-28. Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, the Halloween Train provides a two-and-a-half-hour ride filled with ghosts and spooks. 

Oregon has more than just spooky attractions and has a variety of events perfect for people of all ages and scare levels. Bauman’s Farm puts on a harvest festival each year from Sept. 23 through Oct. 29 that includes hay rides, pumpkin picking, a dark maze, an animal petting zoo and kids’ play areas. 

If you’ve never seen a giant pumpkin you may have a chance this October… 

From Oct. 20-21, the West Coast Pumpkin Regatta is taking place with dressed-up members of the community paddling in giant pumpkins in the Regatta Race. 

Eastern Oregon is also celebrating its fourteenth annual film festival during Oct. 19-21 — supplying various films and documentaries for the community to enjoy. 

Don’t stay cooped up in your dorm this October, and take advantage of all of Oregon’s best October opportunities.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

How Washington and Oregon shape culture in the PNW

Written by: Liberty Miller | Lifestyle Editor

The first things that come to mind when asked about the Pacific Northwest are somewhat stereotypical — trees, coffee, cult classics like Twilight and Grey’s Anatomy and the inevitable rainy sky. 

Taken at face value, all of these subcomponents of Pacific Northwest society seem one-dimensional, however, our little corner of the world has a rich, encompassing culture, filled to the brim with small moments of joy. In a place where cloudy days consume 222 days of the year, we have managed to create a special space where art, caffeine and the environment coincide to procure the comfortable place we all call home.

We are approaching those times now. The residents of the Northwest are prone to seasonal depression — most of the time shut in by circumstance. As a result, we create sanctuaries to nurture our minds and enjoy the creative and diverse individuals around us. Locals light up indoor spaces with their art. Social events, clubs, family and friends tuck us into close proximity, making our days just a little more bright. Our region’s rich and deeply enmeshed relationship with coffee brings many of us warmth and energy. 

Many of us line our rooms with plants, real or fake, to bring the outdoors to our bedside. Many of us watch comfort shows, and to no surprise, a few of those hit close to home. Movies like Sleepless in Seattle, The Twilight Saga, Ten Things I Hate About You, Halloweentown and The Goonies show off our little corner of the world, and we find solace in our sparse representation. 

Although the population of this area is vast and numerous, our cities and towns remain close. There is a sense of togetherness when the rain drones on for days because we know that it is dancing on everyone’s rooftop, muddying every shoe that steps outside. Millions of people ordering coffee from their favorite shop; millions of paintings and posters lining the walls of shops and institutions; millions of warm moments spent with those who are close to us — 

While we cherish those times when the sun shows herself, we do not need her to create light for us. We can do that for ourselves.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Watching anime can inspire, embolden and transform

Written by: Liberty Miller | Lifestyle Editor

Anime. Such a peculiar hill to die on. I think so too. I also think we all have some innate urge to share what is close to us, especially if it has a great impact on who we are as a person or changes the way we think.

Consumption of inspiring media, such as sports or shonen anime, can be of great benefit for personal growth. Many of my personal tales are centered around, and can partially be attributed to, beliefs and values I determined for myself while watching anime. 

In my senior year of high school, I read Haikyuu — a manga about high school volleyball players. I decided I wanted to play professionally — like the main character. “He who climbs the ladder must begin at the bottom” — Ittetsu Takeda. 

I played in community college for two years as the starting libero. I became an All-American. I was one of the top junior college liberos in the country — among other accolades. I flew to Nebraska to demonstrate in front of Division One coaches for a national conference. It was there that I met the Team USA Olympic Coach, Karch Kiraly. I walked up to him and told him, “I play at community college, I am going to transfer to university and then I am going pro.” 

I didn’t have any commitments or any prospects at the time. 

Regardless, he invited me to go to the national open program, so I flew to Colorado Springs to play with the top volleyball players in the nation. Then I flew to Connecticut to sign with Southern Connecticut State; only to be contacted by the coach shortly after canceling my recruitment. 

I felt that I had failed. I had no options. I laid in bed for a week. I watched Naruto. “A hero is not the one who never falls. He is the one who gets up, again and again, never losing sight of his dreams” — Rock Lee. I got out of bed. I sent emails. I received emails back. I ended up here, at Western. 

