Mount Hood

Social media presence and how it can affect the future

Tips for making social media pages professional

Sarah Austin | Lifestyle Editor

We live in a time where social media is used by almost everyone for anything from communicating with friends or family, storing photos, promoting businesses, to much more. When applying to a new school, program or job, it is important to check one’s social media presence beforehand. 

Students have experienced employment rejection based on posts they may have forgotten about or did not think about when uploading. People may be unaware that prospective employers check our pages, and they do it for many reasons such as gauging personality, professionalism, if a resume matches and so on. Here are some tips for cleaning up social media that can help protect oneself in the future.

  • Go through old posts and status updates searching for any unprofessional things such as derogatory comments, confidential information from a prior job, drama and inappropriate photos.
  • Photos holding alcohol, partying or otherwise inappropriate activity should be archived.
  • Make accounts private in settings, and on Facebook, choose “Friends” for activity, or “Just me” for posts that would be best kept personal.
  • Double check resumes and what is listed on social media for any inconsistencies on dates, volunteer work or jobs.
  • Deactivate or delete old profiles that are no longer in use. This will give a clean search and also keep emails free of spam.
  • Google oneself to see what potential employers will see.
  • Check personal following lists on all accounts, removing any controversial or inappropriate pages.

      This does not mean a person has to censor their life and have no control over their accounts. It is a word of caution to be aware of what is being put on the internet and who may see it. A rule of thumb is if it would be uncomfortable to show a supervisor, do not post it. 

      Contact the author at lifestyleeditor@thewesternhowl.com

      An interview with Crystal Ross

      Written by: Gretchen Sims | Editor-in-Chief

      The first face students see when walking into the Student Health and Counseling Center is often Medical Receptionist, Crystal Ross, always donning an earnest, welcoming smile. Her friendly demeanor fits right in with the center — as if she’s always been there — but what many students don’t realize is that it took a lot to get there.

      While Ross is best known for her work at the front desk of Western’s Student Health and Counseling Center, she spent many years working in the field before settling down at Western.

      “Well, I met my husband in 1997, and we were both working in the same company in Dallas. The economy was a little unstable and the person who owned the company was selling it and so I told my husband, ‘If we’re both here when this place goes down, or goes under, because I’m pretty sure it’s going to, we’re gonna be in trouble,’” Ross said. 

      Ross then made the ultimate decision to go to school for Medical Billing and Coding. She went to a trade school for a year — working graveyard shifts at the company with her husband and going to school during the day. 

      After receiving her certification in Medical Billing and Coding, Ross took her internship, or practicum, at West Salem Family Practice. When a receptionist position opened up, she decided to apply.

      “It was like a step, a foot in the door, and within three months, they had an opening in their business office so I ended up getting to go into the business office and use that Medical Billing and Coding knowledge that I had. And, so I was there for nine years, and a friend of mine, who was also a coworker, she had come to Western and was working in the Student Health and Counseling Center and she’s like ‘I think you’d really like it here, they have a receptionist position open; you should apply,’” said Ross.

      Ross felt that there was nowhere to go in her job at West Salem; she felt like she couldn’t move up and had no room to grow anymore, so she decided to take the opening at Western.

      “I guess the rest is history. They told me when I interviewed there would be potential for me to do some Medical Billing — that they were trying to get that started — and I have done some Medical Billing and Coding here. I used to have an office in the back, here, and then when COVID happened, and we lost some of our employees, I went back up front, and I feel like I really just thrive there,” Ross said.

      Ross has come to love her home here at Western. 

      “My favorite part about (Western) is definitely the students… definitely the students. I love working with the students, I love getting to know them. I try really hard to remember things about students and what they tell me.”

      Unlike some larger schools, Western has the unique privilege, in part, due to its size, of fostering strong and consistent communication between departments. 

      “…I also really like that I can reach out to someone in other departments and know that they’re going to do their best to help me. Whether it’s helping me personally, or helping me help a student, I just think that Western being as small as it is, we really do well at helping each other help the students,” said Ross. 

      Ross loves animals. At home, she has two rabbits, four cats, three dogs, a lizard, a snake, two horses, six ducks and 12 chickens, so, naturally, she feels passionate about the SHCC’s local squirrel. 

