Mount Hood

Healthy is proactive

February 26, 2025

Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor

Living a healthy lifestyle can be difficult, especially when navigating through seasons of annual illness. Oregon’s cold and flu season typically runs from October to May. During the 2024-2025 flu season, health officials have noticed that cases have skyrocketed. As one attempts to end winter on a healthy note, health becomes a top priority for many. One of the best ways to get through the cold and flu season is to take a preventive approach. This includes staying home when one is feeling under the weather or sick, giving extra space to other people in public, wearing a mask when needed, washing hands more frequently, eating a balanced diet, getting an adequate amount of sleep and, most effectively, getting the flu shot. Although vaccines have become a controversial topic, taking preventative measures to protect the health of oneself and others is of the utmost importance. 

To understand why the flu vaccine is important in the name of public health, one should know what influenza is and how it functions. Influenza is a virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs — meaning it mainly attacks the respiratory system. This virus travels through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. When someone is exposed to the flu, some of the symptoms a person can experience are a sore throat, a runny nose, fever, cough, headache, fatigue and chills within a couple of days. 

One may wonder what the flu vaccine has to do with lifestyle, but there are several effects. As finals week approaches, students are preparing for projects, essays, exams and many other assignments. With this upcoming stress, the immune system becomes susceptible to illness. Getting sick isn’t an ideal situation when one has a full schedule. Outside of the classroom, some might have to call out of work and bills might pile up. Getting the flu shot will result in milder symptoms, allowing a person to return to work and get back to studying if one gets exposed to the flu. Another reason is that it can protect children and the elderly. Many people have younger siblings, cousins or even grandparents that can have complications if they get the flu and then another illness. Protecting oneself and living a healthy lifestyle includes protecting the health of our friends, family and neighbors. Some strains of the flu can be more aggressive — such as bird flu H5N1 — and overwhelm hospitals. This results in fewer beds for other patients with other life-threatening injuries and illnesses. 

There are some arguments against the annual flu shot, including the belief that the flu isn’t serious. Although people older than 5 and younger than 65 can quickly recover from the flu, not everyone is lucky to fully recover from the flu. Depending on the severity of the infection, some people who fall into the high recovery rate demographic could end up with disability or death — unfortunately, death and disability do not discriminate. According to the CDC, the 2024-2025 flu season has resulted in 24 million positive cases, 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths, including at least 57 children. To put this in perspective, these are someone’s children, siblings, cousins, parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents, great-grandparents, teachers, doctors, neighbors and friends. 

Sadly, the controversy of the topic has led to the direct increase in preventable illness and death. To live a healthy lifestyle, one should strive to take a proactive approach. This lifestyle reaches far beyond oneself and one should strive to live a life filled with compassion, empathy and love. Just as one would take their vitamins and get an annual checkup, this simple step can leave one healthy, happy and protected. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Deep dive into the American Sign Language at Western

February 26, 2025

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

American Sign Language has a rich and profound history across the country — but is a rare program to encounter in higher education. Few colleges along the West Coast offer American Sign Language courses beyond the beginning levels — Western, however, offers two degree paths, a minor and a master’s program.

The American Sign Language studies program at Western, on average, carries 15 students per class through 60 required credits of classes, beginning with the basic models of ASL and leading into a variety of additional classes, such as Deaf history, mental health in the Deaf community and deafblind studies.

For roughly half a century, Western has been serving the Deaf community in Monmouth, Oregon. Some current staff of Western in the ASL department, with examples such as Brent Redpath, LeShonDre Brown and Elisa Maroney, attended Western in prior years. 

Historically, Western showcases success in instructing the future interpreters of America. Western was the first base for a national ASL assessment service in the West as of 2020 — a testament to Western’s dedication to American Sign Language proficiency testing for anyone interested in their fluency level.

The two Bachelor of Arts programs — American Sign Language studies and interpreting studies: theory — differ, despite common misconceptions about the programs. American Sign Language studies, according to Western’s website, helps foster knowledge of ASL in a way that promotes respect for Deaf culture, history and community. “You will not only continue to hone your ASL skills, but you will also study areas such as linguistics, language acquisition, cultural competency and mental health and learn how this information can serve the (Deaf) population.”

Other higher education institutions may refer to their version of ASL studies as Deaf studies or, potentially, be known as simply American Sign Language.

