Opinion/Special – The Western Howl

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

It has been reported that about 10 million American adults suffer from seasonal affective disorder — SAD — from mid to late fall through the spring season. Oregon, especially, is cold and wet during the cold season, with the sun setting early and the temperature staying chilly throughout the day, even at the peak of the sun.

Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression occurring during the colder months, the timing being the only difference between SAD and typical depression. It often returns annually for those who experience SAD. Explanations for why someone might experience SAD are still relatively unknown. The trigger, however, is a lack of light. The effects can be debilitating for some, and merely exhausting or tiring for others, meaning it varies from person to person.

Doctors make multiple recommendations for those who struggle with SAD. Studies state that proper sleep will elevate energy levels. If sleeping is a problem, doctors also recommend avoiding screens or other blue light before bed and creating a nighttime routine, something that promotes mindfulness and relaxation, ideally for a few hours leading up to sleep.

On the topic of mindfulness, many may benefit from meditation, yoga, pilates or other exercise or mindfulness practices to stabilize the mind and body. The easiest way to do this is to think of the moment — what is being done and how does it feel? Consider it “grounding.”

It is recommended to find everyday movement. To be clear, this does not necessarily mean exercise as in going to the gym or pushing yourself too hard, but finding time every day to walk, jog, step or play. Finding winter activities can assist, such as snowboarding, skiing, ice skating, sledding or even indoor activities, such as baking, cooking, reading, writing, crocheting and more. Creating things is good for the brain and brings feelings of pride and accomplishment.

And, although difficult, it is recommended to leave the house in one way or another, even when it’s freezing outside. Fresh air is good for the body and brain and leaving the house can stimulate, leading to better mental health.

Surrounding yourself with friends and family is a proven way to ward off the negative feelings accompanied by winter and is highly recommended. Being intentional with plans and self-care can help propel oneself into better health. Examples of self-care include forms of mindfulness as mentioned, cleaning, eating more healthily, exploring faith, self-reflection, practicing gratitude and more.

Artificial light is an alternative as well. Individuals may use sun lamps to replicate the light of the sun and using such light first thing in the morning has been proven to have positive effects. Studies also recommend taking media breaks, such as distancing from apps and social media. News, especially, can negatively affect mental health and during such critical months, access should be limited.

Having a clean, clutter-free environment may elevate moods, although the process is technically a chore. Doing the laundry, dishes and vacuuming can create comfort and remove at least a few tasks off the stressful weekly list.

Other resources, such as therapy, are recommended and can be easy to locate. Psychologytoday.com offers therapists from the area, virtually and in-person, and can point interested folks toward the right information to get set up. It often displays insurance information and sign-up material needed.

Antidepressants can also be helpful for those who suffer majorly from SAD. Meeting with your doctor can get this process started.

There are vitamins that individuals can take to promote health and well-being, such as vitamin D supplements — easy to buy from most local stores.

Most of all, individuals should learn what they need to be healthy and prioritize their health. Western’s Student Health and Counseling Center offers resources, professionals to speak to and other help at https://wou.edu/health/. “Wellness is a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential. We view well-being as a multidimensional and holistic process. The seven wellness realms we focus on, include: social, emotional, physical, spiritual, financial, environmental and mental,” says the center.

The website also provides graphics with more advice for handling poor mental health and finding a work-life balance. It recommends volunteering, maintaining relationships and adopting daily rituals. Figuring out what stress responses there are can be incredibly helpful as well, as each method can be remedied in a different way. Those who isolate may benefit from energizing activities, while those who grow angry or emotional may need to find a quiet, relaxing activity to recover instead.

Starting small with stress can make an impact, eventually snowballing into better coping mechanisms and skills. One conversation at a time opens the door for help.

The weather will, eventually, warm; the sun will return. Nobody should suffer alone. Merely having conversations about mental health can help destigmatize the concept of “winter blues” so that others can receive help as well, and feel less isolated in the process.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

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KWOU

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

According to KWOU’s website, “KWOU is a student-run online radio station and has been the sound of (Western) since our humble beginnings in a closet at the Werner University Center in 2010.” Since then, KWOU has moved to Terry House, next to Public Campus Safety, to continue to “blast tunes” and grow their music library. At Terry House, KWOU has a “PAWDCAST” studio available for rent with professional broadcast equipment and soundproofing. Up to four people at once may use the studio.

KWOU has a radio station available for listening and is open for music recommendations. “The station exists to provide Western students, staff and faculty a chance to share their music and perspectives with the world online 24/7, 365,” said the KWOU website.

