Special Issues – The Western Howl

Written by: Gretchen Sims

Sometimes as a college student, it feels like there is no time in the day that one can take for themself. Between class, homework and a job, it is hard to find enough time to sit down and eat, much less enjoy oneself. However, it is at these times that it becomes the most crucial to keep up with the things one is passionate about.

I started college with a dream — I wanted to be a writer. I wrote poems, journaled and poured my philosophical soul onto the page at least twice a day, but as soon as I started college that all changed. The spark I had was quickly lost to the sea of chaos that has unfortunately been my life for the past two years.

I tried desperately to hold on to my love for reading and writing, but because reading was at the bottom of my priority list, and I was so incredibly busy, I let that go. And, as soon as I started writing as a job, whatever joy I found left in writing ultimately turned into a chore.

What once was my sole joy in life quickly became a burden and I lost all the love I had for reading and writing.

Recently, I have been trying to reconnect with the passions that made me want to go to college in the first place. I have been trying to pick up a book every once in a while, and I have been writing for my own prowess as well. However, this has not been easy. Once one has fallen out of love, it can be difficult to find it again.

My advice is not to give it up. If I have learned anything from my struggle these past few months to reconnect with my spark, it is that the longer something is put aside, the less likely it is to become a priority once again.

Seeing all the bright first-years in my English classes with so much light in their eyes and hearing them discuss the books they are reading encourages me. The most important time to read and write for fun is in college and seeing their joy brings me hope that others are not repeating my mistakes.

However, if this situation sounds familiar, pick up a book, start writing a poem or even pick up that dusty journal from the bedside table. Get out there and reconnect with the creative spark that got you to where you are today.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Letter from the Editor

Written by: Mikayla Coleman

Hello Western,

We have come to the end of an era. As an employee of two years, it is unbelievable to me that this will be the last article I will write for the Western Howl.

There is an overwhelming amount of things to reflect on. For one, the Western Howl celebrated its 100th year of publishing student-run news in 2023.

I’ve had the privilege to transition through many different editorial positions at the Howl. I initially started as a News Editor — doe-eyed and so incredibly stoked to be able to get paid to write. I am happy to say that despite many challenges, that passion and drive to write and create still resides inside of me.

There has been a huge amount of transition and change during my time at the Howl. The leadership in the team that I started with graduated in the 2021-2022 academic year — teaching me their ways and handing over the reins to me. We were a really strong and cohesive team, and I found myself wondering if I may ever be able to replicate that feeling again. In the 2022-2023 team, there were some incredibly strong returners with a few new faces sprinkled throughout.

Leadership from higher-ups has been constantly shifting. Dealing with the losses and additions of advisors, as well as the lack of advising that existed for most of this year, has been strenuous. Leading a group of my peers in a time when communication and information were scarce proved to be incredibly challenging. I am thankful to my team for backing me up and boosting my confidence when things seemed dire.

Despite the challenges we faced, the Western Howl has consistently been able to publish weekly issues containing relevant news and information for the Western community. The passion of our editorial team is present within each article we have published. I am incredibly grateful and proud of the creativity our section editors have been able to maintain through challenging themselves each week. We have had several of our employees move from in-person to remote positions, and I am thankful for those that have been able to maintain journalistic and workplace standards from afar.

We would truly be nothing without our designers and photo editor. In all aspects, this part of our team figures out how to make our papers work visually — which is a huge feat. One cannot thank them without mentioning the charisma they bring into the office and their complete and utter love for Harry Styles, Taylor Swift and Elvis Presley.

Many of the 2022-23 staff will either be graduating or not returning, but let me be clear — the staff who are returning are excellent and raising the bar for what the Howl can be.

Gretchen Sims will be a valiant leader in welcoming and establishing a new team for the 2023-24 academic year, continuing the legacy of those who she has worked alongside. I have every confidence that her leadership will cause the Howl to grow and exceed in being a trusted community resource for students, staff and beyond. Addie Floyd will be entering Fall 2023 as a seasoned leader and accomplished head designer. Readers must stay tuned to see how they will flourish with a new team in the Fall.