Elisa Maroney, current program co-coordinator of the ASL branch of the interpreting program and certified interpreter, helped construct the ASL studies program curriculum at Western in its prime, alongside Debi Duren. The program originated from the interpreting program, which found its footing first at Western.

“Our program is a study of the language, the culture, the history. For ASL studies, we’re often a more foundational program — students have that skill in ASL that they can use for the next step in their lives, which might be a graduate program, or it could be related to their career that requires an ASL background,” said Brent Redpath, American Sign Language studies program coordinator. Redpath has been working diligently at Western since 2012 and has become a well-respected professor — often harboring full classes with a waitlist each term.

Redpath, as program coordinator, schedules classes, makesing sure each class is properly staffed with instructors, balancesing course loads for faculty, addressesing student concerns and assistsing in conflict management amongst students. Redpath wholeheartedly represents the ASL program — his face and name are well-known in the Richard Woodcock Education Center — RWEC — where the majority of ASL classes take place.

Predominantly, classes in ASL are taught by deaf professors. ASL language classes — 101 through 303 — follow this model earnestly.

“It’s very nice to have native users of a language who are instructing in their native language,” said Redpath. “And to receive language and culture directly from a deaf person. Nothing against hearing people, don’t get me wrong — but their experiences will be different than a person who grew up as a Deaf individual. They’re going to have a different background, and they won’t be able to speak to that perspective in the same way a Deaf person can.”

With this in mind, ASL classes are regarded as “Deaf classrooms.”

“You might notice as you come into class that we have our tables set up in a U-shape, which is different from other classes. That’s how we always teach so that every student in the class can see each other. It’s a visual language,” said Redpath. “It’s important that we can all see each other, that I can see the students and they can see me.”

The RWEC boasts glass panels in the wall, allowing professors to see what’s happening in the hallways and beyond — a common Deaf-friendly window style. Redpath personally acted in the committee that assisted with designing the RWEC. “I was able to offer some tips and ideas for how to make this building a more Deaf-friendly space,” said Redpath. Additionally, the topic of what makes a Deaf-friendly space is discussed in class to teach on Deaf culture and respect.

Deaf classrooms are also deadly quiet to the average hearing person.

“It is dead silent … The way you can just hear a pin drop — the way people can hear you swallow wrong,” laughed junior Abby Money. “And then the two people on your left hear it and you have to say, ‘sorry, I’m hungry today.’”

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the ASL studies program; staff has been reduced, as have extra class options. As of 2025, Western has two full-time ASL studies staff members, alongside five part-time employees. Ideally, the program will be able to restore more staff members, in-person classes and more classes and class times.

Functionally, ASL classes utilize Canvas and GoReact for exams, homework and lessons. GoReact is a video-based system, allowing students to upload videos of their exams and receive direct feedback. 

ASL students, if struggling, may resort to the tutoring center for additional assistance with their signing fluency. Ideally, students will continue to participate in the Deaf community. “I always encourage students to be involved,” said Redpath. “It’s not enough to just go to ASL classes and be done. You can’t thrive that way … There is actually an ASL hall in the dorms, where you can have extra opportunities to socialize outside of class time.”

The ASL club on campus is a good resource for students to gain signing experience and practice with their peers.

Redpath’s classes involve three exams per term and weekly assignments. Students meet in small groups to practice for a grade on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, depending on the instructor’s choice.

“The ASL studies program is one of the biggest language programs that we offer on campus, and administration at Western has recognized us for that. We appreciate their support for our program,” said Redpath. “We felt their involvement in making our program successful … We hope (the program) will continue to grow even larger in the future. Of course, things are different now in post-COVID days, but we really hope to be back to what we were before. It’s a really important program — to me and to the university.”

As for Redpath — “My favorite part of this job is definitely working with the students. I teach a variety of classes, I work with diverse students from diverse backgrounds. And they’re not just learning from me — I’m learning from them.”

For junior Dylan Meader, Redpath stands out as a professor. “His teaching style is really effective for me,” explained Meader. “I’ve had good experiences with all the professors here, but I feel I respond best to his methods of teaching — he’s just a really nice guy.”

Meader gravitated to American Sign Language in high school, needing to fulfill a language requirement and finding it fulfilling beyond his initial expectations. 