      “Oh my gosh,” said Ross “I love the squirrel. I love all of the squirrels on campus, I just think they’re such a fun, neat animal and so I’ll see this little guy hop around on the sidewalk in front of our building, you know, of course, in and out of the trash can. I call him Benny… I just thought it was a cute name and… I gave him food one day… ooh I know… I gave him a little peanut. I know, I don’t make a habit of that, because I don’t think they really want you feeding them, but… so yeah, Benny hangs out, I see him every day, running around, in front of the Student Health and Counseling Center — he’s our little mascot,” Ross said. 

      Working with students is a passion of Ross’s: she loves every one of them here at Western, but oftentimes, at the front desk of the SHCC, Ross sees them at their lowest. Ross is widely regarded for her optimism and friendly and welcoming personality, and while it’s not always easy, Ross always manages to keep a beaming smile on her face. 

      “I had a pretty traumatic childhood myself, and once I got away from the trauma, and I realized the things this person had said about me were not true — it was my ex-stepdad — I just thought, I need to be a cycle breaker, I need to be someone who cares about other people and shows that I care about other people,” Ross said.

      Ross attests to the importance of putting her best foot forward when she walks through the doors of the SHCC each morning.

      “My goal when someone walks through our doors is for them to have a positive experience because oftentimes they aren’t feeling well. So, if just smiling and being kind can help them feel better, that is my goal. A friendly face can make all the difference,” said Ross. 

      “I always tell my kids that, even if I’m having the worst day, none of my students are ever going to know — that I’m having a bad day — because I need to be the person that students can come to and know that they’re going to be taken care of, regardless of how my day is going. I want to be that positive light, I want to show people that I care about them, so I just think that I come to work every day knowing that I am impacting so many people’s lives. That just helps me keep that positive attitude, because I know that everybody has things that they’re going through and sometimes, all you need is one person to be kind to you and that can change your whole entire day — it could change your whole entire mood — and so if I can be the person who is the bright light for that person’s day, then that’s what I want to do,” Ross continued. 

      Besides simply being a bright light to the students here at Western, “I also have the privilege of helping these young adults learn how to navigate the healthcare system, which can be overwhelming for anyone. A lot of students are far from home and need guidance. I feel honored to be part of helping them grow and learn. I am a mom, so I think about how I would want my children to be treated,” said Ross.

      Ross has several tattoos ranging from her first, which is of her favorite Disney character, Eeyore, to a Gemini astrological sign as a memorial to her father. 

      “Then I have one more, it’s on my chest here, so I was a teenager in the 90s, so 90s grunge and alternative music, that is my jam — that’s my favorite thing. My most favorite band in the world is Soundgarden, which was actually my very first concert when I was 18, and Chris Cornell, who is the lead singer of Soundgarden, completed suicide about almost seven years ago. That was really hard for me because my childhood was… traumatic, and music was my outlet. If I was having a bad day, or just needed to be calmed down, music was always my outlet.”

      Ross has had the tattoo since Cornell passed away.

      “This, here, is Chris Cornell’s autograph, and then this is the lyric from the song ‘Black Hole Sun’ and it says ‘No one sings like you anymore,’ and I thought that was appropriate because no one will sing like him, and that was a song that he wrote,” Ross said. 

      Ross loves all of her students — “Yes, I refer to all of you as my students,” — and wants them to feel seen, heard and validated. She aims to make the SHCC as welcoming to students as possible. 

      “My goal when someone walks through our doors is for them to have a positive experience because oftentimes they aren’t feeling well. So, if just smiling and being kind can help them feel better, that is my goal. A friendly face can make all the difference,” Ross said. 

      With all of that love for students, Ross wanted to leave them with a piece of advice.

      “Always believe in yourself because even if you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, it will get better. It will get better. There are people out there that care about you and want you to succeed. Sometimes you don’t always know who those people are and they’ll come into your life when it’s the right time,” said Ross. 

      The SHCC is a fantastic resource for Western students. Whether it is to just stop by for a piece of candy, to get some studying done or to, of course, make a counseling or doctor’s appointment, Ross wants students to feel welcome and encourages them to swing by at any time. 

      “I know that it’s my job, but it’s also my honor and my privilege to serve the students. I know it’s a job, you get paid for it, but it’s definitely something that I enjoy doing and I love coming to work every day and knowing I am making a difference.” 



      Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

      Budget bougie grocery guru

      Written by: Liberty Miller | Lifestyle Editor

      Content warning: this article contains mentions of weight, nutrition, eating and fitness. 

