oregon – The Western Howl

April 9, 2025

Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor

Compassion is one of the most powerful and transformative emotions a person can express. It’s a vital and growing force that has the power to shape both individual lives and communities. It’s easy for compassion to fall between the cracks when we are bombarded with disasters — both natural and man-made. In today’s fast-paced digital world, cultivating compassion is more important than ever, as it helps to build stronger relationships, respond to challenges with resilience and contribute positively to a society in need of greater care and understanding.

Compassion is the ability to recognize and empathize with the suffering or struggles of others — feeling a desire to help alleviate the pain and hardship. Compassion can be expressed through kind words, understanding or even small acts of kindness, and it often brings people closer together.

Many think that compassion and sympathy go hand in hand, but they are very different. Sympathy is the feeling of pity or sorrow for someone’s misfortune or suffering — it’s feeling bad for someone but not necessarily taking action to help.

Why do we need to practice compassion? For one, it builds stronger connections with the people in our lives. Showing that we care and are understanding towards others fosters a sense of closeness and trust. When people feel valued and supported, it leads to stronger and more meaningful relationships. Being compassionate towards others increases our own happiness. It gives one a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Helping others releases oxytocin — the “feel-good” chemical.

Compassion directly helps alleviate the suffering of others, whether it’s emotional, physical or psychological. We can make a tangible difference in someone’s life, helping them to feel less isolated in their struggles.

Compassion also contributes to the creation of a more caring and supportive society. Compassionate communities are more inclusive, less judgmental and more cooperative. It’s beneficial to everyone because it reduces social isolation and fosters a greater sense of belonging. One becomes resilient in the face of adversity as they practice compassion. Responding with empathy and patience reduces feelings of anger, frustration and helplessness when we are faced with challenges.

Acting compassionately to others can inspire them to act kindly, creating a positive ripple effect. Focusing on understanding and caring for others shifts our focus from personal grievances to more constructive and positive actions that result in the improvement of our own mental state and relationships. In the end, it truly helps to create a more supportive, resilient and harmonious world for everyone.

There is concern of a decline of compassion within our modern society. Here are some of the reasons why we’re seeing a downward trend.

Increased digital interactions — Social media and online communication increases the loss of face-to-face, personal connections that naturally foster compassion. Because online interactions feel more impersonal, they lead to a decrease in empathy and a sense of emotional detachment. Specifically, the anonymity of the internet can increase cases of trolling and online bullying.

Individualistic lifestyles — Our modern life emphasizes productivity, achievement and individual success. With the prioritization of competition and individualism, there is less focus on collective well-being and concern for others. People may feel too busy or preoccupied with their own lives to engage in compassionate acts toward others.

Social and political polarization — Increasing polarization happens when people are deeply divided. There’s a tendency to dehumanize those on the “other side,” making it harder to feel empathy or compassion for people with differing viewpoints. Polarization also creates an “us vs. them” mentality which, in turn, fuels a society where understanding and kindness are overshadowed by judgment and hostility.

Cultural shifts towards self care — Although self care is extremely important for our mental and emotional well-being, an overemphasis on individual needs can sometimes overshadow a focus on others. Becoming too absorbed in one’s own self-care routine can lead to the neglect of the needs of others and/or fails to engage in acts of kindness and compassion. The shift towards self-care is due to the constant exposure to global crises, such as war, poverty and natural disasters, through news and social media. Also known as “compassion fatigue” and “desensitization,” this can be overwhelming, leading one to disconnect emotionally or feel helpless, reducing their capacity to respond with compassion.

There are many challenges that hinder compassion in some areas of society. The decline in compassion may be more related to certain societal trends or challenges, but the ongoing efforts of individuals, communities and organizations suggest that compassion continues to thrive and can be nurtured in response to the difficulties we face. We can fight back by actively practicing compassion. But ow can we practice compassion?

Active listening — This means to truly listen to others without judgment or interruption; to listen to understand, not just to respond. Also, to acknowledge someone’s emotions and letting them know they’re heard can be incredibly comforting.

Showing empathy — Try to put oneself into the other person’s shoes to understand their emotions and experiences. Comfort them by saying, “I can’t imagine how hard that must be for you.” This shows that one recognizes their pain and is emotionally connected to their experience.

Offering help and support — Compassion is demonstrated through action. Try to offer to help through physical assistance, emotional support or being there for someone.

Don’t forget about self-compassion — It’s important to be kind to oneself. Treat oneself with the same kindness, understanding and patience that one would offer a close friend. Instead of being overly critical, be empathetic and offer gentle encouragement.