When I got here, I was overwhelmed with the intensity and difficulty of the program. I watched Demon Slayer. “If you are feeling disheartened, that you are somehow not enough, set your heart ablaze” — Kyojuro Rengoku. 

Last Tuesday, I was asked to share my quote for the week. I chose this: “It is only those brave enough… those bold enough… to follow the difficult, demanding path of competition, who have the right to reap the wealth of experience and memories it can bring. For today, you happen to be the defeated. But what will you become tomorrow?” — Haikyuu.

Anime is not just for laughs, and it isn’t pure entertainment. It can constitute the way of life one chooses to take, as well as the decisions one makes. It certainly did for me.



Contact the author at howllifestyler@wou.edu

A, B, Coffee: for your next coffee order

Curious about coffee? Wanting to spice up a routine caffeine run? Here are some options in a comprehensive, educational list to start the school year off right. 

Americano — Espresso and hot water

Affogato — Espresso over ice cream

Cafe au lait — Espresso and warmed milk

Cafe Misto — Half drip coffee, half steamed milk

Cappuccino — Equal parts espresso and milk foam

Cortado — Espresso shots marked with steamed milk

Drip Coffee — Its coffee b—h

Espresso — Simple espresso shots served hot or iced 

Flat White — Ristretto shots with lightly foamed steamed milk

Latte — Espresso with steamed milk

Long Black — Ristretto with more espresso, less hot water

Macchiato —  Steamed milk with espresso shots poured on top

Mocha — Latte made with chocolate

Red-eye/Shot in the Dark — Drip coffee with a shot of espresso

Ristretto — Smaller, sweeter espresso shots

Traditional Macchiato — Espresso shot ‘marked’ with milk

Contact the author at howldigitalmediamanager@wou.edu

Our Class Cocktails

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

A few members of the Howl took the time to deeply ponder what cocktail would fit best with each major here at Western. Find the drink to clink at one’s graduation toast. 

American Sign Language — Mimosa 

Anthropology — Old Fashion

Art and Design — Jello Shot 

Arts in Dance — Lavender Lemon Drop

Biology — Warm Beer

Business — Smirnoff Ice. 

Chemistry — Azidoazide Azide

Communication Studies — White Claw  

Community Health — Aperol Spritz

Computer Science/Mathematics — Gin and tonic 

Childhood Studies — Tequila Sunrise 

Criminal Justice — Whiskey on the rocks

Earth Science — Lemon Drop

Education — Kamikaze

English Studies — Pinot Noir 

Exercise Science — Spicy Margarita

Gerontology — Death in the afternoon 

History — Manhattan 

Humanities — Pina Colada 

Information Systems — Strawberry Daiquiri 

Information Technology — Dirty Vodka Martini

Interdisciplinary Studies — Long Island Iced Tea

International Studies — Moscow Mule

Interpreting Studies — Body Shot

Mathematics — Vodka shot x2

Teaching — Green Apple Martini 

Music — Gibson

Philosophy — Whiskey Sour

Political Science — A shot of tequila

Pre Nursing — Bloody Mary 

Psychology — Rum and Coke

Public Health — Chardonnay 

Public Policy & Administration —  Gin martini with a twist

Social Science — Long Island fish bowl

Sociology — Sangria 

Spanish — Mojito

Sustainability — A tall glass of water 

The Arts — Cider

Masters in anything — A full bottle of champagne.  

Contact the authors at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu howlentertainment@mail.wou.edu

Graduation Motivation

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

The time has finally come. For some this journey has taken a decade, for others it has been as short as three years. Nevertheless, this is an accomplishment to be proud of. For some, this is another degree on their path through education, for many this is the finish line. No matter where one’s headspace is at, here are a few things to think about. 

Go to events — This is the last chance to go to a Western event as a student. If something sounds interesting, might as well go check it out. If one is personally invited to an event or award ceremony, make time to attend. This is where memories are made and how one can create interesting answers when asked about one’s college experience. 

Post-grad stance — A  question many ask after finding out one is graduating is “what are your plans after graduation?” No matter if one has or does not have a specific plan, remember that all that matters is how one personally feels. All that truly matters is that one pursues their endeavors with passion. Everything will work out. All of the hard work was for something. The opportunities are there, they just may not be revealed yet. 