It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of the Howl for the past two years. In my time here, I have met and grown with friends and peers that have truly changed my life for the better. I would not change it for the world.

Sincerely,

Mikayla Coleman

The Western Howl

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Advice from a Graduating First-Gen college student

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

College is already difficult enough having to navigate challenges, but it is especially challenging for a first-generation college student with nothing to draw inspiration and general conclusions from.

I am the first person in my family to attend college. However, the label — first-generation college student and first person in the family to attend college — brought with it a very heavy burden: the pressure to live up to the expectation and become the family pride and breadwinner.

In the beginning, the label only brought me misery and feelings of self-doubt and loneliness, as well as the constant fear of failure. I wanted to please my parents after the sacrifices they made to give me a proper education — a privilege they’ve never had — but I felt like I was not moving and succeeding at the pace of my fellow classmates. It was a classic instance of “The Imposter Syndrome” and one of many in my college journey.

In the end, I managed to persevere with the help of my family, and as a first-generation college student, I felt it was my duty to share the things I have learned in my three years of college.

Join a community of similar and like-minded individuals — In my first year, I joined the On-Track Program by the Multicultural Student Services and Programs which is committed to guiding low-income and first-generation students throughout their first year in college. This program gave me an excuse to learn about the similar life experiences and thoughts that plagued my own and — albeit done virtually — left me feeling connected with my peers and with a sense of belonging. The program and the guidance it gave me was critical in helping me get on my feet. The key to managing the college experience is to connect with others; other people who are also facing the same obstacles and challenges.

Forgive yourself for mistakes — If one allows themself to ruminate and slowly drown in a sea of all the mistakes and failures one has made throughout one’s journey as a college student, it might just pull one under. It’s college; everyone is learning and starting from the knowledge of a clean and blank slate. It’s okay to make mistakes and the sooner one accepts that, the better.

Forgive your parents for their lack of understanding — There were many times throughout my college journey when I would phone my mother begging for advice on a certain matter relating to college, only to be met with one of three options: silence, a very indifferent — and frankly uninterested — tone, or the usual “No se, mija.” This was frustrating. However, I cannot blame my parents for my own lack of understanding and guidance in university and educational affairs, for their encouragement was always present every step of the way and I really could not have done it without their support.

Take advantage of campus and community resources — In my case, one of the most challenging situations I had to endure as a first-generation college student was being honest with myself and admitting I needed help. One cannot know everything, especially as a first-generation student, and for many students, our parents cannot help much in terms of guidance and comfort, including navigation of topics such as financial aid and graduation. This means that one must take advantage of campus spaces and resources on campus, such as the financial aid office and student support programs.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Proper etiquette for the aspiring gym-bros

Written by:Gretchen Sims

Going to the gym for the first time can be scary. After jumping that first hurdle, the question of how one should behave in the gym emerges. Learning proper gym etiquette is crucial to establish the safe space it has become for many people today.

When I started going to the gym a little over a year ago, I was confused by the environments’ exclusive feeling; I had to learn everything I currently know about gym etiquette from Instagram. I was confused about the offended looks I was receiving, but was annoyed because I didn’t know what I was doing wrong.

I was scared to even use any of the equipment because I could feel people’s eyes on my every move. So, with the knowledge that I have learned over the past year or so, I have gathered some points that I wish I would have known when I first started as well as some things I wish some experienced gym bros would remember.

So, whether one is a new gym-goer or a seasoned veteran, here is an insightful list of the ins and outs of proper gym etiquette.

Wiping equipment — While this may seem rather obvious, this is one of the most frequently overlooked aspects of proper gym etiquette. When a piece of equipment is used, one transfers skin cells, germs and sweat onto it. Wiping down the equipment is not only respectful to the person who uses the equipment after, but is also a necessity to stop the spread of bacterial skin infections that can occur from coming in contact with another’s body excretions.