Molly Martinka, sophomore at Western, is station manager of KWOU for the 2024–2025 academic school year. “I do all of the behind the scenes work when you come in to use the podcast studio, I’m the one you’ll be communicating with in terms of reserving the studio and making sure that you’re all set up to record (for the PAWDCAST studio).”

On top of that, Martinka manages the scheduling if students are interested in DJing. She also oversees KWOU as a whole, making sure that anyone coming in to use equipment or get involved understands the rules so the whole process runs smoothly.

Martinka herself is in the music scene and devoted to KWOU’s mission. “I’m a singer-songwriter,” said Martinka. “I’ve just always loved music. I’ve grown up making it into a career for myself and I think radio is a big part of that, but there’s such a lack of radio right now. It’s very social media and streaming platform based, and I really think that student freedom of speech is very important.”

KWOU has an Instagram account as well as an email for contact — kwou@mail.wou.edu — as a means of getting connected and involved.

“I think there’s this idea that (KWOU) is an exclusive thing that you have to be a part of already, and that’s not the case at all,” said Martinka. “Any student can join, and any student can reach out and reserve the studio or become a DJ, or even if they just wanted to get involved and learn a little bit more about KWOU and Terry House.”

“We’re always looking for show hosts, music junkies, marketing-minded individuals, outcasts and anyone who can help make our station and our community a stronger, more connected one,” said the KWOU website.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

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What does OSU have that Western doesn’t?

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

Reser Stadium, packed to the brim with orange and black, was full for the 2024 homecoming football game — and as a Wolf, I had no business being in the stands, but I was anyway. A friend invited me at the last minute when she scored an extra ticket and needed someone to accompany her and I volunteered, despite not knowing much about football or Oregon State University.

I was, however, shocked by the stadium’s student section, a sold-out sea of color, all moving with one another. We weren’t jammed in with them — I’m not a Beaver — but instead by a lot of former alumni, also chanting in tandem.

The game proceeded with a marching band, the school’s chamber choir and fireworks — literal fireworks — exploding over our heads after the national anthem. I was dumbfounded by the extravagance.

The massive screen to our right flashed camera shots of the crowd, students I recognized and didn’t. As an Oregonian, born and raised, a lot of my peers from high school eventually moved on to Oregon State, and, before I found Western, I expected to as well. After all, my dad went here, his dad went here — where else would I go?

There were fog machines, giveaways during breaks, two mascots, a massive cheer team and an even larger football roster. I took a photo for the two men in front of me, father and son, excited to be back at an OSU game, and looked around as other alumni recognized each other and connected again after years. And, honestly, we had a great time. The crowd was wild, the lights were blinding and the game was fun to watch.

And I thought: why aren’t Western football games like this? Or, better, why don’t they feel like this?

There’s the obvious, the sheer magnitude of OSU students and seemingly endless funding. That’s not something we can put on Western, nor the city of Monmouth for its smaller infrastructure — in turn, Western gains a lot from its close-knit feel and walkable campus, as well as the safety aspect of the school, with Monmouth being one of the safest cities in the state.

OSU’s shiny football games are well-known and televised, often discussed in the area, and especially the known rivalry games between the University of Oregon and Oregon State University. If you grew up here, you’ve probably been asked: are you a Duck or a Beaver?

They’re undoubtedly entertaining and central to the OSU culture, which appears far different from our beloved Western’s — especially in regard to party culture. OSU’s rampant binge drinking standard at events is infamous and lethal.

Supposedly, OSU suffers from a lack of personal connection between not only students but professors and their classes due to class size. On top of that, it may be well-kept, but it’s not as easy to navigate or cross campus on time. I’ve also heard reports of mediocre professors, not even to mention the monstrous price tag tacked on tuition. One of my Beaver friend’s classmates recently admitted to dropping out of OSU due to the cost, something that no person should ever have to do when pursuing higher education.

It makes me feel immensely grateful for Western’s resources and high acceptance rate. I’ve been offered a lot of financial aid, as well as exceptional staff who have been nothing short of supportive and passionate. Some of my professors work two jobs — not because they need to, but because they love teaching at Western. Besides that, I love the campus, the red brick of the buildings, the squirrel epidemic and the small class sizes. I get to learn first-hand, I can communicate with professors who know my name and I get to work here, for the newspaper on campus. And, if I wanted to, I could ride a bike on campus and expect it to remain where I left it — unlike at OSU, with its theft and parking shortage problems. Oh, man, the parking over there — expensive, with poor parking services and senseless fees and parking zones.