Lean on fellow graduates — This is one of the few moments in life where one is surrounded by many people in very similar circumstances. Use the community of graduates as a source of relief. Lean on friends, ask them how they are doing and release personal worries. Spend time with them because for most, this will be the last week with them. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Throwing a Cat Birthday Part

Written by: Mikayla Coleman

I’ve had a few cats in my lifetime, but one constant was that they were all rescued and adult-aged, meaning I had no idea when their actual birthdays were. When I adopted a kitten this summer who was born in-shelter and I saw her date of birth written on her paperwork, I knew instantly that I was going to be celebrating every birthday with her. 

It sounds kind of crazy right? Who throws a birthday party for their cat? Me. I do. As someone who loves to divert attention from myself onto other people — or I guess, animals — I could not think of a better way to gather my friends in a format in which I didn’t have to be the center of attention. 

The steps listed below are the ones that I took to throw my cat’s first birthday party. Use these tips if one finds themselves in a similar situation — all aspects of our lives deserve to be celebrated, especially the lives and relationships of our pets. 

Make invitations — When I knew I was going to have a birthday party for my cat, I knew invitations would be important. One should choose whether they would like to have a digital invitation in the form of a pdf, printed invitations or both options to choose from. I ended up printing my invitations because I wanted my friends to be able to have a physical picture of my cat to display in their homes on their refrigerators or walls. It also made it seem like more of a solidified deal, getting the partygoers thinking “Oh, wow, there are actual invitations. She is taking this very seriously.” 

There are many ways to design both digital and printed invitations. If one is printing invitations, stores like Walmart or Walgreens print invitations for pretty cheap and have a plethora of different invitation designs to choose from and individualize. I ended up making my own custom invitation on a drawing software called ProCreate, where I drew over a pre-existing picture of my cat, including the party’s day, time and place. I then got them printed through Walmart and distributed them amongst my friends. 

Decorations and supplies — When I started researching decorations for pet birthday parties, I was pleasantly surprised by how much variety there was to choose from in the pet party realm. There were a lot of different packages on Amazon, many of which included balloons and banners spelling out things like “Meow” and “Let’s Pawty.” At first, I thought these were pretty cheesy, and don’t get me wrong, a lot of them were not the aesthetic that I was going for, but I ended up picking up a “Let’s Pawty” banner from Target, of all places. I picked up some other miscellaneous supplies like a flower garland and small paper plates from there as well. The star of the show, however, was the cat birthday outfit I bought off of Amazon — a party hat and skirt decorated with polka-dotted tulle resembling confetti. I do not think I will get her to tolerate it for even a second, especially not in front of our guests, but I couldn’t not buy it. 

Pick out party favors — When it comes to a cat party, party favors had me kind of stumped. My guests are all college-aged and older, so traditional goodie bags were out the window. I wanted to have something to offer as thanks for coming to my super extra cat birthday party, and everyone knows college students love free stuff, especially if it’s cute. After scouring the depths of Amazon, I found some cute cat keychains that were all in the same sort of cute, minimalist style that came with cute mesh gift bags. This was great, but it didn’t feel like quite enough, so I ordered a few sticker packs in a similar style and paired them with the keychains. 

Food and drinks — Running on a college budget, trying to figure out food and drinks was difficult. I wanted to be able to allow people to choose what they want to snack on, without having to cook anything on my own and accommodating a large variety of food allergies. I ended up going with a charcuterie board, which allowed me to be able to cover all of those bases. I did a majority of my shopping at Trader Joe’s and supplemented missing pieces at other stores like Roth’s. 

Happy celebrating!

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu 

The Language of Etiquette

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

The fork goes on the left and the dessert spoon goes at the top. Moreover, do not forget to start on the outside and work inward towards the plate. The cutlery resting directly on the plate indicates the end of the meal to the catering team.

These were only some of the many dining etiquette tips provided to the 150+ students and professionals by the special guest speaker of the Etiquette Dinner, Sabra Jewell. Jewell is the Communications Coordinator for the City of Monmouth, with a background in communications and experience in hospitality and catering. This made Jewell the perfect candidate for guiding guests of the event toward a professional dining experience.

“I’ve done it all,” explained Jewell. “I have served every kind of level of practice and style of dining on every kind of budget. I have seen it all from that perspective.”

The Center for Professional Pathways is the on-campus organization that brings the Etiquette Dinner together for students every year. However, the event — despite being a student favorite for many years — was absent from campus tradition for some time due to a brief hiatus. 