Putting equipment away — Please, for the love of God, unrack the weights when finished. As someone who started out barely being able to curl 10 pounds, I want to remind all the super strong gym bros out there to please put weights back where they go. It is much appreciated. Also be sure, if one uses extremely heavy weights on a machine, to put the pin back to a reasonable weight. It can be dangerous for the next person to use the machine if they attempt to use it and forget to change the weight.

Do not take unconsenting pictures — I feel like this could seem self-explanatory, but I’m not talking about simply not being a creep. Be sure to only take pictures when others are not around and, if necessary, edit people out of pictures before posting. Remember, these people are not consenting to have their picture taken and that should not be taken for granted.

Do not stare at other gym-goers — It’s easy to think that spacing out in someone’s general direction is harmless, but this can make others feel uncomfortable — even if it is not intentional. Try to be conscious about where one’s eyes are at.

Do not judge people or correct their form — One might think that helping someone correct their form is going to prevent the other person from injuring themself, but it actually is quite disparaging or even offensive to some gym-goers. Unless an individual is putting themselves in imminent danger, do not approach them. Allow them to figure out their mistakes on their own — it will happen.

Do not approach people — Read the room. It’s okay to converse with friends in the gym, but many people see the gym as their safe place. People often work out for themselves — they are not there for you. Period. Be sensitive towards those who want to work out uninterrupted and respect their space.

Personal hygiene — Please be courteous to others in the space. Put on deodorant before sweating it up in the gym.

Spatial location — One thing that many gym-goers do not think about is the physical space one chooses to occupy. Being cracked out on pre-workout makes it easy to just saunter up and plant oneself on the closest open bench on the mat, but one should take a look at their surroundings beforehand. It is polite to fill in the benches, squat racks or mat spaces like one would choose a urinal. Give space to other people unless no other option is presented — every other is preferred.

Limit time on equipment — Be sure to only occupy a piece of equipment for the bare minimum of time one needs it, particularly when the gym is busy. I am not a huge fan of working in — taking turns and sharing the equipment — but this is an option if another person is wanting to use the equipment.

Be respectful to workers — Gym employees do not get paid enough to put up with s–t. Please be kind and courteous to these individuals. If a worker says to do something, do it. Do not linger right up until closing, always leave with five to ten minutes left until closing.

Now that one is equipped with the knowledge of how to be a respectful gym-goer, go out, be fruitful and multiply.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Entertainment Editor wanted

Written by: Gretchen Sims

Ever wanted to express one’s passions for the arts? The Western Howl is hiring for the 2023-24 school year. Nine positions are currently open on Handshake and will close for consideration on May 22 at 5 p.m. Working for the Howl is a wonderful opportunity where one will learn how to work in a professional environment, write in newsroom standard Associated Press style and have their work published.

This position looks amazing on a resume and helps expand one’s portfolio in writing and photography. Working for the Howl will be an opportunity to form friendships and connections across campus that will be beneficial, not only for the rest of one’s time on campus, but also for the jobs or internships that may come next.

Being the Entertainment Editor, in particular, is a rewarding job. Instead of the mundane writing one would often write in class, writing for the Entertainment section allows one to compose pieces about subjects that they are passionate about.

Some topics that are often included in the section are music, art, movies, TV shows, popular streaming services, video games and celebrity hot topics. There is such a large range of writing prompts that fall under the Entertainment section that whatever one is interested in, one can implement it into this section.

So, be sure to check out Handshake if becoming the next Entertainment Editor is something that peaks one’s interests.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

The Western Howl

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YouTube has become what it sought to destroy

Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

Paid broadcasting and television entertainment have been long-unrivaled video mediums since they were popularized in the 1950s. This remained true even in the earliest days of the internet, until the public release of YouTube in 2005. By January of 2016, the site received over 25 million views per day, and today that daily number is in the billions.

As the name “You”Tube suggests, the content produced on the platform consisted of real, everyday people making videos to share with one another. This whole concept is what pushed YouTube forward, as even companies that released videos on the platform in its early stages embraced its personal feel. It was never about what made executives the most money, or creating big-budget productions — keyword “was.”