The job opportunities at Western are endless, chasing ever-growing accessibility and promoting diversity in each department.

I adore my major in American Sign Language studies and love mentioning the program to students at other universities. That was the whole reason I came here, but it’s not the only reason I stayed. I tacked on communications as a major due to its flexibility and online class availability with the help of an advisor, finding my footing finally in my third year of college.

I once felt that Oregon State University was the only option. Western worried me; I was worried I wouldn’t make connections that last or “have fun” the way the student section did at the OSU homecoming game. But fireworks can’t cover up an insane price tag, non-learning culture or unbearable parking services, no matter how shiny.

We left at halftime, a little hazy from the extreme volume and a bit tired. I was glad to return home and to resume my classes the following week, at a college that was taking care of me as well as all of my classmates and their professors and staff. I shed my borrowed Beaver gear, handed it back to my friend and bid farewell to a school I was better off without.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu.

The Western Howl

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Domestic violence awareness

Written by: Taylor Duff | Lifestyle Editor

Content Warning: This article discusses violence, abuse, and sexual assault.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month — DVAM — which was established in 1987 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. It is meant to raise awareness of domestic violence, assist survivors and push services and policies to prevent abuse. Educational activities, campaigns, ceremonies, fundraisers and collaborations between charities, local governments and communities are held throughout the month. Domestic violence became more widely recognized in the United States throughout the 1970s and 1980s, thanks to the feminist movement and the establishment of shelters for battered women. Domestic violence — DV — also known as intimate partner violence, is a pattern of violent behavior used by one person to gain or maintain control and authority over another in a relationship. It can happen to anybody regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status. Teen dating violence refers to intimate partner violence that occurs throughout adolescence.

Approximately 16 million women and 11 million men who reported intimate relationship abuse said it started before the age of 18. 1 in 10 men in the United States has suffered contact sexual abuse, physical abuse or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lives, and have reported some type of domestic violence-related harm. People from marginalized groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, are more likely to experience DV.

Some stats that shine a light on how common DV is are:

– In the United States, 1 in every 3 women and 1 in every 4 men may experience physical abuse, sexual assault or stalking from a romantic partner at some point in their lives.

– 1 in every 5 women and 1 in every 71 men have been raped at least once in their lives, most commonly by an intimate partner.

– In the United States, around 20 people are physically assaulted by their intimate partners every minute, resulting in over 10 million victims yearly.

– Every year, 1 in every 15 children are subjected to domestic abuse, with 90% of them witnessing it firsthand.

Further, DV is a contributing factor to homicide in America:

1 in every 5 homicide victims in the United States is murdered by an intimate partner.
More than half of female killings are perpetrated by a current or previous intimate partner, and this percentage increases if they are pregnant.

As domestic violence is so prevalent, raising awareness is the most important thing individuals can do. Domestic violence can take many forms. Physical violence includes acts that inflict bodily harm such as punching, slapping or choking. Harassment, threats, humiliation and ongoing criticism are examples of emotional or psychological abuse. Sexual abuse is defined as pushing or coercing someone into unwanted sexual activity. Financial abuse refers to manipulating someone’s finances to limit their freedom. Digital abuse is defined as utilizing technology to stalk, harass or take over a relationship.

Individuals who are in abusive relationships often tend to stay within the relationship due to fear of what might happen if they leave, such as further abuse, isolation from resources such as family or friends, financial dependence they have on the abuser, uncertainties regarding child custody if they have kids and the abuser’s methods of manipulation used to control them, making leaving appear extremely difficult or even dangerous. It is believed that domestic abuse victims miss over 8 million days of paid work annually, costing the US economy more than $8 billion in missed income, medical care and legal costs. Worse, only 34% of those harmed by intimate partners obtain medical attention for their injuries.

Domestic violence is a nationwide issue that was only identified as a societal concern less than 40 years ago. Since Domestic Violence Awareness Month was founded, several activities and organizations have raised awareness among the public. The purple ribbon is DVAM’s official symbol, reflecting victims’ strength, survival and hope. Developing healthy, respectful and nonviolent relationships and communities can assist in minimizing the prevalence of violence against partners. It can also mitigate the negative and long-term consequences of domestic violence on people, families and communities.