“There’s not a single school in Washington that has the interpreting program, and that was something I really wanted to pursue,” said Meader. “I decided to look out of state, and the closest to my home in Bellingham, Washington, was Western. So I applied and I toured. It was something that I liked — so I decided to go for it … it’s been really great so far.”

Maroney attests that somewhere between one-third to one-half of ASL interpreting students in any given year are from out of state — such as juniors Abby Money and Meader.

Money, like Meader, hails from another state. Money grew up in Templeton, California, and Monmouth has been her first taste of life somewhere else.

“It was really scary for me moving here because I had, genuinely, never lived anywhere else on my own,” said Money. “Being fully immersed in the classes, I was so scared starting college. It was a nice surprise — it was worth it.”

Often, Redpath or LeShonDre Brown are the first faces students see when entering the program at 101.

“I went in, freaking out,” said Money, describing her first term with Redpath in ASL 201. “I was so scared. I was like, ‘he’s deaf. What if he doesn’t understand a word I’m saying?’ Spoiler alert — he did. He understood me.”

Western’s interpreting program hopes to help fulfill the country’s growing need for ASL interpreters. At Western, the program is available entirely online to support that goal, so more students from other states can pursue interpreting.

Interpreting, as a class subject, requires focus and drive. Students learn that professional interpreting requires no distracting clothing or accessories, and that hair must be out of the face. Recorded videos must be in good quality and against a blank backdrop.

Videos and exams follow any number of subjects. Often, they rely on translating English into ASL and then signing that statement.

Maroney has been working at Western since 1993 but previously received a certificate in interpreting from the college in prior years. Maroney even found herself at Gallaudet for her master’s — an iconic, and vastly important, college, leading the charge in Deaf education.

Eventually, Western’s undergraduate program will re-incorporate a crucial internship — “Our hope was that by having a graduate program, we could sort of guide students and provide them with supervision opportunities to, then, be more ready to work. The problem is that not everyone chooses to go on to (get their master’s) and they aren’t ready to work if they don’t have that internship piece,” said Maroney. “It is a lifelong learning process. You can’t get your bachelor’s degree and be one-and-done. You have to keep working on your language, on your interpreting, on your cultural experiences and knowledge.”

Chances are the ASL program, in any branch, will continue to evolve. “Everything is in flux,” said Maroney. “We try things, and if it doesn’t work, we try something else. I think it’s an exciting time right now — a little bit unnerving at the moment — but we have searches going on. We’re looking for two ASL studies faculty and one interpreting studies faculty.”

Additionally, Maroney recommends students look into scholarships. The interpreting program is, typically, six years long — meaning the cost can be heavy alongside already taxing work.

As for student-to-student advice, Meader has his own: “(Don’t be) intimidated, especially if you’re brand new to learning ASL and interacting with the Deaf community. Trust yourself. And have fun, it’s a lot of fun.”

“It gets easier,” said Money. “Your receptive skills get better. And when someone’s signing to you and you catch on, you’re like, ‘oh, wait, I’m actually getting this now.’ It’s not something that you’re panicking over, cause I remember panicking.”

Some staff in the program teach truly because they just enjoy the program, often working other jobs — Alethea Boyer-Mularski teaches full-time at Oregon School for the Deaf, showing up for her 5 p.m. 300-level ASL instruction classes after a full day of work.

“I teach at WOU because it’s where my teaching journey began nearly 18 years ago. Deb Duren, who was then the ASL Studies Program Coordinator, hired me despite my lack of teaching experience at the time, recognizing potential in me. Over time, my love for teaching grew, and I developed a desire to share my knowledge of ASL, Deaf culture and the Deaf community,” said Boyer-Mularski. “During the day, I work at Oregon School for the Deaf, and in the evenings, I teach hearing students at WOU. It’s a rewarding contrast — teaching Deaf students their true language while introducing ASL to hearing students.”

Western’s launch of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education Program — 2015-2021 — had Boyer-Mularski in one of the first cohorts. After a six-year hiatus starting in 2017, Boyer-Mularski has since returned to the college.

“It was amazing. I love Alethea. She definitely helped my receptive skills a lot (because) she’s a much quicker signer. That was a lot of fun, being thrown into that,” said Money.