Random acts of kindness — Small, unsolicited acts of kindness go a long way, such as holding the door open for someone, sending a thoughtful note to a friend or giving a genuine compliment. Actions not only brighten someone else’s day but also cultivate a mindset of compassion in your own life.

Avoiding judgment — Avoid making snap judgements about others. One’s behavior is often influenced by unseen circumstances. Try to be open-minded and approach others with curiosity and compassion instead of criticism and labels.

Practice patience — It’s a requirement for cultivating compassion. Give people the time and space they need.

Understand that words have power — Be mindful how one speaks to others. Communicate with kindness and respect. A gentle word can sometimes heal more than a harsh one. Also remember, when offering advice, make sure it’s supportive rather than critical.

Be present — Sometimes the most compassionate thing one can do is simply be present for someone. Being there for someone in their time of need can provide them with a sense of comfort and connection.

Be forgiving — This includes letting go of grudges and practicing forgiveness. Holding onto anger or resentment is harmful in the long run. It’s important to know when it’s time to forgive. Forgiving others can create healing and free up emotional space for compassion. It’s equally as important to practice self-forgiveness, releasing oneself from unnecessary blame.

Cultivate compassion beyond humans — This extends to animals and the environment. Reducing waste, conserving water and treating animals with care are ways to practice compassion for the world.

Compassion helps us connect on a deeper level, fosters a sense of empathy and motivates us to act with kindness, understanding and patience. This practice requires effort and mindfulness as the rewards are immeasurable — both for those we help and for ourselves. It doesn’t take much to change the world, but one could try starting with one small act.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

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Western’s budget

March 12, 2025

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

Recently, Western’s leaders have been growing concerned with the state of the university’s finances due to increasing operational costs and lower enrollment.

March 5, in an email sent to Western students, Provost Jose Coll said, “Unless we take additional measures to reduce expenses for the next few budget years, we will not be on a sustainable path.”

This year, the university’s projected deficit spending is $3.5 million. Over the next two years, Western will be working on decreasing expenses by $5 million.

Many educational institutions across the country are experiencing the same financial struggles as Western. According to an article in The Chronicle of Higher Education, “About two-thirds of all degree-granting public and private nonprofit colleges exhibited one of the three key indicators of financial stress: consistently losing money, fewer students enrolled than a decade ago or a decline in state appropriations or endowment values.”

The article also stated that universities have recently been more willing to discuss financial hardships, which leads to the universities’ leaders putting less emphasis on revenue generation, and more on cutting costs.

In Provost Coll’s email, he stated that currently, Western has not made any decisions regarding the closure of any academic programs. In the scenario where a program does get cut, students who are in that program can finish their degree uninterrupted.

There are many people and committees dedicated to finding a solution to Western’s finances, including the University Budget Advisory Committee and the newly reinstated Academic Sustainability Committee. In an email Feb. 23, President Jesse Peters outlined the steps the university is taking.

“The new (vice president for administration and finance), Kwabena Boakye, begins March 1st, and he will take over coordination of our budget reduction strategies, including processes for gathering information and feedback,” said President Peters.

The university may have to make some difficult decisions, however, the designated committees, Vice President for Administration and Finance Boakye, Budget Director Camarie Moreno and Western’s other leaders are working together to ensure that students can still thrive at Western.

“I know this type of announcement is stressful and worrisome,” said President Peters. “But our proactive steps will set us on a path for sustainability. Now is the time for us to consider how we best implement innovations and efficiencies so that the university can continue to serve students and fulfill our mission.”

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

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Shopping local

March 12, 2025

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

Located at 226 Main St., Independence, Oregon, The Little Mall on Main is a one-stop shop for all things arts and crafts.

One of the shops, Snickety Picks, sells fabric, sewing supplies, handmade items and resale clothing. The owner, Lisa Purkerson, also offers clothing alterations such as repairing and pant hemming. She first opened her shop because she noticed that there weren’t any local shops that offered things like needle and thread.

Snickety Picks isn’t the only arts and crafts shop in The Little Mall on Main.

Heartfelt Hideaway provides craft supplies, handmade gifts and classes for the community. The owner of Heartfelt Hideaway, Marena Ward, is currently running classes for crafts such as junk journaling and making Easter bunnies out of socks. Also in the mall is Rosemary Ridge Farm Yarn and Fiber Arts, a shop that provides classes and supplies for needle felting, spinning and other fiber arts.

The Little Mall on Main hosts events such as Saturday bake sales, craft supply exchanges and vendor weekends with free tables for anyone who wishes to be a vendor.