      Eating well in college can be a challenge, just as much or even more so than getting good grades, working out or balancing one or two jobs on top of being a full-time student. Having gone through the experience of working two jobs, being a student-athlete and writing for the Howl, this article is based on real-life circumstances, making this a comprehensive and achievable guide for even the busiest of individuals to follow. 

      The goal of general nutrition in college is not to lose or gain weight, nor to optimize performance or to become a superhuman. At its very core, nutrition maintains the homeostasis of the body. It ensures that one has enough energy to get through the day, to regulate the nervous system and digestion and to increase the quality of life for the individual. 

      Keep in mind that this guide is not published by a medical professional. 

      The power of meal prep — Meal preparation is an amazing time management technique along with the assurance that proper meals are eaten throughout the week. If properly sealed, a four-day meal preparation cycle is perfect for ensuring no food will spoil, offering four days of stress-free breakfast, lunch or dinner. It also discourages eating out, which is not inherently bad, but going out to eat can make is easy for one to miss out on vital nutrient groups and force an even tighter budget.

      When meal prepping, it’s important to include all major food groups — fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy. If one chooses not to eat one of these food groups due to a condition or any other reason, it is important to continue to get the nutrients required from those food groups. When it comes to the kind of food in the meal prep, that is purely up to the individual, and it is important to listen to one’s bodily intuition when choosing what feels good to consume. 

      As for the time involved in the meal prep, two to three hours every four days is the benchmark for this system to be successful. For example, if one has a Saturday off work and classes, meal prepping on a Saturday and Tuesday evening would be a proper cycle. 

      Finding creative ways to consume — As college students, it is a universal struggle to access affordable and readily available fresh food. Finding ways to budget and store fruits, vegetables and meats can be challenging, but not impossible. 

      Frozen fruits and vegetables are largely the same as freshly bought ones and can be stored for long periods. These can be incorporated into dishes such as oven-roasted vegetables, smoothies and even eaten as-is. Unless the frozen product has some sort of sauce or syrup added, it is an option that is just as healthy and may be more practical than fresh produce. 

      Fresh meats don’t have to be expensive either — many meats are similar in fat to protein content, but meats like pork loin are affordable compared to ahi tuna steaks or top sirloin and still contain high amounts of protein. Eggs are one of the most notorious sources of cheap protein and can easily be incorporated into almost every meal. 

      Grocery shopping options around the Monmouth and Salem area include Winco Foods, Grocery Outlet, Costco and Safeway. A multi-pronged approach to grocery shopping may be more effective than finding one store — Costco will have better price-per-unit deals on items such as Annie’s mac and cheese, Kodiak Cakes, loaves of bread and soups; Roth’s Fresh Markets will be able to cut and portion fresh meats to fit one’s budget and stores such as Grocery Outlet have the best deals on frozen fruits and vegetables. 

      Liberty’s recipe recommendation corner —A personal favorite lazy recipe is Nongshim brand Tonkotsu ramen, topped with an egg and pork loin for a high-protein meal, sided with fresh blueberries or whatever fruit or vegetable choice one prefers. Per unit, the ramen, egg and pork loin are a meal that costs less than five dollars and takes around 20 minutes to prepare if the egg and pork loin are fresh. 

      A well-balanced option for mac-and-cheese lovers — Purchase a quarter to half a pound of fresh steelhead trout — Roth’s Fresh Markets is a good option — prepare it with one’s preferred seasonings, wrap it in foil and cook it in the oven – when that is being cooked, heat water to make a simple box of Annie’s white cheddar mac and cheese shells, as well as a separate pot to heat up a frozen vegetable mix, preferably with green beans, peas and carrots — the frozen vegetable packs are available for less than a dollar at Grocery Outlet. Top the mac and cheese with the portion of steelhead and mix in the vegetables. 

      Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

      Mental strength transforms you

      Written by: Liberty Miller | Lifestyle Editor

      To preface this article, I am a terrible role model to follow. I do way too many activities, have way too little time and rely far too heavily on the luck I’ve had making it this far. I am in the volleyball program at Western, which is incredible to be a part of. A large portion of that is because our weights performance coaches, Coach Jo and Coach Metzgar, do their job so well that the only thing we have to do is sleep, eat and show up. The hard part is being able to mentally show up day after day. 