With time, everything evolves, but it is not always for the best. The thing that once separated YouTube from paid broadcasting and television has fully taken over the platform — money and corporate executives. This shift was a long time coming, but fully took place in May 2019, when the Indian music label T-Series passed famous YouTuber PewDiePie for most subscribers on the platform. Fast forward to today and almost all of the top YouTubers are either a company or have formed one for their content. Mr. Beast, for example, does not have the same company structure or goals as T-Series, since he is considered a “YouTuber,” yet they are valued at the exact same amount — $500 million. As of now, PewDiePie remains the only channel in the top 20 on the platform that is not a company.

Individuals that seek to entertain on the platform are just unequipped to properly compete with the budgets, crew and equipment that these companies have to create content. Thus, there are now YouTube Shorts, which are just bootleg TikToks. Small creators now find themselves attempting to please the YouTube algorithm and gain popularity through these shorts because keeping people’s attention for less than 60 seconds is far easier to do than competing with the long-form content that the large companies are already creating.

Admittedly, a large part of this shift is on all of us. Oversaturated clickbait content is only popular because we are the ones that decide to click on it. Since it gets the most views, it makes the most money, gets pushed the most by the YouTube algorithm and continually gets recycled and recreated. As genuine connection and creativity diminish on the platforms, so do our attention spans.

YouTube has not only aligned itself alongside paid broadcasting and television but has even gone so far as to intertwine itself well within it. YouTube not only offers a Premium — no advertisement monthly subscription to its platform — but even has “YouTube TV.” Now, you can stream live television, as well as movies and shows all on the platform that originally rivaled it. On top of this, YouTube takes 45% of ad revenue money from creators that are monetized on the platform, which leads these large creators/companies to further implement sponsorships on their uploads.

Brand deals and sponsorships have become commonplace for every content creator on YouTube, as have merchandise sales, crowdfunding and additional subscription content. These additions not only further the corporate dominance on the platform, but make it feel like content creators are milking their viewership in ways similar to online video game microtransactions.

A lot of this sponsorship comes with the compromising of artistic integrity among creators. With more of these creators vying for sponsors’ attention, many creators resort to sensationalism, sacrificing authenticity and genuine connection with their audience.

Of course, all of this can be looked at in a more positive manner. The addition of corporate budgets on YouTube opens the door for a much higher and more professional level of production. With this, comes the fact that YouTube has transcended from a niche video-sharing platform to a powerful force in shaping pop culture. Frankly, it’s probably the only worldwide video-sharing platform that still has hope for a bright future. In order for YouTube to flourish into the platform it was meant to be, it must navigate the delicate balance between corporate interests and creator authenticity, which requires a collective effort from creators, viewers and the platform itself.

Truthfully, that’s nothing more than a euphoric hope. Monetary greed and our collapsing attention spans are no foundation for anything positive. It’s all downhill from here.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

The Western Howl

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All for one, one for all

Written by: Dakota Gange

Finding what is conducive to one’s success as a student can be challenging. Western has a plethora of resources available for students, many of which are located in the Werner University Center — a central campus location that is full of student aid.

From Abby’s House assisting students with basic needs, to the Center for Professional Pathways helping students to navigate possible careers and internships, to the Non-Traditional Student Lounge, there’s help where Wolves need it.

Next to Caffé Allegro lies the Freedom Center — a room that is nearly impossible to miss upon entering the WUC. Their atmosphere is bright and welcoming, offering a casual lounge and living room setting with T.V., music, snacks and drinks; a study table, test-taking resources and most imperative, immediate drop-in student-led advisory that can be an aid for everyone in answering questions one may have. This includes basic questions about how to navigate DegreeTracks, all the way up to helping students with their DACA — Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals — paperwork.

The Freedom Center was founded by minorities and established as a safe place for BIPOC students to gather; all ethnicities are welcome.

If one were to walk into the Freedom Center today, they’d find a recently rearranged, calming and welcoming atmosphere — while visiting I felt comfortable, welcomed and confident.

However, recently circulating among various campus departments, including ASWOU, is a letter suggesting the closure of the Freedom Center.