Additionally, Money regards the language with a lot of love. “It’s important to me because it kind of reminds me of where I come from a little bit. I took it originally for my friend, for her and her brother, because she was going to teach it to him. And then I just fell in love with it — it’s a beautiful language.”

“ASL is more than just a language — it’s the heart of Deaf identity and culture. I encourage students (and) faculty to appreciate its true beauty and respect its vital role in the Deaf community,” said Boyer-Mularski.

Meader has appreciated Western’s program so much that he’s opting to pursue his master’s at Western in interpreting. “The staff and the professors in the ASL and interpreting programs have been so supportive and encouraging … and I think that’s what’s made me want to continue, as opposed to (an) experience I had in high school where I almost quit learning ASL because my first teacher said something very harsh and awful to me about my signing, but I’ve just had really good experiences with the professors here,” he said. “Regarding the interpreting program, I think the professors do a really great job at preparing you and setting you up for success. It feels like they really care about you and think about you as more than just a student. Like they really want to set you up for future success as an interpreter or whatever you decide to do with ASL.”

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@wou.edu

Study tips

February 26, 2025

Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor

As Winter term gets closer to finals week, studying for classes can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Finding the right study habits can be crucial for saving time, sanity and help one to thrive. 

Create a consistent study schedule One of the most important habits to develop is using a structured schedule instead of doing a study dump, where a student crams all of their studying time all at once. This ensures that there is enough time to study for each class. Another positive for a study schedule is that it helps to avoid procrastination because it’s already set in stone. Planning ahead allows one to digest the material, resulting in decreased stress. Without a study schedule, assignments can easily slip through the cracks, or one may be forced to cram the night before an exam. Here’s how to do it: 

  1. Begin by blocking out one’s class schedule and personal commitments in planners and calendars.
  2. Identify gaps in one’s daily schedule and plan out shorter study sessions.
    1. Shorter study sessions should be between 45-60 minutes with at least 5-minute breaks in order to maintain focus.
  3. Use tools like planners, calendars or apps to track assignments and exams.
  4. Be sure to schedule some downtime to relax and recharge.

Stay Organized — This is the cornerstone of academic success. Having a system for managing notes, assignments and other deadlines helps to understand the material. This works to reduce mental clutter which leads to better concentration and less stress. When one can find what one needs quickly, it leads to studying more efficiently and avoiding wasting time. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Keep notes organized by subject, topic or date. Use binders or digital tools like OneNote, Notion or Evernote for easy access.
  2. Color-code or highlight key information to make it easier to identify when reviewing.
  3. Use to-do lists to keep track of assignments, with realistic deadlines and reminders.
  4. Regularly clean up one’s study space to keep distractions at bay. A tidy space leads to a clear mind.

Minimize Distractions — Distractions are everywhere — social media, messages and constant notifications can easily pull you away from studying. While multitasking may seem like an efficient strategy, it often leads to decreased productivity. According to Brown Health University, “In reality, our brains are not set up to multitask. We are designed to be ‘mono-taskers,’ that is, to focus on and complete ‘one task at a time.’” This becomes even clearer when one tries studying with each method. There’s a clear difference when it comes to brain fatigue at the end of a study session. Minimizing distractions allows one to complete tasks faster and retain more information. Concentration on material leads to an improvement in one’s overall academic performance. Here’s how to practice this:

  1. Turn one’s phone to focus or do not disturb mode to limit distractions during study time. 
  2. Find a quiet place, such as a library, to study.
  3. Set specific, intentional times to check one’s phone or respond to messages, preferably during breaks. 
  4. Try using the “Pomodoro Technique”: Study for 25-30 minutes and then take a short break. After a few cycles, take a longer break.

Take care of mental and physical health — It’s easy to neglect the other parts of health when one is drowning in assignments, exams and other deadlines. However, the mind and body are the foundation of academic success. Good physical and mental health will improve focus, memory and overall performance. Its importance continues to boost mood, reduce stress and increase motivation. This can be done by: 

  1. Exercising regularly: Jogging, yoga or even a brisk walk can boost brain function.
  2. Getting enough sleep: seven to nine hours per night helps consolidate learning and enhances memory retention.
  3. Eating a balanced diet: A nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can boost energy and focus.
  4. Practicing mindfulness: Meditation, deep breathing exercises and journaling can reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
  5. Seeking help when needed: If struggling emotionally or mentally, don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor or therapist through the Student Health and Counseling Center. 