      Everybody has heard the famous saying, “The mind gives up long before the body does.” Nobody knows that saying better than me and my team during our twice-a-week cardio sessions. I’ve had struggles with a busy schedule, as well as having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder which makes it difficult for me to focus and perform actions correctly. It manifests during weights, when I have to remember our barbell complex or during practice, when I forget — once again — to open up my angle during serve receive. Last quarter, I was putting in 32 hours of work in addition to working another job, schoolwork, volleyball and weights sessions. 

      It’s frustrating and mentally taxing. If you’re in a similar situation, you know exactly what I’m talking about. When life steps on you every day, refusing to stop and humbling you in ways you didn’t even know were possible, the mind has two choices: it can either collapse or it can grow some muscle to hold up all that weight. 

      I remember thinking to myself in mid-March, “Maybe I just wasn’t made for all this. Is this where my athleticism stops? Is this my limit?” Looking back on it, my brain and body needed a break, and I went home for spring break, to vent and reflect on what I’ve been feeling so far. What flashed through my mind was all of those times I thought I wouldn’t make it through cardio. 

      I decided that my new belief is — when something is wrong and my mind is tired, I’m going to fight for myself and believe in my potential. I made a few decisions to push myself forward. I took some weights off of the barbell in my brain. I started ADHD medication, I put my foot down at work — weekends only, so volleyball and school take precedence. I even reorganized my room and started opening my blinds so the sun could attempt to fix my circadian rhythm in the morning. Now, who knows whether the changes will be sustainable. However, I’ve already felt like I’ve successfully spotted my brain after it failed a lift. I took some weight off, and I worked my way back up again. Now, the weight moves easier, because I believe in my potential. 

      Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

      The faster the fashion the faster the controversy

      Written by: Taylor Duff | Freelancer

      Fast fashion populates many people’s homes and lifestyles, making familiar fashion brands such as Nike, H&M, and the cheapest on the market, Shein, extremely popular. 

      The brand has become highly desired on the internet because of the thousands of influencers who participate in showing clothing hauls — to sway customers to make mass purchases of items due to their impossible-to-beat prices. The prices of clothing on Shein are just a fraction of what all other clothing brands charge — making over-consumerism undeniable. 

      Shein is an internet-based retailer in Nanjing, China that was founded in 2008. Due to the rise of social media, Shein became an overwhelming success in 2020. As popular as the company is, Shein has been followed by much controversy throughout its standing.

      One example of this is speculation on whether or not the company properly pays its employees or that its employees are being subjected to rigorous hours — also known as forced labor. 

      With the mass amount of clothing being produced, and trends changing constantly, it’s hard for many consumers to believe that clothing items can be made and shipped promptly without constant movement. 

      Another complaint with fast fashion, with Shein at the core of the debate, is that, because of the large consumerism especially with social media influencers, a lot of this clothing is contributing to landfill pollution. Many fast fashion companies, like Shein, have been accused of burning their unused clothing to keep up with seasonal trend demands for new and more sought-after pieces. 

      Many high-end brands such as Ralph Lauren and Doc Martens have sued Shein for copyright infringement, saying that Shein has stolen ideas and designs, making their products closely resemble the higher-end brands. From a consumer perspective of those who can’t afford the higher-end prices, Shein could be a great alternative.  

      Many fast fashion companies face similar charges and many brand owners and designers have sued. Similarly, Shein has racked up many lawsuits — many of which are ongoing. 

      Another company that is receiving controversy, and, not surprisingly, competes with Shein, is Temu. Temu is another online retailer that has been accused of collecting user information to track trends and personal information. 

      Temu does what Shein and many other brands do and makes faster, cheaper products to sell at a massive scale and sway consumers to purchase more. These are allegations many online marketplaces have received. 

      Overall, being aware of spending habits and the quality of clothing, as well as how much is being bought, is important because it contributes to how much is being produced. People purchase clothing and dispose of it just as fast. It makes perfect sense to get the quickest and cheapest fashion possible for the same styles the high-end brands are producing. 

      Finding more efficient and safe ways to donate and recycle is important. Just being aware is all the better; purchasing affordable clothing is a wise choice, but spend wisely and help save the planet. 