This year, the Center for Professional Pathways partnered with the Stitch Closet to provide students with a double event through both dinner and a fashion show. The purpose of the culmination of the two events was to teach students about professional and business communication, as well as the importance of nonverbal cues and fashion etiquette — whilst still encouraging an environment where guests can have fun and dress in formal attire. 

The fashion show took place prior to the dinner, which presented guests with eight categories of attire — including interview attire, sports attire and formal work attire — and encouraged guests to make an educated guess on which attire corresponded with which category. The Stitch Closet rewarded the individuals with the highest number of correct answers with flowers from the event.

The dinner portion of the event consisted of a three-course meal, featuring mocktails and the option for both vegan and gluten-free alternatives. Jewell taught attendees the intricacies of dining etiquette as the guests ate and conversed, such as where to place cutlery, how to correctly butter bread, the correct way to pass the pitcher of water — and most importantly — reminded attendees to keep elbows off the table and their posture straight.

Jewell explained the importance of an event such as this, stating “These events expand your network. You never know who you’re going to meet sitting at one of these tables. It could be your future mentor; your future boss. It could be somebody who’s gonna be a peer who’s gonna help connect you to things in your own career.”

The event was free of charge to any student or community member who wished to participate. It could not have occurred without the help of the sponsor, Ash Creek Animals Clinic, and the beautiful table decor donations from TL Celebrations and generous floral arrangements from Petal & Vines. Ultimately, the event culminated in a resounding success.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Monmouth Recognized Local AAPI Vendors

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

The City of Monmouth was teeming with enthusiastic residents of the community on the evening of Saturday, May 20, as a result of the sunshine and the grand number of local festivities to explore. 

The Asian-American and Pacific Islander Vendors Market was one of the many events brought to the community by the Hawai’i Club, in partnership with the City of Monmouth. The arrival of the vendors market occurred after the conclusion of the Peacock Festival and Fun Run on Main Street Park, which equally captivated and engrossed the community with a few hours of leisure and entertainment.

Taking place in the month of May, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is devoted to the celebration and recognition of the historical contributions of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders — a celebration that largely extends to including the community contributions of local pop-ups and business vendors.

The first of potentially more in the near future with the high number of attendees, the family-friendly vendors market featured a number of businesses owned by the AAPI community, many of which prioritize craftwork and artistry, as well as sustainability. There were food businesses at the market — some familiar to the community, some not — as well, including Da Hale, Yang’s Teriyaki, Sing Fay and Da Ayala Grindz.

Furthermore, the following vendors could be found at the market: Maganda Glassworks LLC, AJE Pottery, Haole Brand Clothing — Hawaii Clothing Brand — and Treats by Yap Trap. These businesses function in that they are either pop-ups or provide catering services through commissions to Monmouth-Independence and the surrounding community in which they are situated and based. For example, AJE Pottery is a pop-up business operating for and in established shops, selling pottery such as mugs, sauce dishes and plant vases, with a creative and adorable touch.

Meanwhile, Maganda Glassworks is a new business just beginning to sprout and make a physical mark in the community, offering art and stained-glass work — including necklaces, earrings and other custom and handcrafted jewelry — as well as courses in stained glass artwork. Maganda Glassworks can be found on Main Street in Independence, Oregon.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

It’s Time for Tea

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

Getting bogged down by doing repetitive activities with friends and loved ones? Looks like it’s time for a tea party. Creating a little event for those who one cherishes can be the perfect way to show appreciation for them. Hosting a tea party is ideal for people of all ages, for any season and gets people outdoors, dressed up and participating in something unique. 

Thrifting — Don’t break the bank by purchasing a full tea set from an antique store. Instead, buy the necessary items from a thrift store. This is more environmentally friendly and will give the party more personality for pennies on the dollar. To keep costs even lower, and provide an activity for guests, ask each of them to bring a thrifted tea cup and tea plate.

Cuisine — Simple finger sandwiches and little cookies will do just the trick. Grab some fun cookie cutters to dress up three ingredient cucumber and tomato twiddle sandwiches. This aspect could also be potluck-style if one is desiring a heartier meal along with the experience. Since iced drinks are more suited for the season, there is no need to go crazy with tea. It is more than okay to grab a jug of iced tea from the grocery store to serve from a decorative pot. 