“It’s all about ‘shop local,’” Purkerson said. Shopping local helps these shops — and the community — thrive. These local shops provide Independence and Monmouth with goods and services that are crafted and planned with the utmost care.

Snickety Picks opened in November 2024, however, this May, Purkerson and Ward will have their shops combined to create the ultimate craft-lovers paradise. They are also combining shops in order to see more business.

Many of the shops in the mall — and others in Independence and Monmouth — use a Facebook group called “Shop the Shops Monmouth and Independence” to help promote each others’ businesses.

Even with social media such as Facebook and other forms of advertising, many of the shops in the mall struggle to see business from the Monmouth and Independence community. Purkerson emphasized — especially to Western students — that the Monmouth-Independence Trolley is a free and fun way to explore the shops of Independence. Supporting local businesses is a great way for students to get involved with the community that surrounds Western.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

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REAL ID

March 5, 2025

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

Starting May 7, 2025, any travelers hoping to fly domestically in the U.S. must do so through REAL ID — a state-issued driver’s license, instruction permit or identification card meeting federal security standards. The goal for the REAL ID Act of 2005 is to increase the “integrity and security of the credentials,” as told by the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services.

The REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed as a law following 9/11 and meant to take effect in 2008, but the enforcement was widely refused by so many states that it was postponed. Starting in 2012, states began to comply, until all of them agreed in 2020.

Federal agencies and TSA — the Transportation Security Administration — will only accept REAL ID beginning May 7. REAL ID allows for individuals to fly as well as enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases or nuclear plants. However, REAL ID is not and does not replace a passport and does not allow for border crossing. Not having a REAL ID will prevent individuals from progressing through security checkpoints when attempting to fly.

REAL IDs are not necessary to drive, vote, apply and receive federal aid, enter federal establishments not requiring identification, receive medical care in a hospital or enter a hospital or engage as a lawful citizen, such as participating on a jury, testifying in court and so forth.

Multiple times now, the requirement for fliers to obtain a REAL ID has been pushed back in a few-year increments. Most recently, the required change was due in 2022, but, for the last time, was pushed back to May 7, 2025.

To know if a driver’s license in Oregon is already compliant with REAL ID regulations, check for a black star in the upper right corner. REAL ID is necessary for fliers above the age of 18. Oregon recommends obtaining a REAL ID as soon as possible, even without plans to fly. All states, including U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, will issue REAL ID requirements May 7. Some states already issue REAL IDs when new licenses are obtained, but may appear differently from Oregon’s REAL ID stamp.

To obtain a REAL ID, Oregon residents must visit a DMV office and bring documentation that proves their identity, date of birth, residence address through two proofs of address from two different sources excluding P.O. box mail and lawful status in the U.S. All documents must be original or certified copies, as electronic documents or photocopies will not be accepted. DMV recommends bringing a birth certificate as well as a passport. They will request a Social Security number — or proof that the applicant does not qualify — but do not need to see the actual Social Security card. DMV offers an online checklist and allows for appointments for this exact instance of securing a REAL ID, but appointments may not be necessary. The DMV will scan and store copies of the provided documentation for ten years, and REAL IDs can be renewed or replaced online in the future once one is already obtained.

After submitting documents for a REAL ID, the DMV will offer a paper identification card. This card will not be accepted for flying purposes by TSA. The license is expected to arrive within 20 days after the DMV accepts and scans the submitted documents.

It is very likely — and expected — that wait times and general business at DMVs to be exacerbated due to the required change as May 7 nears.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

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License plate options in Oregon

March 5, 2025

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

Most commonly, drivers in Oregon showcase that baby blue plate boasting a Douglas Fir between navy letters and numbers. This is the standard plate for Oregon — licensing more than 3.5 million vehicles after being introduced in 1988.

For a relatively cheap fee, that plate can be swapped out for other designs, such as a gray whale, salmon, Smokey Bear, an Oregon Trail Blazers logo, Crater Lake and other various wildlife.

Most recently, Oregon is selling vouchers for a new plate — featuring important shark species that live off of the Oregon coast to help promote awareness and generate funding for the Big Fish Lab, which studies those exact shark populations. The Big Fish Lab, based in Newport, Oregon, is the only dedicated shark research program in the state and has only been around since 2019.

The plate, titled “Vibrant Ocean,” shows off a large salmon shark, front and center, with blue sharks and a common thresher shark in the background. Each voucher costs $40, with $35 going to the lab. 3,000 vouchers must be sold before the plates are produced.

April 7, 2025, will see the addition of an Oregon State University-themed license plate for sale, supporting Oregon State University’s athletics. Other plates, such as “Pollinator Paradise” — a wildflower and bee design — support other areas of Oregon State University, with “Pollinator Paradise” going directly to bee research occurring at the college.