Many events, such as community walks or runs, are organized to raise awareness and finances for shelters and services. Social media initiatives allow for the sharing of information and encourage discussion. Workplace awareness programs train employees on how to spot abuse and assist the victims. Many candlelight vigils promote hope for change as survivors of DV gather to mourn the memory of those who were lost as a result of domestic violence. Domestic Violence Awareness Month continues to be an essential resource for survivors and raising awareness about the ongoing issue of domestic abuse. The objective is to inspire individuals, communities and elected leaders to act together to create a society free of fear and abuse.

There are many programs and resources available for individuals who are seeking help.

If you or someone you may know is suffering from domestic violence please contact

Center For Hope And Safety Hotline: 503.399.7722 | 866.399.7722 (toll free) Website: www.hopeandsafety.org

Polk County Victim Assistance Phone #: 503.623.9268 ext.3

Sable House Crisis Hotline: 503.623.4033 Website: www.sablehouse.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline 800.799.7233 or Text BEGIN to 88788

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Letter from the editor

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-chief

Western,

Welcome back, or maybe just welcome. Maybe you’ve been reading “The Western Howl” for years, or maybe this is the first issue you’re glancing at — either way, thank you. I’d like to introduce you to my wonderful team, whose names you’ve hopefully seen by now as you flip through, and the culmination of hours of hard work in this issue — our first of the school year — of “The Western Howl.”

We are a hand-crafted newspaper by students, for students. This year, we have more diverse perspectives than ever before, with sports covered by real student athletes, the news reported by an on-campus editor and the paper built by a team of devoted, passionate editors and designers.

This first issue, titled “Goal Season Incoming,” is, as you’ve likely guessed, representative of the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic school year here at Western. We hoped to encapsulate a winning season, not just for our school’s sports teams, but also for all students and staff who may be starting new things or returning to something familiar. We feel you, completely — we are trying to embrace the new and the old, to make something grand out of a historic school paper.

If you haven’t already noticed, the style of our front page is different. The design team and I scoured through nationally recognized publications as well as previous versions of “The Western Howl” — previously titled “The Lamron,” “The Western Star,” “The Journal” and more ridiculous titles — for inspiration. We wanted to draw attention to the heart of the paper — the writing and the creative mind of a designer at work — and offer a preview of what’s inside. A sneak peek, if you will.

So, expect change. Expect design elements you haven’t seen from us before. Look for new names, new faces, new stories, freelancers, photos and more. Maybe you’ll fall in love with our mock horoscopes, or maybe you’ll rock our new word search puzzles on our physical copies. Maybe you’re just interested to see what the college newspaper talks about — if that’s the case, I welcome you with open arms and invite you to stay tuned.

There’s so much we hope to give you this year.

If that sounds good to you, I’m excited to let you know we’re doing more printed issues than ever. This year, expect three printed issues a term, dispersed at campus and off-campus locations for your viewing pleasure. If you’re still dying for something to read, keep checking your email; you’ll catch our digital issues weekly. We have a website too — wou.edu/westernhowl — where we post individual articles and issues.

As a student-led publication, we want to highlight student engagement and involvement. We could not be here, creating this paper, if it wasn’t for not only Western but the community the school has garnered. We are here because you read. We are here because you want to write. We are here because you care. And we’re here to talk about the things that matter and impact you.

Because of that, we’ve opened a “Submit News Tips” section of our website under “Contact Us.” We are so lucky to represent the student community here at Western, but to do that, we must be honest and true. So, please — if you have even the slightest hint of a story idea — I ask that you consider submitting a tip. We have pledged to uphold your voices, and this is our opportunity to pull stories from our readers. Of course, I cannot guarantee that we’ll cover your suggestion, but still, I implore you to submit it regardless.

This year, I have a few goals for the Howl: that the viewers will feel consistently represented and accounted for, the work will be done well and we will be proud of each and every issue that is released and that, just maybe, we will finally make zero calls to Public Campus Safety while at Terry House. No promises on that last one, though.

Thank you for reading this letter from the editor as well as this issue of “The Western Howl.” And, to Public Campus Safety, thank you for rescuing us from an ice storm, taking care of the dead mouse in the bathroom and letting us borrow your drill.

I’m incredibly thankful to spend another year at Western doing what I love — writing and leading — for an amazing, hardworking team of talented individuals.

Sincerely,

Hannah Field

Contact the author at howleditorinchief @mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

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How to handle rejection

Written by: Ruth Simonsen | Digital Media Manager

It happened again. Another ghosted date, another failed interview, another ruined friendship. It’s difficult to not let these situations affect you when they feel like a direct attack on your character. How could they have not fallen in love with you just after that one date? How could that employer not have hired you on the spot? How come your friend from high school now no longer follows you on Instagram?