Invitations — Make this a special occasion for guests to look forward to. Send out custom invitations with the date, time, location, attire and anything else that they may need to bring. This can be done digitally or through physical print by spending no more than 20 minutes on Canva for free. 

Location — A tea party can take place indoors or outdoors. If one desires outdoor seating, there is a great variety to choose from. The event could take place in one’s backyard, public park or even at the beach. 

Attire — Who doesn’t like dressing up? Figure out what is reasonable for guests to already own that would suit the event or keep things simple by asking to wear a sundress or a light-colored shirt and shorts. Create a mood board to give guests inspiration and make sure everyone gets the memo. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Take Time for Travel

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

The world is filled with so many amazing places ready to be discovered. Don’t wait until there is more free time, financial stability or anything else that could be holding one back; let this summer be the start of ones’ traveling journey. 

Roadtrip to a major city

The more the merrier — Traveling with a group of friends can keep costs low as multiple people usually split gas and housing expenses. A good number of group members is around four, so that everyone can comfortably fit in one car and can pair up in two queen beds in a shared hotel room. 

Making use of time — Roadtrips give full freedom regarding the duration of the trip, take advantage of it. If one can only afford a day and a half trip, do that instead of not doing it at all. To get to the destination the fastest, research traffic times for the area to select what time in the morning is best to leave. If one plans to stay in a hotel, check to see the earliest check-in time there is. If the arrival time doesn’t line up with the check-in time, use it to pursue a planned activity. Lastly, have all activities and restaurants picked out before the trip. This will prevent wasting time figuring out what to do when there. This also allows one to make reservations, gain prior knowledge of prices and give the group things to look forward to. 

Near Western — Seattle is a place traveled by many because of their attractions such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Public Market and creative restaurants and bars. Luckily for Western students, this major city is just about four hours away.

Flight away

Tickets — The market is always fluctuating. Try to purchase tickets far in advance for dates during the off season. 

Verbos and Airbnbs — These travel accommodations are great for longer trips with a group of friends. Not only does it provide a kitchen to cook meals daily; it can come with much more. Depending on the location, it can have a backyard, private pool or even a beach. They are also nice for cramming people. If one books a one bedroom place that has a pull out sofa, that leaves the opportunity to fit at least four people. A smaller apartment or house one would typically book for one or two people can turn into the ideal location for a group of college students to stay. 

Routine — To make the most out of time, try to create a routine with one another and stick to it. When everyone eats, sleeps and leaves at the same time, everything can go much more smoothly. 

Resourceful

Gift of a trip — If one’s birthday or special occasion is coming up that involves gift giving, ask for a trip this year. This could be anywhere from a one night stay at a hotel to a ticket for a flight. No matter how big or small, it could make a big difference when splitting the costs with friends. 

Staying with family — Does one have a family member that lives somewhere interesting? Make a trip to see them and view their city from their perspective or bring along friends for the adventure. The amazing part about staying with family, other than free food and lodging, is that everyone gets to bond and enjoy a homey experience that doesn’t come with a typical vacation.  

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Conform or Succeed

Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

In the relentless pursuit of fulfilling societal expectations, one can easily find themselves wandering along an unyielding path paved with predefined notions of success and happiness. But what if we dare to question these dictates? What if we challenge the status quo that confines our dreams to a corporate ladder? Life should be a journey of redefining one’s own measures of fulfillment, seeking solace in the authenticity of one’s soul, which is much easier said than done.

In the ceaseless symphony of societal pressures one experiences when graduating from college, one’s senses are bombarded with benchmarks for success and happiness. We are often told that fulfillment lies in ascending the corporate ladder, where each step comes with a price — our time, our passions and ultimately our very essence. It is within these confines that the definition of success becomes distorted, reduced to mere numbers and status symbols.

Yet, people often fail to recognize the silent toll that conformity takes on one’s well-being. As we march dutifully toward the prescribed ideals, our spirits grow weary, shrouded in a gloomy culture that seeps into the very fabric of our existence. Our mental health falters under the weight of rigid standards. One’s self-worth becomes entangled in the twisted web of comparison and content with worthlessness.

There is no reason one truly needs to conform to the monotonous rhythm of societal expectations. We should have the audacity to question, redefine and reclaim our very essence. It is within the realm of human potential that we could liberate ourselves from the shackles of societal conformity and witness the flight of our individuality, soaring towards a life true to our authentic selves.