Interestingly, “Pollinator Paradise” was created by 16-year-old Marek Stanton. “Vibrant Ocean” was designed by Natalie Donato, a third-year student at Oregon State University’s College of Science, studying marine biology.

Allegedly, Oregon’s “Smokey Bear” plate is most popular among the additional choices. It won the Best Plate Award in 2019 from the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association. Previously, the “Crater Lake” plate won in 2002; it was also the most popular purchased plate until “Smokey Bear.” “Smokey Bear” has continued to raise money for the Keep Oregon Green Association and remains available alongside “Crater Lake” for purchase.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@wou.edu

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Meredith Grey character analysis

March 5, 2025

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

Content warning: this article discusses fictional violence, suicidal ideation and spoilers for “Grey’s Anatomy”

“Pick me. Choose me. Love me.”

Meredith Grey, nailed as the original “pick-me girl,” once begged her romantic interest — Derek Shepherd — to love her in season two of “Grey’s Anatomy,” a well-known medical drama that’s still ongoing. More than a decade later, the line has been connected to embarrassing tactics performed by women or girls who are “not like other girls” in hopes of gaining attention.

Well, believe me — Meredith Grey was never a “pick-me girl.”

The words of @dylanpcarlino on TikTok put it best: “Meredith Grey has spent her entire life being neglected and running from any real feeling. That speech is the very first time she’s ever said to another person exactly what she wants. She’s embarrassed by love. I think it was important for the character to stand up and say, ‘I love you. I want this.’”

Grey, raised solo by an ambitious surgeon who prioritized her career, whose father walked out of her life when she was young to start over with another family, was irrevocably abandoned. Due to this, she follows typical “neglected only-child” tropes: making her friends her family, afraid of love, self-sufficient, self-sacrificing and, in many instances, lacking self-preservation to the point of near-death.

Chances are, Grey’s lack of self-worth in the early works of the show stems from the abandonment she suffered in childhood. Secondly, her ability to sacrifice herself for others comes from the same place, that family is rare to come by and she can help others the way nobody helped her. Additionally, Grey faced an insurmountable amount of expectations to be great due to her mother’s historical work in the surgical field. She wasn’t just a neglected kid — she was the daughter of a star surgeon, whose life was cut short too soon, leaving unfulfilled goals and large shoes for Grey to fill.

And, even after receiving the love from Shepherd that she begged for, Grey pushes him away throughout the show, often neglecting conflict resolution skills. Nobody in her life modeled healthy relationships, plainly visible in her background and through her poor coping skills.

Online theorists have characterized Meredith Grey as self-preservation four — ironic due to Grey’s lack of self-preservation. Multiple times over, Grey has endangered herself for “the greater good” — or for no plain reason at all. Cue the following scenes: Grey, submerged in the ocean; Grey, hand in a body cavity containing a bomb; Grey, not begging for her life when faced with a deadly weapon, instead pleading to meet her end so the life of her lover can continue.

Being a self-preservation four personality type means one is self-sacrificing to no end. They do not communicate sensitivity, suffering, shame or envy, despite their ability to feel them. In fact, they manage to submerge — haha, get it? — these emotions, masking stoicism, but secretly hoping to, one day, be rewarded with love and acceptance. This, we know, Grey wants desperately, but often enacts her perfect ability to drive others away — self-sabotage.

According to Ashlie Woods, expert with the Enneagram types, “They have a strong need to endure, so they develop an ability to do without. They put themselves in situations that are tough. They test and challenge themselves … In some cases, they may not know how to live without the stress and pressure they put on themselves. They don’t allow themselves the experience of living in or from their fragility.”

These archetypes are, however, very sensitive. Grey, around season five, is slammed with accusations that she is uncaring and insensitive — conflict-avoidant, which is true to character — resulting in one of the show’s most complex and interesting storylines. Grey and Shepherd work on a patient who currently serves a sentence on death row, with Grey showing the murderer extended compassion, much to Shepherd’s dislike. This can be analyzed in multiple ways. One of these is the view that Grey is extending compassion to the ones who do not receive it. Perhaps she is looking to understand the misunderstood, as she so often feels, maybe love the unlovable. Or, maybe, she feels the desire to open up to another human — but can’t afford yet for it to be someone who cares for her. No matter the reason, Grey exhibitsed traits much unlike those of a traditional protagonist or hero.