      Contact the author at: tduff23@mail.wou.edu

      Online dating safety tips

      Written by: Taylor Duff | Freelancer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Contact author at tduff23@mail.wou.edu

      How Washington and Oregon shape culture in the PNW

      Written by: Liberty Miller | Lifestyle Editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

      Spring into spring break

      Written by: Jude Bokovoy 

      Spring break is rapidly approaching. Some students have been awaiting it for months with a full itinerary of what they want to get accomplished over the week. Others are just looking forward to having a break from classes. No matter what category one falls in, here are a few ideas of what one could do during their break depending on their location and mood. 

      Hometown spring break: Everyone has different feelings towards their hometown. Here are a few things to do to bring back some memories and make the most of one’s break. 

      Monday — Unwind at one’s favorite coffee shop and read a good book.

      Tuesday — Spend time with a family member doing a nostalgic activity.

      Wednesday — Have a picnic at a lookout or park.

      Thursday — Window shop through downtown to see what’s new.

      Friday — Catch up with family members.

      Saturday — Do an activity that one is unable to regularly do,  such as skiing or windsurfing.

      Sunday — Take a drive through town to see what has changed and what has stayed the same.

      Lowkey spring break: This is for those who want to spend their break taking a break. 

      Monday — Call a loved one. 

      Tuesday — Pack a picnic to take to a local park. 

      Wednesday — Go out to breakfast with a friend. 

      Thursday — Watch one’s favorite movie.

      Friday — Cook oneself a nice dinner. 

      Saturday — Have a self care day.

      Sunday — Create a mood board.

      Reset spring break: This schedule is for those who need to reset their atmosphere and headspace.

      Monday — Put on a face mask, paint one’s nails and take a bubble bath.

      Tuesday — Go to the library or a bookstore to find a book to read throughout the break.

      Wednesday — Clean one’s space.

      Thursday — Visit a coffee shop to read and sip on a delicious drink.

      Friday — Bake muffins to have for breakfast.

      Saturday — Paint something to hang up in one’s living space.

      Sunday — Deep clean one’s place to take on spring term fully reset.

      Adventurous spring break: This is for people who live around the Monmouth area that are itching to go out and explore with a companion. 

      Monday — Spend the day in Lincoln City.

      Tuesday — Go to an aquarium.

      Wednesday — Explore the outskirts of Portland. 

      Thursday — Go on a hike.

      Friday — Watch the sunset at Pacific City.

      Saturday — Go to the Portland or Corvallis Saturday market.

      Sunday — Walk around a museum.

      Vacation spring break: Some people don’t have their vacations all planned out yet, use these suggestions for some inspiration.

      Monday — Try a new restaurant.

      Tuesday — Look up places to explore throughout one’s stay. 

      Wednesday — Take a long peaceful walk at sunrise or sunset.

      Thursday — See what downtown has to offer.

      Friday — Spend some time with the people one came with. 

      Saturday — Rent a bike or scooter to zip around the area.

      Sunday — Make a Tik Tok to commemorate one’s vacation. 

      Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu




      Disney as adults

      Written by: Jude Bokovoy

      Everyone has a different level of appreciation for Disneyland. Some couldn’t care less about it, others are full blown “Disney adults.” This article is for those who like the idea of Disneyland and are curious about what there is to do after the childhood glamor wears off. 

      One’s company — Who one decides to go with can affect what one ends up doing throughout their time at Disneyland. For instance, if one is with family, one should do things that appeal to a variety of ages and interests. The size of one’s party comes into play when getting into rides with limited seating.  Recently, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to go to Disneyland with the entire WOU cheerleading team. We were able to split off into groups and mine had eight people. This way we were able to take up entire roller coaster carriages and carts for bigger rides. This also allowed us to break into smaller groups if our interests differed at certain parts of the day. 

      Rides — The only “kiddie” ride I recommend going on is “Mad Tea Party” — commonly known as the “Tea Cups.” The ride is completely outdoors, follows the theme of “Alice in Wonderland” and is the perfect place to take pictures. Other than that, the fast rides are the way to go. We started out our journey with Space Mountain, the infamous roller coaster in the dark. Another ride one cannot miss is Matterhorn Bobsleds. An angry yeti follows as one’s bobsled weaves in and out of the mountain, ready to give a jump scare. The bumpy ride filled with waterfalls, sharp turns and loud noises will give participants a smile and whiplash. Lastly, my favorite ride —that we were able to go on twice— was “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.” The realistic characters, enthusiastic employees and interactiveness left me, as a non Star Wars fan, in awe. This ride will keep one guessing as they go from location to location. I do want to keep this one a secret for those who haven’t had the chance to attend. Just know that the bigger the party the better because taking up a cart with one’s friends is much more fun than sitting with strangers on this thrilling ride. 