In a Western Howl “Letter to the Editor,” a person the Howl will not be naming, wrote:

“The majority of faculty and students at WOU are white females. This is not surprising as it is a teachers’ college in Oregon and females are historically the majority in education and Oregon is overwhelmingly white.

Society would benefit in many ways if more males from ethnic minorities became teachers (Black males are particularly underrepresented in the teaching profession) and WOU should lead in recruitment.

Unfortunately WOU’s creation of a ‘Freedom Center’ as ‘a safe space for BIPOC students’ and ‘to provide a refuge for People of Color’ is counterproductive. It is based on patronizing assumptions by white women and was not requested by any minority student.

BIPOC is a term created by white academics who mistakenly think their concern for ending oppression of Blacks automatically gives them enough of an understanding of Black experience as to qualify them to speak for Blacks.

This is pretentious and patronizing and in some cases (such as Rachel Dolezal, Jessica A. Krug, CV Vitolo-Haddad et al) leads to a fraudulent claim that an affinity for Blacks qualifies as identification as Black.

WOU needs to shut down the Freedom Center because it sends the wrong messages. It implies that minority students are not safe on campus and need a refuge. It officially divides the student body into two distinct groups: white and People-of-Color (which is plain racism).

WOU must hire minorities to represent and speak for minority interests and end this damaging patronization by unqualified white women,” this individual wrote.

Reitorized, the Freedom Center was founded by minority students. According to Western’s Institutional Research, as of fall 2022, 57.6% of students are White, with the next leading percentage of 23.8% for Hispanic/Latino students.

After receiving the letter, I spoke to Western student and Co-Director of the Freedom Center Aneli Godinez-Martinez.

“I know that the person that sent (the letter), after talking with our supervisors, is probably someone that hasn’t come to the center, and/or doesn’t know how it was brought up. I think the letter was pulled out of context a little bit right off the bat, as it pulls pieces of our mission statement into the letter,” said Martinez.

The Freedom Center’s mission statement, which can be found on Western’s website, states, “The Freedom Center strives to serve as a safe space for all students, especially those who are BIPOC and their intersectional identities. We welcome every unique individual here at Western Oregon University as we provide resources, connections, and education for our campus.”

This is where Martinez wants to clarify that though the mission statement says that it’s a “safe space,” it’s not to be taken out of context — the statement is not implying that any part of campus is unsafe, but rather that the Freedom Center is a place that welcomes tough questions for students who have additional hurdles, like how to renew one’s DACA paperwork, as well as a place for immediate advising help, even for what may seem like a simple question, such as how to register for classes.

While there are non-student staff members, it’s important that the Freedom Center is primarily run by students.

“We do mention that we are a space for BIPOC students and intersectional identities, but any student that comes in here — we love that we have students in here and that they like to hang out. Our resources are provided for everybody. But you know, minority students sometimes need a little extra help because maybe they’re first-generation students, and so they might not know how to go about college.”

While the center is actively expanding its ability to provide various resources to students, it can still aid in finding out any information a student may need.

“It’s (the Freedom Center) definitely to bring the school together, definitely not to separate us even more. I love that all races, sexual identities and orientations are welcome here. Everyone’s welcome here,” said Martinez.

“It’s always been a center that was worked on by minority students, and we wanted to create a space for students to feel welcome — but it’s not that we want to create a space that only minority students can go to, or the only place they feel safe, it’s more so just to be a space where students can get a peer to peer perspective — everyone that works here are students, so it’s student-led for a reason.”

Martinez expresses that if there’s any misunderstanding or curiosity about what the center is, the best way to get an understanding of it is to come in and meet with the students that work at the center. Anyone and everyone is welcome to come “see what they’re about.”

Contact the author at howlmanagingeditor@wou.edu

Western Oregon University’s Land Acknowledgement
Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

Accessibility Public Records Privacy Student Consumer Information

WOU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by WOU.

Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down, never gonna turn around and dessert you

Letter from the Editor

Advice from a Graduating First-Gen college student

Proper etiquette for the aspiring gym-bros

Entertainment Editor wanted

YouTube has become what it sought to destroy

All for one, one for all

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