Many other scenes reflect Grey’s inner turmoil. In one of the most well-known episodes, “Into You Like a Train,” the trolley problem is brought to life: pick one patient to save and condemn the other to death. When the unlucky patient is pulled aside and left to die, Grey is the only one on her team — seeing this patient as a reflection of herself, abandoned with nobody to save her. This, of course, is pointless, leading to the concept of self-saving — maybe nobody can help Grey but herself.

Not even love can save Meredith Grey. She loses her husband in season 11 rather abruptly, but decades of growth in her character have taught her that her healing is her own, and her life, even if lived alone, has value.

The characterization of Grey — her depression, mommy and daddy issues, fear of commitment and love, lack of coping mechanisms — all culminate in an older, wiser character by the end of the show. She becomes a mother and an award-winning surgeon, both important to her — what her mother could not balance — but, throughout it all, Grey does not fundamentally change. She keeps her wit, her dry humor and, somehow, most importantly, her ability to find danger anywhere. Her character is a testament to neglected only children, self-preservation fours and otherwise misunderstood viewers, showcasing that healing is more complex and doesn’t work like a cookie cutter — it won’t spit out a happy, healed, sunshine-y person at the end. She is persistently stubborn, unrelenting and reckless, but, by the end of the show, content with her life, her family and her work, which may be the only things Meredith Grey ever wished for.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@wou.edu

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Giving back

February 26, 2025

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

March 4, 2025, marks Western’s annual Giving Day — a way for people to donate to their chosen clubs, organizations, scholarships or other funds. Started in 2016, Giving Day has been an integral part of making sure the university and its students have the resources they need.

Nearly every college and university has a day specifically for crowdfunding. For Western, it’s “Howl from the Heart.” It is a component of “Wolves Rising: The Campaign for Western Oregon University,”a fundraising program launched Dec. 14, 2024, with an overall goal of raising $20 million for the university to better support students overall.

Western has highlighted funds on the Giving Day website, including athletics, the Student Success Center, scholarships and the “Future Wolves Fund.” The website also promotes donating to the “Fund for WOU.” This is a general fund that will go toward the areas with the most need, such as campus maintenance and facilities, offsetting operating expenses and funding current campus activities.

Every year, Giving Day gets bigger and better. This year, Western has a goal in sight of $300,000, compared to the nearly $250,000 that was reached last year. The crowdfunding day also has more than 60 funds to support, compared to last year’s 40 funds.

On Giving Day 2024, the university created a service and volunteer aspect so students can give back to both Western and the surrounding communities. This year, the students’ community service will extend to Salem for park cleanup — an occupational therapy project. Alongside it, a blood drive on campus was hosted successfully. A need for student volunteers remains at Heron Pointe Senior Living in Monmouth to spend time with seniors from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on March 4. Students can sign up to volunteer by going to this Google Form.

If students want to find volunteer opportunities outside of Giving Day, a service fair will be held on campus on March 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Willamette room of the Werner University Center that will help organizations needing volunteers get connected with students.

If a certain club, organization or other facet of Western isn’t listed on the website, donors can press the red “Make a Gift” button in the top right corner. This page allows donors to designate their gift to the place of their choice.

Everyone is welcome to participate in Western’s Giving Day, including students, alumni, faculty, friends of the university and other community members. It is a great way for anyone to show their support, regardless of their affiliation with Western.

If people would like to get more involved in Giving Day, and potentially win a $50 gift card, they can sign up to become a Giving Day Ambassador.

“Giving Day Ambassadors are people just like you — students, staff, faculty, parents and friends of the university,” David Beasley, the director of development, annual giving and sponsorships, said in an email to the student body. “By signing up to be a Giving Day Ambassador, you can let alumni, friends, family, colleagues and others know about how they can support Western students.”

Two students can each win a gift card, with one student bringing in the most gifts and the other raising the most money. To become an ambassador, press the “Ambassador Sign-up” button on the Giving Day website. Then, fill out the short form and choose what program to support. After submitting the form, potential ambassadors will receive a unique donation link through email. When Giving Day arrives, they can share the link with others and give them the opportunity to donate to the ambassador’s chosen fund.

If one does not receive a link from an ambassador and would still like to donate, many options are available, including calling 503-838-8814, visiting the Giving Day website — givingday.wou.edu — or going to The Cottage on Western’s campus and giving donations in-person.

A Feb. 12 press release written by Maureen Brakke stated, “Join Western Oregon University on March 4, 2025, for Howl from the Heart. Make a meaningful contribution and help ensure that every student at Western has the resources they need to thrive.”

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.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.

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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.

Cultivating compassion

Western’s budget

Shopping local

REAL ID

License plate options in Oregon

Meredith Grey character analysis

Giving back

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