The essence of success lies not in the towering heights on a corporate ladder, despite what many are told their entire lives, but rather in the pursuit of personal growth, self-fulfillment and pursuing our deepest passions. Doing so would allow success to become a tapestry woven from the threads of authenticity and self-discovery — a unique reflection of our values, rather than a reflection of societal accolades.

All of this is not to say that one shouldn’t work to earn a living, as being able to function in society is still important for one’s health. One should pursue what makes them truly happy, not what others expect of them.  

Challenge the preconceived notions of success, redefine the contours of happiness and forge a path that reverberates with the song of one’s authentic self.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

Be More Intentional

Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, Twitter and just about every other social media app have accumulated over 4.5 billion users worldwide. These platforms can easily cause one to align their actions, decisions and daily habits far away from any positive values and aspirations, given that many users spend precious time unintentionally surfing the apps.

Mindfulness is a key element of intentional living; it entails connecting with one’s experiences, being fully present in each moment and developing awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings and behavior. One can gain a deeper awareness of themselves and how one reacts to the environment around them by avoiding moments where there is no intention.
Social media platforms have become an integral part of modern life, but their ubiquitous presence can inadvertently lead one away from acting with intention. With endless scrolling and mindless content consumption, we often find ourselves disconnected from our core values and aspirations. Mindless social media usage can create a constant state of distraction, hindering our ability to live with intention.

This doesn’t mean one needs to drop social media usage altogether, but gain control of its usage and align it with things that one feels truly matter. Prioritizing quality over quantity in one’s usage of social media and online connections can help foster a sense of belonging, support and authenticity.

Intentional living extends beyond social media. It is about being mindful and intentional in every aspect of one’s life, including daily routines, relationships and personal growth. One becomes more conscious of their values, desires and the effects of their actions when they engage in mindfulness and self-reflection. Doing so allows for decision-making that aligns with one’s true intentions, online and offline.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

Village for Homeless Youth in the works Polk County

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

On Jan. 10, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency on the homelessness crisis in response to the prevalence of unsheltered individuals and a lack of shelter beds. The emergency declaration was followed by a round of funding for projects allocated to various regional groups across the state.

The overall priority goals of the funded projects are in alignment with the governor’s orders and action plans, which are to rehouse and prevent homelessness for at least 158 unsheltered households in the regional areas and increase shelter capacity by 79 new, low-barrier shelter beds. The plans also include the renovation and expansion of existing emergency shelter locations, including the addition of new bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities.

The Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency and Church at the Park were two regional groups that received millions from a grant for the opening and managing of a new micro shelter. 

Church at the Park is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve and assist the homeless population. In 2022, Church at the Park contributed to the opening of a new youth micro shelter village in Salem, Oregon. There are two micro shelter sites that can be found in the big city, on Southeast Turner Road — specifically for youth — and Northeast Center Street. Church at the Park is consequently the one responsible for finding and securing a location for Polk County’s new micro shelters for homeless youth.

In the past, Polk County lacked the funds to open a micro shelter site for the youth in their rural areas, forcing homeless youth to make the journey toward Salem for help and shelter. This is concerning, since Polk County — especially the rural parts of the county — has some of the highest numbers in youth and student homelessness statistics, according to the Oregon Department of Education. 

If erected, the youth homeless shelter would service the youth of ages 14 through 18. The shelter would accommodate roughly 40 people in each of the five-unit homes. These micro shelters would allow a temporary space for youth to dwell, with assistance in securing their own apartments, connecting to employment and job opportunities, as well as assistance with the transition into rental housing. 

Christ’s Church — a church located a few minutes away from the Western campus — was one of the many locations proposed as the placement for this new youth micro shelter village. 

In May, Christ’s Church was gracious enough to open a meeting to the general public as a result of frequent and ongoing interest from the community regarding the enactment of a new youth micro shelter village. However, the meeting introduced a slew of opposition regarding the location. Moreover, the meeting made concerns regarding safety from community members known. 

According to Church at the Park, their proactive approach to safety for the community and surrounding neighbors include 24/7 staffing, a licensed security team, video surveillance, as well as a partnership with emergency services.

Christ’s Church’s decision on whether or not to accept the proposal as the location for the new micro shelters is expected to be announced in the next few weeks. If the proposal is rejected, Church at the Park will continue to seek a location for the new youth shelter.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

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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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