      Food — When spending the day walking around, standing in lines and having a fluctuating heart rate from thrilling rides, it’s good to be honest with one’s group when one is hungry. Chances are  there’s more than one person who needs a meal. Disney is known for their unique snacks and desserts which are great to eat, just don’t forget to have a full meal. Being hungry and not getting a balanced meal can affect one’s mood in “the happiest place on earth.” I do have to say, my favorite food item was actually during our second day in Downtown Disney. A little stand called Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs sells a creative spin on the classic. Another cheerleader and I got pickle corn dogs. It was a hotdog inside of a pickle, battered, dusted with panko, fried and served with creamy peanut butter. It sounds crazy, trust me it was, but it was actually pretty good. All the other cheerleaders that thought we were weird for getting them turned out to like them as well. They were huge, if one ends up getting one, keep in mind that it could feed up to three people as a snack. 

      Overall Disneyland is a great place to go on rides, eat interesting food and take in the scenery. No matter one’s age, there will always be something to do — just try to have it thought out before entering the park. 

      Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

      Be uncomfortable; chase ones dreams

      Written by: Dakota Gange

      “Happiness can’t be bought.” The saying echoes and bounces off the walls of life, circling social media and often received in the form of advice from friends and family. The sentiment is supposed to be common knowledge, but why do so many of us stay in situations where we are unsatisfied?

      For me, it was prioritizing financial security that kept me from striving to achieve my dreams. Financial stability was such a strong force that gave me comfortability and peace of mind. Knowing I could eat and pay the bills helped me sleep better at night. Being a restaurant manager is a stimulating career. It’s meticulous but has enough leniency for one to have a blast, all the while constantly being around others. It just wasn’t what I wanted to do in the long-term.

      It can be a tangled and confusing mess to be stuck between stability and dreams. For those out there caught in the middle, perhaps it will bring some comfort knowing that I traded my comfortable decade-long, salaried career to chase my dreams through education without a stable paycheck.

      Now I am reaching the summit of the mountain. I’m only 29, but these past few years have been filled with a chest full of treasured lessons.

      For ten years now, I’ve been building my skills and career in the customer service industry — quickly leading to a comfortable fiscal situation. I wasn’t unhappy per se, I had a great time, but it just wasn’t that exact puzzle piece I was looking for. I always knew it wasn’t, but I still went to work every day and caught myself thinking, “Am I really going to do this for the rest of my life? I can’t do this for 80 percent of my life.” 

      As comfortable as I was, the job was not without its share of unfulfillment. I had always wanted to go back to school, but it always turned into, “Okay, next fall.”  

      Then the pandemic hit in March 2020, and my life was forcefully shaken up. I was laid off from my salaried position, which was exactly the push I needed. 

      So I signed up for classes and immediately fell into a position of writing. Swiftly, I began taking journalism classes and writing for the school newspaper at Linn Benton, which quickly turned into a year of being the student voice editor, followed by a year of being the editor in chief. 

      Here I led my Linn Benton team to place fifth in best general selection in the Associated Collegiate Press 2022 Nationals, judged by 2020 Pulitzer Prize winner Rick Green, followed by 21 first, second and third place Oregon National Press Association awards in best photos, best news and feature writing, best graphics, best review and more. 

      Journalism and education led me to achieve things I never thought of. 

      After being laid off for several months, I returned to work part-time. Between being editor in chief and managing The Old Spaghetti Factory part-time, it was enough to maintain financial stability.

      However, when I got a call from my boss, asking me to return full-time, it was tempting to go back to that livable $60,000 salary and vacation pay. I was faced with the choice of my career or my education. I had 48 hours to decide, but I knew in a flutter of a heartbeat that I was never going back to solely managing restaurants.  

      We are meant to do so much more than just pay the bills. All too often do I hear stories of unhappiness, oftentimes due to working jobs we don’t love. 

      Here I am, a student, first-time mother of a toddler, extremely, fiscally uncomfortable and I couldn’t be more content. 

      My happiness is found in chasing my dreams through education and what comes with that is all worth it. 

      Contact the author at howlmanagingeditor@wou.edu

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