Collaborate with Classmates — Studying with classmates is a highly effective way to learn outside of the classroom. Group study sessions allow one to share ideas, clarify questions and help to approach problems from different perspectives. Also, explaining concepts to others helps to reinforce one’s understanding. This could be done through:

  1. Joining or forming study groups to review key topics before exams.
  2. Using online forums or platforms like Discord or Slack to collaborate remotely.
  3. Share notes, quiz each other or review difficult concepts together.
  4. Participate in group discussions or attend office hours held by professors.

Review Regularly — Instead of cramming the night before an exam, regular review is much more effective. Weekly review ensures that material stays fresh and contributes to information retention over the long term. The brain remembers information better when it’s revisited over time, rather than when it’s crammed into a single session. In order to do this, one should be sure to: 

  1. Schedule weekly review sessions for each subject to revisit lecture notes, assignments and key concepts.
  2. Use active recall techniques, such as using flashcards, filling out practice problems and completing practice tests.

Studying doesn’t have to be a never-ending race against deadlines. By developing effective study habits, staying organized, and focusing on physical and mental health, one can create a productive and balanced academic experience. The key to success is consistency, active engagement with materials, and a proactive approach to managing stress and distractions.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Finding self in solitude

February 26, 2025

Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor

In a world where we are constantly surrounded by people, notifications and obligations, we are often conditioned to believe that our worth is tied to how busy or connected we are. However, spending time with oneself is essential for our mental, emotional and physical well-being. The positive results of solitude go beyond “being alone.” Taking time to step away from the noise of everyday life opens the door to self-reflection, personal growth and a deeper connection to one’s own needs and desires.

Cultivates Self-Awareness and Reflection — One of the biggest benefits of spending time alone is the opportunity for self-reflection. Constantly surrounding ourselves with other people can make it difficult to hear our own thoughts. Solitude provides space for introspection. This allows one to process their thoughts, evaluate actions and think about goals in a more focused manner. One should ask themselves, “What do I really want in life? What makes me happy?” Getting in touch with one’s true self helps to make decisions that are more aligned with their values and long-term aspirations. One should try setting aside some quiet time to meditate and reflect. 

Boosts Creativity and Innovation — Solitude is an excellent catalyst for creativity. Anyone who is an artist, a writer, a musician or an enjoyer of problem-solving can tap into new ideas or discover breakthroughs outside of a busy environment. The mind tends to flourish in environments free of distractions. One is more likely to access their inner creativity without the pressures of external judgment of others. Historically, many of history’s greatest creators and thinkers have credited spending time alone as the key to their creative genius. One could do this by creating a space that promotes creative thinking, taking breaks from digital distractions and using alone time to brainstorm or write. 

Reduces Stress and Increases Mindfulness – In a life full of obligations it can be easy for one to feel overwhelmed by the demands of work, school, relationships and other responsibilities. Time alone helps with reducing stress and promotes relaxation in order for one to recharge and reset the mind. Mindfulness practices can help to center the mind. This can be done in many ways including finding a calming activity that can be done alone, limiting phone time and taking breaks throughout the day to be alone with our thoughts. 

Enhances Emotional Clarity and Healing – Our emotions are often complex and it can be hard to fully process them throughout our busy day. Time allows one to step back, reflect and understand our feelings clearly. Stress, sadness, anger and confusion need solitude for emotional healing. Sometimes our emotions need validation and to be free from judgment of others. Freedom from other people enables one to work through difficult feelings and gain emotional clarity. It also provides the opportunity to build emotional resilience. Here are some tips on how solitude can enhance emotional clarity and healing.

  1. Allow oneself to experience emotions without distractions or the need to “fix” them immediately. This can involve sitting with our feelings and giving permission to feel.
  2. Practicing self-compassion by being kind to oneself when dealing with difficult emotions.
  3. Using alone time to reflect on past experiences and gain insights into how to grow from them.

Strengthens the Relationship with Oneself – Spending quality time alone is a form of self-care that helps to build a deeper and more loving relationship with oneself. Instead of only relying on others for validation and happiness, it can be empowering to recognize that one can, at times, fulfill their own emotional and social needs. The relationship that one has for themselves sets the tone for all other relationships in life. Self-awareness helps to build a more positive self-image and become more confident in one’s decisions. Self-love and inner peace depend on learning to enjoy one’s own company. This can be done in several ways including, going on “dates” with oneself, celebrating small victories and reflection on things one loves about themself and to make time to nurture those qualities. 