These are questions that everyone has asked themselves at least once in their life. And, if you think you’re special because you haven’t encountered these thoughts yet, just be patient, your time will come.

Rejection is one of the few things everyone on this planet will experience at least once in their lifetime. Whether it is from a close partner or a coveted job, these feelings tend to find us when we’re least expecting it — leaving us shaken down to our core about our own sense of self. How could this person, who had once sworn that they love you, now pretend like you’re nothing but a stranger?

While it may be beneficial to ask yourself these questions, it is important to remember that not everything has to do with you. In our culture today, we have become so obsessed with ourselves that we make everything about us in every single way. We have two options we turn to: either blaming ourselves and beating ourselves up for nothing or putting all of our anger, hate and blame onto someone else.

These options are the easiest to turn to, though they may not be the healthiest for your mental state. Rather than creating blame and hurt feelings, try to first take a breath and a big step back from the situation. Imagine you’re just a bystander, looking in on a situation that does not concern them. Stay as unbiased as possible while contemplating.

What if it wasn’t your fault or their fault that the date ended poorly? Some people just do not click, and that is neither party’s fault. What if you didn’t get that job because a better one is waiting for you? Someday you’ll look back at that first rejection and be grateful it happened. What if that high school friend has just grown into a different person from who you once knew? Who’s to say you haven’t grown into a different person also? There is peace in knowing that not everyone that comes into your life is meant to stay forever.

Rejection can be a sign to reevaluate your current path, but it is never a sign to give up on your own journey of growth.

Contact the author at howldigitalmediamanager@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

Home » Opinion/Special

Empathy in education

Written by: Sierra Porter | Staff Writer

As individuals, there are many elements that affect our daily lives and further influence us as human beings. One element that every human has succumbed to in life is consistent trials and tribulations. As a society, we believe that education and schooling should help us learn and move away from these challenges, including those we face outside of these institutions. For some, this creates a disconnect between school life and home life — believing that a solution in one will fix the other. What our education system is currently missing, that will help this disconnect, is empathy.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. This is not just having pity or sorrow for others as sympathy does, but rather, one truly puts oneself in the other’s shoes, viewing things from their perspective. For one to have a truly valuable education with others, it must also involve some form of empathetic learning.

Those with particularly consistent negative aspects in their home life, especially young students, face things like changing family dynamics. These include financial issues, sibling bullying, history of neglect or maltreatment and more, and are more likely to have struggles in school — leading to a greater chance of dropping out.

For many, it’s nearly impossible to disassociate the troubles they face at home away from their school life. It’s up to us, as individuals, to learn and encourage empathy — making everyone’s school environment as positive a place as can be.

Educators who use an empathetic approach to teaching and addressing classroom issues create an inclusive and open environment for students — encouraging them to build safe relationships with their teachers and peers. Empathetic learning and teaching also promote a positive learning environment where students feel valued and proud of their abilities.

Creating a safe and comfortable environment for students will allow them to enjoy school more, thus motivating them to stick with their education and make overall better decisions in life. Teachers lead by example, so if one is leading with an empathetic mindset, then that will create a community of compassion and a generation of caring students.

As a student, one can also promote empathy by showing compassion and kindness to their peers and teachers. You never truly know what is going on in others’ lives, so try to put yourself in their shoes. Showing care for your teacher and their life in or outside the classroom can show them how much their work is appreciated, encouraging them to continue teaching. Being empathetic with your peers will help you understand each other better, creating stronger bonds and deeper relationships, again, further creating a community of positive and caring people.

Empathy in education is not just the responsibility of teachers and students, but institutions as a whole can also promote an empathetic environment and learning. Many schools explicitly promote empathetic learning through social-emotional learning, or SEL, programs or character education.

Specific classes aren’t the only thing institutions can do to promote empathetic education. As an institution are they empathetic about their tuition? Empathetic about the types of classes they offer? Empathetic about deadlines and requirements for applying students? Empathic about those that need extra assistance, like disability accommodations? There are so many different ways to promote empathic learning and create an empathic environment as an institution — thus universities and schools all over should be looking at what their students need.

Empathy in education will encourage a new generation of compassionate, caring and bonded individuals who will take their empathetic learning and apply it to the world. Empathy in education tells us that life is difficult, but you are not alone.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@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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Winter resources

KWOU

What does OSU have that Western doesn’t?

Domestic violence awareness

Letter from the editor

How to handle rejection

Tools

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