Improves Focus and Productivity – Focused time can help to accomplish tasks more efficiently and effectively. Whether it’s studying, working on a personal project or tackling household chores, solitude can enhance productivity by allowing one to focus deeply on the task at hand. Focused time leads to better results where one can fully immerse themselves in the task and complete it with a greater attention to detail.

Fosters Independence and Confidence – Solitude fosters a sense of independence. It teaches one to rely on themself for emotional support and decision-making. Once one is comfortable enough in their own company, they become less dependent on external validation and more confident in the ability to navigate life’s challenges. One should trust their own instincts and embrace solitude as an opportunity to strengthen resilience and self-reliance. 

Spending time alone is not a luxury — it is a vital part of maintaining mental, emotional and physical well-being. Whether solitude is used for self-reflection, creativity, emotional healing or simply to recharge, the benefits are undeniable. In a world that often celebrates constant connection, taking time for oneself is an act of self-respect and care. By embracing solitude, one can deepen the relationship with oneself, enhancing focus, reducing stress and ultimately leading a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Outdoor season begins

February 12, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

With the transition from indoor season to outdoor season, Western’s multi-event athletes Macy Clemens and Alexa McGowan are preparing to take on new challenges. 

A native of Albany, Oregon, first-year Alexa McGowan has been steadily adjusting to collegiate competition. Her track and field journey began in middle school as a way to stay in shape for soccer, but she soon discovered a profound passion for the sport. Initially a sprinter, she later expanded her skill set, competing at the state level before discovering her love for multi-events. During the indoor season, McGowan competed in her first collegiate multi-event meet.
While she is still refining her technique in hurdles, McGowan has embraced the challenge, knowing that she is only starting out and will improve with more experience. However, pole vault is McGowan’s strong suit and remains her favorite event, despite it not being part of the heptathlon. “Ever since I started my junior year of high school, the more I do it, the more I have fun.” 

As she transitions into the outdoor season, her focus is on gaining experience in the full heptathlon. While she doesn’t see herself competing beyond college, she is determined to make the most of her time as a student-athlete. Her advice to younger athletes is, “Put in the effort. Once I committed to training, I saw real progress. Trust your gut and have fun.”
Senior Macy Clemens, from Klamath Falls, Oregon, is embracing her last season with Western’s track team. Like McGowan, she initially took up track in high school to stay in shape for other sports but soon became drawn to the competition track had to offer. Originally a hurdler and jumper, she transitioned into multi-events in college at the encouragement of her coach. For Clemens, the transition to outdoor track means preparing for the full heptathlon — a seven-event competition that tests every aspect of the sport. Out of all the events, the 800-meter run poses the biggest challenge for Clemens. “Whenever I run the 800, I have to switch up my entire mindset. It’s a really tough event, and even though I dread it at times, I know I have to run it regardless. I just get myself hyped up to do it and try my hardest.” 

One of Clemens’ proudest achievements this year was her performance at the Reno Invitational, where she recorded personal bests despite coming off an injury. This moment validated her dedication and effort she invested throughout the offseason.. 

Balancing track and academics has also been a priority for Clemens. While succeeding on the track, she has also gained experience in digital marketing, a field she hopes to pursue after graduation. With a degree in business marketing and a current focus on organizational leadership in graduate school, she is preparing for life beyond athletics. 

As the outdoor season gets underway, Western fans can expect to see these two athletes continue to push their limits. While first-year McGowan aims to gain experience and build a strong foundation, fourth-year Clemens looks to end her collegiate career on a high note. With their sights set on personal bests and strong performances, Alexa McGowan and Macy Clemens are ready to take on the upcoming outdoor season with style.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Share your feedback

February 12, 2025

Written by: Daniella Dugan | Title III Coordinator

How do you honestly feel about being a student at Western? What would you change if you could? How has Western fallen short of your expectations? This is your chance to share what you honestly think about your experience at Western. The WOLF Student Experience Feedback form is Western’s first annual opportunity for students to give their anonymous feedback on all areas of student life. Academics, co-curriculars, on-campus dining, housing, employment, personal growth, sense of belonging and purpose — all of these topics and more are included. There is even an open comment section for you to talk about whatever specific issue you feel strongly about at the end of the form. The institution is eager to hear what is improving your experience, worth continued investment and what negatively impacts your overall satisfaction as a “Wolf.” 

The goal of the form is not only to give student voices a new platform to be heard, but to use this feedback to help make actionable change on campus. The responses collected will help guide revisions of programs, new services and student opportunities that you are asking for. There is often a large gap between the perceived needs of students and the actual needs of students — this is our chance to lessen that gap. While there may be efforts from your academic department to collect feedback and make improvements, this form is for the institution as a whole and aims to help guide high level decision making for various areas of the student experience, not just in academics. 

In addition to being part of the change you want to see, you’ll also be able to enter into a drawing for one of eight prizes, including two $100 Wolfstore gift cards. Depending on your campus involvement, you may be able to enter the drawing more than once. Once you make it to the end of the form, you’ll be led to a new page to collect your contact information and enter the drawing; this entry will not be linked to your form responses. If at any point in the form you have trouble answering or maybe don’t understand the question, just skip ahead. All sections are optional, so you can pick and choose what you want to respond to if you are short on time. 

The feedback form will be open during weeks seven through nine of winter term, Feb. 17 – March 9. It will not be open again until the 2025-26 year, so don’t miss your chance to inspire change at your campus.

Contact the author at dugand@mail.wou.edu

Dorm decorating

February 5, 2025

Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor

Making one’s own space is extremely important in college. This chapter in life is full of excitement, new friends and new experiences. Although it’s easy to settle for bare walls, only sticking with the provided furniture, decorating one’s room has a significant impact on their mental well-being, self-expression and overall college experience. Here are a few reasons why decorating is important. 

The dorm room is one of the few places where students can fully express themselves. Personal touches like family and friend photos, favorite posters or other mementos to remind one of where one comes from can help anyone feeling homesick. At the end of a busy day, a student’s dorm room becomes a sanctuary for relaxation and recharging their social battery. Soft bedding, throw pillows and lighting work to create that relaxing environment. For students looking to choose a style, here is a list of popular themes: minimalism, boho chic, 70s style and much more. Personal expression and decoration don’t have to fit into a single label.

When making new friends, one will end up hanging out in their rooms. A decorated room can be a great conversation starter, or for when new roommates move in. Having a well-decorated space can feel more welcoming to guests. 

Stress is a normal part of the college experience, but that doesn’t mean it should follow one into their room. Creating a personal and colorful space is a powerful influence to one’s mental health. According to Mental Health America, “Happy, bright colors can increase your mental activity and leave you feeling rejuvenated and energized.” An aesthetically pleasing environment improves one’s mental health and can even make one feel more productive. 

Even though a dorm room is small, there is plenty of space to make it one’s own. It’s a fun and creative way to express oneself. So, grab those fairy lights, fluffy blankets and meaningful decor — the room is waiting.

Tips to decorate on a budget:

Bring in the greenery 

Plants have several benefits that directly affect its owners. Plants are therapeutic, improving one’s mental health, helping one to recover from illness faster and contributing to a good flow within a feng shui lifestyle. Some popular bedroom plants are lucky bamboo, succulents, snake plants and Pothos. 

Thrift shop

Thrift shopping has great options to find affordable decoration items that fit one’s style. Lamps, vases, frames and baskets are among the most unique decor that won’t break the bank.

Think multifunctional

Furniture that serves more than one purpose is extremely helpful for any student. One should look for under-bed storage with drawers and ottomans. 

Understand what’s allowed in the dorm

As one gets creative with decorating, it’s important to understand what is allowed — and, more importantly, not allowed — within the dorms. Candles, halogen lamps, vacuums and toaster ovens are among the most popular items that are prohibited in the dorms. Any student needing a refresher should look at the “FIRE and LIFE SAFETY” and “The Guide to Residential Living 24-25” on Western’s housing page. Some safe alternatives for the most popular prohibited item — candles — are diffuser sticks, essential oil diffusers and Scentsy warmers. 

Use peel-and-stick items

Students have likely heard this a million times already, but Command strips are our best friends when one wants to hang up any art and hooks without causing damage to walls. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu