361 10 9760 https://caspercollege.cvlcollections.org/files/original/97f7aedb17dd3d42e5b8dcbff2f1a005.pdf ab84ca243e2e21929f1d67ea7fc370d6 PDF Text Text March 1, 2023 Casper College’s Student Voice Since 1945 Plays Day inspires student success Kaley Pieper Chinook Writer The recess bell in elementary school was the que to go play. As a child, playing is the favorite pastime of most everyone. Sports, recess, games, and other activities engage the mind and body, all of which are considered ‘play’. But as adults, there is no alarm to signal playtime. According to Casper College Phi Theta Kappa’s research, play is a biological drive, and there are extreme benefits to incorporating play into your life. Because play is such an important aspect of life, Phi Theta Kappa organized “CC Plays Day” to encourage students and staff at Casper College to engage in activities of play. On Thursday January 26, clubs from across campus organized games and activities open to everyone. Noelle Romer, psychology major and PTK President, helped organize the event. The idea for the event came from the club’s annual research project. This year, the topic was about play. “When you’re in that state of play, there’s so many benefits. You lose track of time, and your stress goes away. In our research, we found how important it is for college students, young adults, and even older adults to play. We kind of… shelf playing after childhood, because we have more serious things going on.” In PTK’s research, members found that play reduces feelings of negativity. It can also increase chemicals that stimulate the brain such as oxytocin (the love hormone), serotonin (the happy hormone), and dopamine (the feel-good hormone). Engaging in play also boosts intrinsic behavior and helps create social intelligence, cognitive intellect, and physical and mental resilience. When students make time to play each week, it can increase connection, which increases student success. Play deprivation can lead to depression, anxiety, and mental illnesses. “As a community college we have a really diverse population, diverse ages, and backgrounds.” said Romer “So we were looking for a way to connect the student body, and landed on nostalgia. Everyone has similar childhood experiences they can relate back to. So the idea of CC Plays day originated from this idea of connecting students, allowing them to benefit from play, and also get students involved in clubs and activities.” About 20 clubs and groups from across campus joined in by holding a play activity. Some of the clubs included American Sign Language Club, Fire Science Club, Thunderbird Gaming, Art Club, Student Senate, Oil City Ag Club, and Campus Ventures. “We learned that students that are involved in clubs have a higher success rate. — See Plays Day Page 3 Submitted Photo Erica Pasley is pictured to the right interacting with baby pigs at “Play Days” in the Grace Werner Ag Pavilion. These piglets and lambs are part of the college’s herd. Student Senate advocates: Free menstrual products on CC's campus William G Eastin Chinook Writer This year, Casper College Student Senate is pushing to provide period products on campus. Student Senate, partnering with Aunt Flow -- a menstrual product-based company -- is attempting to combat period poverty by implementing free period product dispensers in bathrooms for the use of students, teachers and faculty members. Shelby Davies is quoted in Period Poverty: The Public Health Crisis We Don’t Talk About saying, “Period poverty is defined as inadequate access to menstrual hygiene tools and education.” She is a faculty member at PolicyLab at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The lack of free and affordable period products for menstruators along with the stigmatized subject itself result in missing school or work. Kristina Pham, Student Senate advisor and psychology instructor, said, “Menstruators end up using things like rags or newspapers as substitutes.” With the unavailability of free and common hygiene products, menstruators are posed with a problem that can negatively affect their academic and professional careers. Starting last year, Student Senate placed a sizable focus on attempting to implement free period product dispensers throughout campus. The Student Body President, Olivia Daniels, stated, “Senate is unable to financially afford putting them in every bathroom as of now, so we’ll start off by putting them in only a few.” The Student Senate will target the bathrooms with the highest traffic around campus and implement the first few dispensers there, both in women and gender-neutral bathrooms. “These dispensers would be used as more of a trial run to see how often they get used, how much the cost would be for refilling them, and if they would pose any problems,” Daniels said. The Senate will not only take on the responsibility of purchasing the period product dispensers, but the senate will also take on putting them up and keeping them regularly stocked. Each dispenser will include both tampons and pads, costing a total of $300 per dispenser. Refill boxes, consisting of 500 tampons and 500 pads, will cost a total of $270. The Student Senate has chosen to partner with Aunt Flow for a variety of reasons. Pham said, “Aunt Flow seemed to have the highest quality product including organic materials, comfort tips, and unbleached cotton as well.” Comfortability and products with no chemicals are qualities that the Senate deem very important and beneficial for the use of menstruators. In past years, Casper College provided paid period products in bathrooms around campus, but they were removed. “From what I understood, they were taken out of the bathrooms because of vandalism,” Pham stated. With the Student Senate attempting to implement new period product dispensers in bathrooms, this situation still has the ability to pose a major problem. Daniels said, “I believe changing the period products from paid to free will completely and if not drastically reduce the problem with vandalism.” A national survey — See Products Page 3 CC's Marcela Caballero wins distinguished award Jacob Klaudt Chinook Writer Marcela Caballero, a sophomore majoring in accounting at Casper College, received the Wyoming Business Alliance’s Shaping Wyoming’s Future award earlier this winter at a private reception held in Cheyenne, Wyo. Along with accepting the award, Marcela earned a $250 scholarship from the WBA. The inaugural award presented to mainly first-generation college students highlighted accomplished scholars who work full or part-time jobs while simultaneously earning a business-related degree from a Wyoming community college. According to the Wyoming Association of Community College Trustees website, “One student was selected from each of Wyoming’s eight community colleges to share their story of determination and success.” The website also states, “The Wyoming Business Alliance is recognizing these students for the ways they have been able to transform their lives through their experience with the Wyoming community college system, and how their efforts are shaping the future of Wyoming.” Caballero, the book-reading painter who looks after an extensive and eccentric plant collection, hails from Douglas, Wyo. She is also a firstgeneration college student. Caballero is employed at a bank and working towards a bachelor’s degree at the same time. Marcela’s favorite book series, Flawed by Cecilia Ahern, depicts a young woman who excels at math and breaks down social norms in a “perfect” society. The story seems to parallel Marcela’s own life and love for accounting.With every CC student eligible to receive the SWF award, instructors in all departments nominated diligent, hardworking students who display traits of academic excellence. “We asked our faculty to recommend students who they felt showed passion toward their major, and a commitment to their education,” said Linda Toohey, CC Vice President of Student Services. “We were also looking for students who had overcome adversity as well as someone who was a community and campus leader.” Mark Oxley, Caballero’s accounting instructor and — See Award Page 3 Submitted Photo Wyoming Business Alliance representatives present Caballero (center) with a glass plaque and $250 scholarship at a reception in Cheyenne, Wyo. �Page 2 Chinook Stance Divine's Intervention: Winter Weather = Poor Parking Jacob Klaudt Keepin' Up With Klaudt I would like to first preface this declaration by saying that I am not the world’s most fantastic driver. I’ve got some speeding tickets to my name, have backed into a few things, and am known to ignore a stop sign every once in a while. Nevertheless, I know how to drive, and just as importantly, park in winter conditions. After all, I hail from the great state of North Dakota which is the home of hockey, the world’s largest walleye, and winters that rival the most desolate parts of the Arctic. From snow drifts as tall as powerlines and actual temperatures of negative 60 degrees it's safe to say, I have seen my fair share of snow, ice, and hazardous road conditions. With all that being said, nothing raises my blood pressure more than seeing horrendous parking jobs due to a sprinkling of snow. I cannot count the number of times I’ve seen perfectly good spots around campus ruined by unbearably bad parking situations. Crooked parking, parking too far away from the curb, taking up multiple spots, and ignoring the lines make up some of the most unacceptable ways I’ve seen people place their vehicles at Casper College. Let me paint a real and frequently occurring picture–, the heavens have just opened up with some wintery precipitation and I’m driving east on Campus Drive past Strausner Hall because the large parking lot north of the Residence Hall appears pretty well full. I’m headed to the sub shop for a succulent sandwich. I start looking for parking between Leisinger and the Union Building only to find that two available spaces are being occupied by one reprehensible vehicle. In a state of such colossal disappointment, I continue on campus drive past Aley Hall, and approach the four-way stop where I’m forced to operate in the middle of the street due to three cars who’ve parked an outlandish distance from the curb. A collision almost takes place between myself and oncoming traffic, but I miraculously manage to make it to the stop sign. I figure that the next closest place to park is in the Leisinger lot. I signal left and make my way into the eye of the storm just hoping to have some room to perch my Chevy for 15 minutes. I am immediately horrified by the amount of wrongly angled automobiles and the complete disregard for those delightful yellow lines that used to mean something. There appears to be parking sites created out of thin air that make maneuvering around plenty difficult. After I make it out of this den of delinquents, my next option is the diagonal spaces that face the Wold Physical and Loftin Life Science Centers. I’m blown away by what’s in front of me. I feel I’m stuck in a reoccurring nightmare filled with ignorant motor vehicle operation. Finally, I make it to Parking Lot Five located in front of the Gateway Building. The sub shop is an eternity away, so I utilize the Gateway Coffee Cart to satisfy my hunger. This anecdote may seem slightly exaggerated, but in fact, this story is a reality for many students and even some faculty at CC. Now, the solution to this problem isn’t a new-fangled college course in parking or mass communication to the student body about the finer points of positioning a vehicle within two lines. It actually boils down to exhibiting one simple, yet valuable trait: courtesy. I know that sometimes people find themselves in a rush, but taking a second to be courteous and to look in your side mirrors to check your location within a parking space may be a big help to someone who's tardy for class or, in my case, looking for some quick lunch. Parking is already limited during winter months due to the piling of snow in end spots, so it becomes even more pertinent that all remaining spots available for use are not squandered away by reckless motor car stationing. At the end of the day, this issue seems trivial, but I see people who don’t feel the need to park correctly in the same light as those who chew with their mouths open: just downright inconsiderate. March 1, 2023 CHINOOK “ Mark Twain famously said “Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress; but I repeat myself.” Now while this particular quote might strike many as humorous, and is certainly part of a very long and large genre of jokes and criticisms of politicians, I urge you to move beyond, using current terminology, the meme stage. As I write this article, the Wyoming Legislature is winding down. Over the eight Take photos & design Learn sales & advertising Explore social media & promotion The Chinook is a one credit class titled Independent Publications. Contact our faculty advisor Bri Weigel for more information brianne.weigel@caspercollege.edu for an elected office, I fervently believe everyone needs to be aware of the pieces of legislation being proposed and moving through your local, state, and national political processes. Democracy is a process of the people. Without being involved; without making your voice heard though public discourse, communication with elected representatives, and though the election process, you are leaving your future to the desires of others…. While each of us have our individual opinions of the political process, and individual or groups of politicians, I urge you to not ignore the political process altogether. — Darren Divine, Ph.D., Casper College President The life of a stage manager The hardest job to fulfill in the arts is stage managing a show. While there are many strenuous jobs in the arts, such as dance teacher, museum curator, and professional dancer, none compare to that of a stage manager. Though my experience in this area was short lived, the four months that I was acting as a right-hand man to my stage manager Jaeden McFarland in Cinderella, I was working the hardest I ever have to keep my sanity under control. Oftentimes I was getting coffee once or twice a day with McFarland in an effort to keep both of our spirits high and our determination resolute. There is a lot of work that goes into every theater production, whether it be a one act play, or a three hour long musical. Each one has a set to be made, a crew to hire, and most importantly; someone to run the show. Though these shows would not happen without the whole team, there would be no team if it weren’t for the person in charge. Many think the director is the one in charge, calling the shots for the entire show from start to finish. This may be true in a college setting, but a professional setting is a different story. The director shows up for a short period of time, usually making sure that his requirements are honored, and then he often leaves until the show opens. The stage manager takes over from there, a new 24-hour job on their hands. Oftentimes the stage manager will stay in the theater all day, as professional theaters often have morning and afternoon practices. The times for practice are mapped out by the S.M., when they will have a break, what days they will have dress rehearsal, and when tech week will be. Though time is limited in the days leading up to tech week, the stage manager’s days get longer and their hours of sleep get shorter as opening day approaches. Tech week is the week where lighting and sound is added on top of everything else that the cast has been practicing. This also means scene changes are added, costume changes are solidified, and the stage manager’s life becomes increasingly more difficult. It is their job to que everything that goes on behind the walls of the stage, including the quick changes, the sound (depending on the show, often only dance shows will have a sound que), the lighting, and the call time for intermission. They run the show entirely on their own, and while they have the help of the other crew members, they call the shots. After practice is all said and done, the stage manager is in charge of making sure everyone gets out of the building, postshow jobs are complete, and the theater is locked up. This process on average takes about two hours after a practice that lasts up to four hours, and then the actors need time to get out of costume and set their pieces in place for the next show. If one is not doing theater professionally, but rather going to school for it, then on top of stage managing a whole show and getting home around 11:00 at night, then they also have to do their homework for their classes. This whole process usually lasts around four months, as long as the show is running. There are some differences between college theater and professional theater, besides the obvious that you came to learn at the college. Stage manager’s get paid to do their job. However, in big cities like L.A. and New York, one show’s pay is often not enough to make ends meet, and they end up stage managing more than one show at a time. Working for different companies, and managing different shows is stressful on a person. Though they do not have to do all of this work on their own, as traditionally there is an assistant stage manager there to take on some of the load. This was my job, and at first, I was disappointed not to get cast in the musical itself, but the experience proved to be fulfilling. Working as the A.S.M. was hard work on its own, as I had to follow around my higher up and help wherever I could. It was a new experience for me, and I remember breaking down on the first day of tech week because I had never had to do the heavy lifting that the crew does. McFarland's job was much harder than mine, even just in a college production. Valentines Day is ... Over? Join our staff this fall! Practice interviewing & writing weeks of the session, many pieces of legislation have been proposed, debated, and ultimately signed into law by the Governor. While each of us have our individual opinions of the political process, and individual or groups of politicians, I urge you to not ignore the political process altogether. I am certainly not arguing everyone should run for public office, although I absolutely would encourage anyone who does feel so compelled to run Presents, cards, flowers, chocolate, and dates -- typical gifts and surprises that one may give to their special someone on this day called Valentine’s Day. The holiday originated to celebrate and honor the Christian Priest Saint Valentine. Yet somehow, we went from honoring a man of religion to having one specific day in February to celebrate. For some, the day may be stressful or sad, while others view the holiday as an overrated, forced expression of love. As a kid, Valentine’s Day was a time in class to get a candy rush, play games, and best of all not have much schoolwork to do. In later years, it’s become a holiday that many -- myself included -- feel is pointless, serving only as a money maker only for those in the Valentine’s Day business so to speak. Examples include Hallmark cards, Russell Stover chocolate, and flower shops. Not only that but according to bankrate.com, “Men spend 275 more dollars than women on Valentines Day.” Doesn’t that seem a little bit excess to you? I guess it might not if one is trying to ensure that February 14th doesn’t make or break a relationship. According to today.yougov. com, “About one in 14 US adults (7%) says that they’ve broken up with someone on Valentine’s Day. A similar number have broken up with a partner shortly before (6%) or shortly after (6%) Valentine’s Day.” But who or what can we blame for such a spiked interest in the holiday? Research shows that the Industrial Revolution and the larger creation of greeting cards is the culprit. The printing press made it possible to mass-produce cards and other valentine printed materials. Now, Valentine’s Day brings in a whopping $27 billion in revenue in the United States alone, according to balanceeverything.com. However, even I have to admit that this revenue generating holiday is a great benefit to small businesses. The dailyhowl.org claims that “Small businesses are able to pull off higher sales than larger companies in part because smaller businesses are able to personalize their goods to each individual consumer, which brings in more consumers than the Ella Meyer Ella's Elaborations I would leave the theater by 9:30 most nights (unless I was shadowing her) and oftentimes she would not come home until 11:00 at night. As theater majors, the majority of our classes in the fall semester were in the theater building, so we were staying in the theater from eight in the morning to eleven at night. Half of that time was spent on stage or next to the stage itself. There are many stressful jobs in the arts industry, as it’s a career path that not many choose and has little to no financial stability behind it. I have found stage managing to be my most stressful job. Selling art and using the profits to pay my bills was much easier than trying to help someone run a show. The month the show was running were some of the most stressful nights of my theater career, but in the end, it had a grand payout. McFarland agrees with me when I say that seeing a show you helped run go smoothly and without any hiccups along the way, is one of the most rewarding things you could do in theater. The personal reward aside, stage managing is a hard job, and it takes a certain type of person to buckle down and get the job done. But the payoff is worth more than the sleepless nights, and the stress that the rest of the show induces. The end result is most satisfying and rewarding. Kaylee Davis Deets with Davis average pre-packaged ready-made goods of corporations.” While this holiday is supposed to be romantic and somewhat cheerful, many may be more depressed than not. These reasons could be because a person is single or they can’t afford the items they want for their significant other. Some say the stress to make the day flawless is too much and others are reminded of those they lost. To make the day better, especially if you’re single, according to www.banyanmentalhealth.com, you can treat yourself for a day, meditate, avoid comparing yourself to others, and find others who are single like you and have a “galantines celebration.” So why put so much pressure on one whole day? Why not give a random gift to your significant other on other days of the year? Why put so much emphasis on one entire day when you could put an emphasis on your relationship all the time to ensure that this one, large company invested day doesn’t make or break not only your relationship, but maybe your spirit as well? �March 1, 2023 Page 3 CHINOOK Plays Day............................................... So CC Plays day allowed the integration of club interaction, and students participating with clubs in the way they haven’t had a chance to. It’s a fun way to interact and get to know what goes on around campus.” There were a variety of events offered on Play Day. Campus Ventures held a dodgeball tournament. Psychology Club organized a shirt tie-dying activity. There were also virtual reality and video game activities from various clubs. Oil City Ag club even set up baby pig petting as an afternoon event. And while these scheduled activities are beneficial, engaging in play is important to incorporate into everyday life, not just once a year. “Just like you have a personality and style, you have a different play style. We’ve identified that there’s different ways to engage in play. There’s social play, which would include board games, and physical play like dodgeball, or art. Identifying how you prefer to play and then giving yourself time is important. We did a survey and the #1 response of why people didn’t play was they didn’t have the time.” Romer said. Olivia Barnes is a pre-vet major at CC who participated in CC Plays day. She played board games, participated in and escape room, enjoyed video games, and more. She said her favorite activity was the breakout box held in the Goodstein Library, put on by the college’s library staff. While Barnes said she enjoyed the activities at CC Plays Day, she also said she seldom engages in her own playful activities. When asked how often she plays on a daily basis she laughed and said, “Never. Maybe once in a while X-Box if that counts but that’s it. Playing has been beneficial today though and it got me out of the house.” Romer’s advice to integrating play into your life is, “Schedule a time. It doesn’t have to be physical. Just a way to break away and be in that state of mind that relaxes you. I don’t usually schedule play, but doing this research reminded me that I’m not as serious as I thought I was, and I actually do enjoy taking a break from the rigor of school and playing. Just having the fun you did as a child.” CC Plays Day brought together clubs around campus, connecting them together with the activity of play. It also showed students the positive benefits of engaging in play. Joining a campus club, setting aside time in your daily schedule, and playing may seem childish, but even adults are kids at heart. The biological drive of play is important to help better one’s mood, and increase individual success. Products..... continued from page 1 Submitted Photo Casper College students play dodgeball at the Campus Ventures sponsored tournament on CC Plays Day. continued from page 1 WRITING CENTER conducted by George Mason University and the University of Pennsylvania found, “10% of all female college students are unable to afford menstrual products each month.” Period Poverty is an avid issue in society today. By partnering with Aunt Flow, CC’s Student Senate is attempting to combat the issue by implementing free period product dispensers in bathrooms across campus for the use of students, staff, and faculty. Award.......... Student Senate hopes to provide products like those pictured above. William G Eastin/Chinook continued from page 1 academic advisor, nominated her for the award in late September because of her dedicated and respectful approach to her academic work. After making the first cut of students, upper CC administration selected Caballero to receive the award in October due to her exceptional work ethic and dedication to her schooling. “Simply put, it was just really cool,” Caballero said. “It was an awesome feeling.” Scholastic success ranks at the top of the list of important factors in the selection process. Caballero possesses a distinct and mature outlook on education aiding in not only achieving the award but finding success in the classroom. “I have put my whole life into school because education is something no one can take away from you,” Marcela said. “Education is something that I take seriously because you can have it forever and pass it down through your family.” With the award titled Shaping Wyoming’s Future, Caballero said she plans on using her financial and accounting experience and her education to benefit those who may struggle within that area. Observing some of her family’s struggles with poverty during her upbringing revealed the understanding of how financial literacy is the basis for the success of a continuous family. “I’ve noticed that a lot of minorities have trouble with their finances. I want to help those Wyoming families understand things like contracts, how to use credit cards, and what types of bank accounts are beneficial to them,” Caballero said. Initially, Caballero said, accounting sat towards the bottom of her potential career choice and interest list, but her innate fascination with numbers and appreciation for the discipline’s objectivity showed her its importance in the real world and how it can become a stepping stone for anyone’s success. Caballero said, “If you understand your finances very, very well, you’re more than likely going to be successful in one way or another.” Winning the SWF award, going from a juvenile Bank Teller to an experienced Universal Banker, and earning her associate's degree in accounting from CC make up just some of the things Caballero’s accomplished. Even so, her journey in achieving all of these successes comes across as anything but a linear process. “College is not easy, not in the slightest. The constant exams and assignments tested my limits and made me want to give up at first,” Caballero said. “Juggling a job, with such a stressful thing like school, and being told at the same time that ‘You’re not going to get that far,’ has made me want to accomplish and thrive in all the things I do rather than give up.” The Shaping Wyoming’s Future award helps shine a spotlight on gifted Wyoming community college students who not only take the time to do things right in the classroom but also in the game of life. Caballero meets that ideal and is a great representative for CC and all students in her shoes. The Writing Center at Casper College is here to help our students and members of the community. Brainstorm possible paper topics Craft an essay Gain writing strategies And so much more! Visit us in Strausner Hall, room 215 or visit the Writing Center Moodle site for additional resources and appointment scheduling! Contact: 307-268-2610 wco@caspercollege.edu �Page 4 March 1, 2023 CHINOOK Day in the Life of an RA Ella Meyer Chinook Writer Denton Decoteau and Isabella Coronado are both resident assistants at the college’s residence hall. These two students are just part of the entire group of RAs that watch over the students that live on campus, and they are passionate about their jobs at CC. But their day-to-day looks a little different from everyone else’s, as they have more on their plate than the typical college student. Being an RA is a 24-hour job, unlike many other parttime jobs that employ many students. This job requires the staff to stay up late and do rounds of the halls to make sure that everything is going smoothly, answer the phone whenever a resident may have a problem, and watch over the front desk. Though the employee’s make their own schedule most of the time, they still must take turns doing the chores that must be done. Decoteau, an elementary education major, described his morning routine when he is on the clock opening up the desk and getting ready to help anyone who comes down. There is a list of jobs provided by the Residence Hall Student Coordinator, Kaitlyn Davidson. The list includes sorting through mail, assisting residents moving in or out, and helping those with roommate problems solve them in a cordial manner. This is not all that Deceteau does, as he has other passions outside of his job. He loves to powerlift, and says that the lifting community is very welcoming to newcomers, and that is one of the reasons he likes the RA job so much. Decoteau spoke to what made him decide to be an RA. “I want to help build a community around campus and the residence hall. I want to help people even if it's something as little as getting them back in their room and helping them feel welcomed on campus,” Decoteau said. His past with powerlifting and becoming part of a community has helped in his journey as an RA, helping him bring people together. He likes to plan activities for the students to do and wants to bring together a weight lifting club. Denton finds nothing wrong with his job as an RA, as he found close friends in his colleagues. He said he sees the work as an opportunity to grow as a person. Coronado, a communications major, shared the same thoughts about being an RA, saying that the role gave her a sense of community and brought her closer with the people in the residence hall. Coronado provided more detail about her day as an RA, talking about room checks, and needing to report students for incident’s. Though she said she likes being an RA, she also talked about things she struggles with on the job. “The incidents are hard, especially with hard topics,” said Coronado. The incidents can span Pictued above is the RA's desk area in Casper College's dorms. from parties to alcohol, as well as some worse-case-scenarios that are hard to deal with, according to Coronado. There are some advantages to being an RA other than the community, including free room and board. Both RA’s agree that this is a perk and something that influenced their choice to apply for the job. Being in that position led to more friends for the two, as it opens them up to socialize with the other students, whether they want to or not. When all other RA duties are complete, students will do homework or keep themselves busy until their shift is over. The shift’s last from four to six hours, and the group of RAs are always on rotation so there is someone at the desk at all times. These RAs must also decorate their halls with a new theme every month, though there is a generous amount of Ella Meyer/Chinook creative freedom allowed. Though being an RA is a time-consuming job, and sometimes can be frustrating, these two found joy in their employment. Their job comes easy to them, and it is not seen as a chore to help the students under their care. All of the RAs seem to hold this same mindset when it comes to their job, and it is easy to tell that the resident’s hall is in good hands with this team. �March 1, 2023 Page 5 CHINOOK Davidson, 2022-2023 Residence Hall Coordinator Kaylee Davis Chinook Writer Kaitlin Davidson is a familiar face to some- and a new face to others as of the fall semester. She has a fairly long history with Casper College, and now she is the new 2022-2023 residence hall coordinator. Davidson first attended Casper in 2014-2017 and earned her associates degree in business and dance. As a student, Davidson also worked as a resident assistant or RA. The role helped her in her new job because she said she “knows the background and it allowed me to take those experiences, positive or negative, and be better for the current RA’s,” said Davidson. However, Davidson’s plans did not always follow this career path. After Casper College she transferred to Kennesaw Georgia to earn her bachelors in dance with the end goal to one day teach dance, and she wanted to do it at CC. Soon, Covid hit, and she put her plans away, but in 2021 her chance to be a part of dance opened up in Casper and she worked as the theater dance specialist until she took over being the resident hall coordinator. Again, Davidson’s plans took a different route than anticipated, going from the dance the side of things to administrative work Davidson explained, “I liked working at a college but wanted to grow with a college. There wasn’t as many opportunities to do that with dance, and I wanted to see about getting into this side of student services.” Davidson said she likes adventure and trying new things, which proves beneficial when trying to find where you want to go in life with many goals in mind. Along with interests ranging from dance to business, she now runs a building full of students, and works with the RA’s on a dayto-day basis. Naomi Farnsworth is a Sophomore at CC and a first year RA majoring in Animal Science. While she knew the workload she would be taking on with classes and the RA position, she said “there are times when it can still be stressful”. Farnsworth appreciates that Davidson is “easy to talk to and understands where the RAs are coming from” Farnsworth said, “Kaitlin is really good at understanding and knows that our class load can be stressful, so she talks about different things we can do to help us be successful in both.” Farnsworth didn’t know Davidson prior to applying to be an RA, however, she said she is impressed that pretty much after her wedding and honeymoon, “She started her job and jumped in full force. It was crazy to see the jump of her being so professional and organized after the whirlwind of a wedding.” With that in mind, Davidson juggles a full plate, as she manages the RA’s and sets time aside to talk and work with them one- on- one every two weeks. Together they, consolidate and manage residents moving in and out while helping them find the best match. She also has to keep track of who is where and in what room during the school year while students are switching out roommates. Davidson said this alone can keep her busy as, “a lot of students and graduates transfer at semester.” Emma Jay is another Resident Assistant who is familiar with the job, as this is her second year. She’s no stranger to being busy. Jay already earned her Associates in Elementary education and Agriculture, and she is currently working on her Bachelors in Elementary Education through Valley State University, a program that works with CC similar to UW Casper. She said she could already tell the changes that occurred within the RA staff department from Davidson’s influence “This year I feel like Kaitlin came into this position fresh and trial by fire, and she’s doing such a good job with it. She is also very open and transparent with us. We’re a team but it feels more like that, and Kaitlin has been learning and growing with us as a team,” Jay said. Davidson shared some of her goals with her new position, and one of the major ones is seeing more residents not just attend programs, but to see them out and socializing with each other, -whether that be at a basketball game or going to the lobby. Jay and Farnsworth can attest to this positive change and extra creativity in their positions. “She just wants us to continue building events that reach Kaylee Davis/Chinook Kaitlin Davidson, the residence hall coordinator, visits with Dash Lloyd, an RA. Lloyd and his fellow RA's share many different responsibilities on campus. out to more audiences than normal, and she wants us to build relationships with our residents” Jay said. Farnsworth shared her experience as well. She said, “Compared to last semester, we are trying to do more diversity with our programming that we do. We are trying to utilize the courtyard and kitchens more, not just the central hub of the multipurpose room.” Davidson added her own opinions on the RA’s that she works with. “Our relationship is very close, as in it’s professional but at a relatable level from a boss and co-worker standpoint,” Davidson said. “This team specifically, I could not have asked to walk in on a better group. As well, it’s a hard position to have as a fulltime student, and I want to make sure they can openly communicate with me.” Davidson also attributes her successful transition to Corey Peacock and Linda Toohey. “They are very encouraging in me finding my own path and understand that everyone has their own path in life. Corey has set the tone as a boss for any job I’ll have,” Davidson said. Davidson’s positive impact on the college is noticed by her RA’s, and she is a model example to show students that no matter what plans may look like, it’s okay to stray from those and try new things. assistant director responsible for many of the secretarial duties of the center, said she appreciates the ways the college allows the ECLC to professionally develop. Litke said, “We have a lot of opportunities that other childcare centers might not have to go to professional conferences to see other child care models and child care programs. So, I think that's what drives the individual growth in the program” Litke also expressed her gratitude for the sense of security that the college provides. Many other local childcare centers are victims to the ebbs and flows of revenue, but the ECLC can stay open as long as the College is. The tight connection between the ECLC and CC is also very beneficial for college students wanting to work on campus. The center gives CC students many workstudy opportunities to put into practice the things they’ve learned in class. Calmes said, “We have three student teachers currently finishing up their associate’s degree. We have nine guidance students who are working on the guidance of young children, and this place gives them a chance to come up and practice what they’ve been learning in class in real life.” The relationship between the ECLC and its student workers is mutually beneficial. Many students who worked at the ECLC become permanent members of the staff after completing their degrees and help the center anticipate the changes in pre-primary education. Calmes herself was once a Casper College student. Being on the cutting edge of early childhood education, the ECLC sets high standards for its caretakers. The college’s education programs mean that the future educators of the world earn a quality education before contributing to a modern learning center. The ECLC requires that all of its employees be college educated, which Calmes claimed is a factor many other childcare centers don’t press. When distilled, all of this means that the ECLC provides a distinct experience for its kids. The program's flexibility and its constant inflow of fresh ideas means that the center’s curriculum reflects the time. Calmes described how the center’s methods have changed and what the ECLC calls an emergent curriculum. “We used to do it thematic based, where it was like every week we had something we focused on. So maybe January was ‘Community Helpers’ and for one week we did firefighters and the next week we do police officers and that sort of thing. And we did that for years,” Calmes said. “And then ten years ago we started to look into an emergent curriculum, which was more reflective of the kids in the classroom, their interests, and allowed us to be more flexible with the thematic base.” Calmes used one classroom’s focus on the life cycle of a pumpkin as an example of how one simple idea is turned into lessons that the kids can carry with them for the rest of their lives. The growing of a seed to a pumpkin is an constructive way of teaching kids about how their bodies grow, according to Calmes. The pumpkin is an effective meta- phor, but the abstract concepts the center teaches sometimes calls for outside help. Being a part of the college means the ECLC has easy access to swaths of educators to take what the kids are learning to the next level. For example, a CC instructor visited to explain the process of growing up by connecting a seed growing to the development of their own bones. “We had the anatomy faculty instructor up here to talk to them with his little skeleton guy on the difference of that,” said Calmes. “We had the dance instructor come in to teach them how to stretch to help their bodies grow. We had two faculty from the music department come in and talk about how music helps their brains grow.” With the help of college faculty, kids at the ECLC can get a holistic and valuable education without even realizing they’re learning. “We talk a lot about meeting the kids where they are. And we do prepare them for elementary, but that doesn’t necessarily drive us,” Litke said. “There's a lot of things in elementary school that they’re supposedly required to do, but we’re kind of more focused on each individual child– building relationships with them. And the way we think now, our approach is… we don’t tell them what to learn, we teach them how to learn.” Many kids pass through the doors at the ECLC with more to come. With the help of CC’s resources and the center’s unique practices, Calmes, Litke, and their staff are there to look after the next generation of kids the ECLC way. Early Childhood Learning Center's unique philosophy Photo Courtesy of Angel Anderson Pictured above is one of the classrooms in the ECLC that uses natural lighting and a warm atmosphere to make children feel comfortable and welcome. Garrett Grochowski Chinook Writer The Early Childhood Learning Center, Casper College’s own childcare provider, offers exclusive opportunities for faculty and students with a unique approach to emotionally and cognitively preparing children for the world. The ECLC uses its position as a fixture of CC to learn and adopt contemporary education philosophies, mold the next generation of educators, and give the children of CC staff and students a safe place to learn. Emily Calmes, the ECLC director, described the many advantages of the on-campus program and what those mean for parents. “Probably the biggest draw for students and faculty is that we follow the college schedule. In lots of childcare centers, you would have to sign your kid up for an entire year, and pay for them whether they were a part of the summer program or not,” Calmes said. “We are only open fall and spring semesters and not through the summer semester. We target specifically what the college is. The college is closed, we’re closed. So, parents don't have to worry about that piece at all.” The program’s flexibility doesn’t end with its schedule. Its position as part of the college gives the ECLC many professional opportunities that other centers may miss out on. Melissa Litke, the ECLC’s www.caspercollege.edu/chinook �Page 6 CHINOOK March 1, 2023 Homecoming basketball game 2023 Submitted Photos Left, Number 13 Jaden Peters and number 34 Andrija Maric watch their teammates during the homecoming game. Below, the student section shows enthusiasm by doing the wave at Casper College's recent homecoming games. Mariona Cos-Morales shoots a freethrow during the homecoming game. Submitted Photo Diversity paving way for T-Birds success Ella Meyer/Chinook Jaren Harris (left) is pictured with teammate Jamison Epps at last weekend's home games. Carlos Fandal Chinook Writer Following a narrow 79-72 win, Casper College’s men's basketball team, the Thunderbirds, are on a roll. They’re now 22-5, with a win streak of seven. Things are looking great for the T-Birds, and historically, this is nothing new for them. Coach Shawn Gutting maintains a wonderful standard of excellence for the T-Birds in each and every season he’s coached. Gutting spoke to the Chinook about the historical standard for which Casper College basketball is known. “The history of the program is really good. There've been a lot of really good coaches,” Gutting said. “And then the coaching staff’s understanding that there is a tradition here, and wanting to uphold that tradition by being a winning culture.” When asked about that tradition, Gutting said, “I try to have fun in practice a little bit, but we have a lot of no-nonsense moments where we’re here to work. For pretty much all of these guys, the reason they’re here is to play basketball and go to school. Signing up to be a college athlete or student athlete is NOT easy.” Gutting believes some of the weight falls on his shoulders. “Being supportive throughout all of those things, offering the support of what you need off the floor, that will help you individually, personally, keep you in the right headspace, staying positive is what’s gonna help our team,” said Gutting. Gutting said he learns from his players too. “You know the rewarding part of this… I’ve done this for ten years now (and) getting to see these kids fight through failure, fight through adversity, and seeing them succeed whether it's here as a team or even at the next level when they go to the next school,” Gutting said. He’s always excited to watch them grow. “I think for me, watching guys grow up, you know, become family men you know, get married, it’s amazing to see these guys grow.” Gutting said he believes the school’s interest in sports plays a big role in the success of the team. “Part of it is the school, buying into athletics. Caring about it, caring about the students,” Gutting said. The school’s commitment to sports goes much further than the stadium and the facilities, with the recruitment of international students to compete for the T-Birds. The T-Birds roster is very diverse. Only three starting players are from Wyoming, and four starters are international college athletes. Jamison Epps, a starting guard, said, “This is the most diverse team I’ve played on probably my whole career.” Epps’s basketball career began in Lebanon, Ky. He said he’s excited about what the diverse nature of the team brings, and he’s thrilled to show everyone what they’re capable of. “We just have so much to bring, too much to bring to the table. We’ve got shooters for days. We got guys that can spread the floor, that can create for others. We got guys that play it by the rim, (and) we got guys that (here that) know their job is to rebound,” Epps said. “We got guys coming to play defense, and that aspect brings a lot of diversity, this is the first time I’ve ever played on a team with international players, so it’s really cool to be around them and see how they view the sport, how their countries view the sport and just getting to know someone else, and see the world through someone else’s eyes.” This didn’t just happen overnight, however. There were difficulties at first, according to Gutting. “It just takes time. You're gonna have clashes of personalities, right? Guys that are from different areas are gonna see things differently than maybe some other guys, and I think ultimately it's trying to get them to kind of come to an understanding together,” Gutting said. “The teams that have been really good get over themselves, get over that selfishness and ultimately accept each other as being family members.” With the regular season coming down to the final stretch, the T-Birds are looking to finish strong. Assuming the weather permits, the T-Birds are looking at a shiny, very positive record to end their season on par with the standard Gutting, the fans, and the T-Birds themselves set for themselves. �March 1, 2023 Page 7 CHINOOK circlesWEshare: A CC dance concert Photo Courtesy of Edwin Gonzalez Casper College dancers Abigail Larsen and Sawyer Shepardson are pictured above using the gravitational force of each other to execute an eloquent movement during the college’s dance recent performance. Photo Courtesy of Edwin Gonzalez Casper College dancers Abigale Lipson and Kaylee Youmans are suspended in air during on opening night. Photo Courtesy of Edwin Gonzalez Below, Casper College dancers Abigale Lipson and Mckenzi Pieper embrace the comfort of each other while performing circlesWEshare. Photo Courtesy of Edwin Gonzalez Casper College dancers Abigale Lipson and Sawyer Shepardson allow the silks to support them while performing live. Photo Courtesy of Edwin Gonzalez Casper College dancer Sawyer Shepardson allows the silks to take her weight during the college’s dance performance. Photo Courtesy of Edwin Gonzalez Casper College dancer Kyler Rabourn is pictured here supporting Abigale Lipson while she is suspended in air on opening night of the college's circlesWEshare dance performance. Photo Courtesy of Edwin Gonzalez Casper College Dancer Nicholas Goar confidently runs on stage during the college’s dance performance. �Page 8 March 1, 2023 CHINOOK International student experiences at CC Jonna McCullough Chinook Contributor Saundra Frau and Flora Goed are both international Casper College students that worked through many changes in their day-to-day lives while attending school in the U.S. Frau is from Pego, Alicante Spain and Goed is from Vienna, Austria. Both are returning sophomore student athletes on the Lady Thunderbirds Basketball Team. Being international students, it was not easy for the student athletes to leave their home countries and move to America, but for Frau the decision was easy. “For me, it was the scholarship that Coach offered me to play. A full ride, meals, and books are paid for. How could I say no?” said Frau. Even though it's an eighthour time difference, 19-yearold Frau didn’t hesitate to pack her bags and move to the United States. Just from looking at pictures of the U.S. and let alone Wyoming, Frau she didn’t know what she was getting into and neither did Goed. “I didn’t even know where Casper was," said Frau. At 21-years-old, Goed is the oldest player on the CC Lady T-birds basketball team, and her teammates Her nicknamed her ‘Grandma.’ Much like Frau, Goed is also on an all exclusive scholarship but her decision wasn’t as clear cut. “I had until December to decide because of the eligibility rule. The coaches here were so nice and flexible it made the decision much easier,” said Goed. Granted, the women made moving to America sound like an easy transition but adapting has been harder than they’ve made it look. Learning the language and communicating with professors, classmates, teammates, and even coaches have been harder than they both expected. “It’s weird sometimes being in a place where no one can understand you,” said Frau. Goed also spoke to the challenge. She said, “I feel so closed off sometimes because people just can’t understand what I’m saying, but everyone still says hello.” The women also immediately noticed the altitude difference. Having to adapt to a mich higher altitude made it harder for the athletes to catch their breaths in practice, let alone to continue playing and pushing to the max. Both women also expressed how much they miss their family and friends. Sometimes they said they wonder if their loved ones have forgotten about them and went on with their lives, not thinking about their friends that moved to America. “Not having family here or people you grew up with is like starting a whole new story here, said Frau. Frau and Goed started a new chapter in their lives by going to school and playing basketball in Casper, Wyo. They are writing their own stories while finding their independence. During their time here, they found the difference between the environment, relationships and living situations. Frau and Goed agreed that the timing of American meals is much different than in their home countries. Because of the large time difference, they Submitted Photo Flora Goed (left) and Saundra Frau (right) enjoyed time together as friends off the court. Goed and Frau are international students and teammates on the Casper College Women's Basketball Team. said it’s harder to know when to eat because they are both so used to eating at a certain time at home. Coming to central Wyoming flipped their eating, sleeping, and basketball schedule. Not only has the time of eating been different but the food is too. According to Goed, “The food here is much greasier and many more foods are processed. The food at home is more fresh and naturally grown”. When the women arrived in Casper, they couldn’t believe the town wasn’t full of skyscrapers, traffic jams, and smelly fumes. “I could actually see the whole city, which is crazy to me,” said Goed. “I couldn’t believe how dif- ferent the decorations were, and how all of you dress, like cowboys and cowgirls. You wear jeans and hats everyday,” said Frau. “We don’t do that at home.” Regardless of differences off the court, the girls are currently making quite a statement on CC’s basketball team. As student athletes, they can’t help but compare school and basketball here versus at home. According to Frau. “Ohhhh, school is much easier here. Everybody goes because it’s so cheap.” Goed added her thoughts. “Agreed. I think it’s harder in Austria. Like math classes and sports are more like a hobby there,” said Goed. “You practice two or three times a week and only have games not very often.” Even though, both student athletes are extremely busy and have little down time, they still find space in their schedules to touch base back home. Saundra said she calls her family every day. “I call my parents two or three times a week, my brother twice a week, and my friends. I try to talk to them three times a week. It’s hard to talk to them though, because they also have a life and are doing things that keep them busy too,” said Goed. The girls have missed family birthdays, holidays, and even celebrations such as Name Day. Name day is a celebration for you and the saint you were named after or share a name with. Goed explained, “It’s a christianity thing and Easter is celebrated more in Austria than here.” Neither Flau or Goed had ever celebrated Halloween until they came to America, however. Frau and Goed shared the perspective of what it is like to start a whole new life in a new country. It’s a step that requires courage, bravery, and belief in oneself. Both girls say moving to America was the best decision they have ever made. Being able to continue their education, improve their basketball skills, and become independent have all added together to enhance their confidence and to stay in America for their next few years of college. www.caspercollege.edu/chinook 33rd Annual Wellness Conference March 30 and 31 at Casper College Gateway Building March 30th is FREE to students, faculty, and staff and we would love to see you there! Casper College Counseling Services believes in the importance of offering professionals, students and interested community members opportunities to learn about a variety of topics related to both physical and mental health. Wellness Center’s Monthly Workshop Series Yoga for Emotional Balance Workshop Playing Smarter not Harder in Managing Anxiety Looking to elevate your emotional well-being and integrate practices that alleviate stress and help you feel grounded? Join the Wellness Center Friday, March 3 from 10-12 on the 2nd Floor of the Union for a free workshop providing tools to release chronic tension in the body and return to a state of wellness. Is anxiety impacting your life? Join us Wednesday, April 5th from 1-2 in UU 212 for a free workshop to learn practical strategies for managing anxiety, including tips for understanding thinking habits and overcoming testing anxiety! �March 1, 2023 Page 9 CHINOOK Humanities Festival: Veteran advocacy panel Photo Courtesy of Chris Houser The 2023 Casper College Humanities Festival took place in February. A panel of veteran advocates gathered to talk about connecting with the military community as a part of the Casper College Humanities Festival. Pictured from right to left is Chris Poe, a licensed professional counselor and director of the Casper Vet Center; Tisa Sucher, a licensed social worker with Natrona County Veterans Affairs VBO; Kelly Ivanoff, a Natrona County representative of the Wyoming Veterans Commission; Caleb Lindsay, Casper College Veterans Club president; and Dr. Nicholas Whipps, Casper College veteran and military student services coordinator. "We were able to give insight to the Veteran experience in areas such as mental and physical health, employment, education, and the work of the Wyoming Veterans Commission on the legislative front," Whipps said. "The goal of this session was to create a space for shared experiences and awareness as a platform in being an advocates for change." Taking online or hybrid courses? Students: We make sure you are able to access online learning resources needed to learn in your classes. We will also help you learn to utilize the digital tools available to you for all your classwork. Examples of items we can help with: 1. MyCCMoodle — including how to submit assignments, participate in forums, etc. 2. ZOOM – help you learn to access and use Zoom for your remote course meetings and collaborations 3. Google Suite — Google Docs, Drive, GMail, etc. 4. Accessing Office 365 .- such as MS Word and PowerPoint 5. Online tutoring — How and where to get extra help as you need it, using NetTutor. Plus a lot more! Contact us. Don’t wait! Get your Questions answered now. Teresa Pat Mike Tyler For help or more information stop by Liesinger Hall, room 132 or contact us at 307-268-3882, dlc@caspercollege.edu, and av@caspercollege.edu. Dave Camille � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Chinook Student Newspaper Online Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2019-2026 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA 08.iii.2023.01_Chinook_Digital Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Online Chinook Newspaper 2023-03 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2023-03 Description An account of the resource This is a copy of the online Chinook Newspaper from March 2023. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA_08.i.2023.01_2023-03 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF https://caspercollege.cvlcollections.org/files/original/6b39160362269016a4f21fd1d257d4b1.pdf 1694d30868ce2ec73b0cf8ae8db8f1d9 PDF Text Text April 1, 2023 Casper College’s Student Voice Since 1945 Food Pantry fights food insecurity Jacob Klaudt Chinook Writer JacobKlaudt/Chinook The Student Senate Food Pantry, located in room 409 of the Union/University buidling on CC's campus, opens its doors from 12-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 1-5 p.m. The Student Senate Food Pantry at Casper College provides nourishment and other necessities for students who may be battling food insecurity or just can’t find the time to sit down and have a meal. The US Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways. Inversely, access at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life characterizes food security. Given how grocery store prices rise all the time and the stereotypical college kids' financial situation, it's no wonder so many students scramble to find their next meals. “The purpose of our food pantry is to provide busy and overwhelmed students with meals, so they don’t have to choose between the phone bill or gas for their car and food,” said Devin Fulton, current Student Life Coordinator and Student Senate advisor at CC. Even though statistically Wyoming holds the title of one of the most food-secure states in the nation per the April 2021 issue of Agricultural Sciences, the March 2020 issue of Advances in Nutrition journal says that an estimated 41% of U.S. college students reported experiences of food insecurity. Food insecurity can present itself in multiple ways including trading food quality for quantity, skipping meals, and possessing insufficient funds and resources to buy healthy foods. “The food pantry has had sort of an avalanche effect by fighting food insecurity, which makes healthier students, which improves grades and academic performance and inevitably impacts the kind of community we have here at Casper College,” said Fulton. The CC website says that the pantry, located in room 409 of the Union/University building on campus, opens its doors from 12-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 1-5 p.m. on Fridays. The pantry welcomes all students once a week to grab eight food items and two personal hygiene products. The food pantry started when a CC alumnus approached Student Senate late in the fall of 2019. She gave a presentation on food insecurity and included information on how other colleges and universities around the country possess a pantry for food-deprived students. CC maintained no resources concerning food insecurity at that time, and student senators knew some action must take place. “The Student Senate that year was really won over by that presentation and wanted to help in any way that they could,” said Corey Peacock, former Student Senate advisor and current dean of students. — See Food Pantry Page 3 Rodeo and ag weather harsh winter Garrett Grochowski Chinook Writer Garrett Grochowskii/Chinook Frank Hodnett, a CC agriculture instructor, stands on a small snow drift while touring the Chinook around the college's ranch in Mills. Snow drifts blocked access to barns and roads, making this winter particularly challenging for faculty and students. Casper College’s rodeo team and agriculture department battled a particularly brutal winter at the off-campus ranch facility over winter break and beyond. The combined strength of students and faculty overcame the snow drifts blocking access to important roads and barns, and normal operations resumed. Trouble began at the ranch about a mile out of Mills around winter break. While most students were resting at home, the Casper College Rodeo Team was at its busiest. “In the summer, you know, kids leave and my end is more recruiting and seeing new talent and different things like that,” said Jhett Johnson, world champion team roper and CC’s head rodeo coach. “For the winter months here, we have our own indoor facility that we practice at -- 5 days a week we practice.” Access to the training facilities is vital for the rodeo team to maintain an edge over competition. However, practice wasn’t the only thing at stake for the students who depend on the facility. According to Johnson, the ranch houses many animals, including animals owned by students themselves. “There's roughly 50 calves between breakaway and calf-roping practice. There’s 40-head of team roping steers, and we keep some 50-head of bucking horses,” said Johnson. CC’s Agriculture Department also houses animals at the Mills location. “We also have a sheep flock out there that belongs to the ranch, but we use them in our programs. So, we’d feed the ewes and we were lambing during a lot of that time,” said Frank Hodnett, veteran ag instructor but new to the harsh winters of Wyoming. Hodnett, who began teaching his first year at CC in 2022, is no stranger to the world of agriculture. He taught for many years at New Mexico State University and worked with 4-H in the state as well, but Wyoming brings unique challenges. “I learned an important lesson,” said Hodnett. “It’s better to put up snow fence before the snow comes than it is to go out there and put it up after it’s here.” When the weather began to turn as the new year approached, fast winds and cold temperatures brought high volumes of snow that put a halt to many of the day-to-day activities on the ranch and temporarily kept students from feeding their animals. “It’s the first year we’ve ever had to battle it at all. I mean, it snows every winter but not like this. We’ve set records in the state of Wyoming, and with that did come challenges,” Johnson said. “We haven’t had a major snow for a while and there’s still some drifts.” And while snow drifts — See Snow Page 3 The friendly face behind the counter Kaley Pieper Chinook Writer Frank Fraker is a friendly face recognized by many Casper College students who frequent the Sub Connection and coffee carts on campus. But not many people know that Fraker is an alumnus of the college himself! Born and raised in Casper, Wyo., Frank graduated from Natrona County High School in 1970. Then, he attended CC for two years and majored in engineering. When reflecting on his time at CC, Fraker said, “The world is very different from what it was then. At that point, there was no internet, no cell phones, (and) no personal computers. Life has changed drastically since then. For one thing there’s a whole lot more buildings. When I was going to school here, the cafeteria was in the Strausner Building.” After Casper, he went on to University of Wyoming and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Work then led him to southern Louisiana where he lived for over 20 years. Fraker said he enjoyed his time in Louisiana, but it took him a while to get his bearings. “Here in Wyoming you can look up and see the mountains, and if you know the state you can figure out which way is north and figure out where you’re looking just by looking around you. But Southern Louisiana is so flat. The highest points are the bridges over the bayous. And there’s lots and lots of trees, so you can’t figure out north and south,” Fraker said. Compared to his home in Wyoming, Louisiana is different in many ways. But Fraker said he actually benefited from experiencing new ideas and landscapes. “It’s such a different culture down there, and I was lost for a while. It’s different but interesting. I highly recommend that everyone at some point moves away and lives in a different part of the country where there are different cultures and lifestyles,” said Fraker. “You don’t appreciate where you came from unless you’ve been someplace else. You don’t appreciate other places either until you’ve been there and experienced it. People who stay in their hometown their whole life are really missing something.” While living in Louisiana, Fraker didn’t necessarily spend his time putting his engineering degree to use. He instead did entrepreneurial work and jobs working in other industries. He sometimes worked jobs that were offshore and over odd hours. During this time, he developed a love for coffee. In New Orleans, there were many unique little coffee houses, which inspired him to open his own coffee shop when his mother’s declining health brought him back to the state of Wyoming. Their coffee house was called Coffee Shaman and was located in downtown Casper. “It was a combination Pieper/Chinook — See Fraker, Page 3 Frank Fraker serves students at CC's Sub Connection. Fraker is an alumnus Kaley of the college. �Page 2 Chinook Stance Divine's Intervention: Learn a second language Garrett Grochowski Growing With Grochowski The bane of many high school and college students is the dreaded required foreign language credit. Students spend long hours grueling over verb conjugations and vocab in preparation for a test, only to abandon all of that information as soon as the semester ends -- at least I hope I wasn’t alone in that feeling because it made many classes miserable for me. I took French in middle school and Russian in high school. And in college, I’m currently taking Spanish. I believe that gives me some degree of authority in talking about the benefits and pitfalls of language acquisition in a school setting. What I can’t tell you is how and why Spanish clicked for me so well when the other languages passed by me in a blur. I understand to an extent why Russian is likely difficult for everyone; even its alphabet is completely distinct from our own. But French, well French is just Spanish with more guttural throat punching. Perhaps studying a language seems more worthy of my attention now because I understand the values of learning a second. What are the potential benefits of learning a second language, and why is it worth your time? Well, I think for the average person, the positives outweigh the costs tenfold. In putting in the effort and time to learn, one creates access to a whole branch of culture, bulks up the resume, and cultivates a unique community of helpful friends. As my grasp of understanding the world around me expanded with age, I’ve realized that English– more specifically my dependency on it as my sole form of communication– puts me in a box. The influence of the English language in different parts of the world is vast, but reliance on it may limit the experiences a person can have traveling. For example, it would be much easier to get around certain parts of Africa if you knew how to speak French or Swahili than it would to just know English. There are aspects of cuisine, tradition, celebration, and other forms of culture unaccessible to the monolingual, and it's my belief that it's potentially disrespectful to rely on other people’s ability to translate for you to get around. In a more practical sense, being bilingual opens up avenues for career opportunities that aren’t afforded to purely English speakers. I can’t speak much to this because I’m only a college student, but I’ve been poking around Indeed.com, and the water is looking fine. Especially for me, a journalism major, having the ability to communicate in another language is very handy. I think most importantly, and what I can attest to being the most important benefit of learning a second language, is the community in which you entrench yourself. The value of learning a second language doesn’t lie only in being able to communicate with people who have lived lives completely different than yours in a vastly different place. Being able to form connections with your fellow learners is what makes the process of learning a second language so very special to me. I think there's something beautiful about not knowing what you’re doing, and relying on the person next to you to know even though they don't know either. Of course, they’re relying on you for the same reason – that’s community. I think it's different from learning other skills because, for the most part, when you are learning something you have some basic knowledge to start. Basic knowledge gives everyone a different starting point that disrupts the sensation of true unity. Maybe you know some basic phrases at the beginning of whatever language you’re learning, but you nor anyone around you is ready to be left alone in a conversation with a native speaker. I look back on the few months I’ve been in college– how I’ve grown, how my values have changed, the friends I’ve made– and I can say with certainty that Spanish played the biggest role in changing me the past year. I’m not especially great at making friends. I think I could count on two hands the amount of friends I’ve made since August. The majority of those people and the bonds I cherish most have been a result of learning a second language. Being a part of the same process, wishing so hard that you just had all the concepts down, and being there for each other when you don’t is, to me, why learning a second language is so great. For the college student in a whole new community far away from home, I think this is your ticket to social prosperity. April 1, 2023 CHINOOK “ Well…. It is finally here, at least by the calendar…. Spring! Even though it has been a long, cold, and snowy winter, I assure you the end of the semester will be here before you know it. The close of the semester signifies the end of one period of time and the beginning of another. For some of us that transition is simply from one calendar season to another while for others the change is more significant; involving the movement from one season of life to another. No matter the magnitude of change you will be experiencing, I urge you to embrace the experi- ences on both sides of the transition. Be sure to cherish the final moments of your current experience, and then welcome and embrace the new events yet to come. All too often we find ourselves “wishing away” our lives; either wishing winter would end, summer would arrive, the semester will end, etc.. Unfortunately, such wishing is simply impatience in disguise and prohibits living in the moment, and thus robbing us of the full experience of our daily lives. My reminder to you, and my plea: Life is short – hold every minute dear and experience all you can! Unfortunately, such wishing is simply impatience in disguise and prohibts living in the moment, thus robbing us of the full experience of our daily lives. — Darren Divine, Ph.D., Casper College President Embrace Differences My whole life revolves around the livestock industry. Since my youth, my one true passion in this world has been beef cattle and things like their nutrition, how to breed them, their physiology, etc. This passion does not make me unique, but my background certainly does. I did not grow up on a farm or ranch and have no familial ties to the industry. My father mines coal, and my mother organizes trips for air travelers. My closest links to agriculture include my grandpa’s past career as a custom combiner and my grandma who barrel raced in high school. Despite all of this, I’ve known from a young age that running my own set of cows embodies what I want to do with my life. I recognize this goal seems lofty and maybe even unattainable given start-up costs, but I am still extremely optimistic even with people’s doubts and resentments directed toward me. My first experiences with cattle were with my dad. Lots of his coworkers not only held down jobs at the mines but also managed their own commercial cow/calf operations, so we received invitations to help out quite often. I distinctly remember pushing cattle up alleyways, helping gather big groups of cows on the four-wheeler, wrestling calves during brandings in the spring, and riding shotgun while hauling pairs to summer grass. These experiences legitimately make up some of my fondest childhood memories. Eventually, my journey with cattle evolved and I got involved in 4-H and FFA where I was introduced to livestock judging. Livestock judging tasks contestants with placing four animals of the same species from best to worst and then defending that placing through a formal set of oral reasons. My early experiences in judging inevitably started deepening my understanding of the cattle industry as a whole. After my first practice as a junior 4-Her, I felt hooked. It seemed like the only thing in my life that came naturally and didn’t require a ton of initial practice like football, cornhole, or really anything athletic. Judging instilled a high degree of newfound confidence in not only my ability to speak in front of others but in myself as a whole. I became so happy to be good at something that involved my one, true passion. I also got involved with a purebred Simmental producer from my community who took me under her wing and gave me all sorts of opportunities to gain experience and even more understanding. I made the 20-minute drive to her place almost every day throughout middle and high school to simply learn more by doing. Even outside of my time on her ranch, I turned into a sponge and couldn’t read enough articles, watch enough videos, or talk to enough local producers about their different cattle philosophies. This fresh confidence and deepened interest that was celebrated by my parents and ag teachers inversely soured Ella Meyer Ella's Elaborations Wyoming boasts a rich history of ranching and rodeos. From cowboys, to livestock showers, and farmers, Wyoming houses a large community of people involved in agriculture. This includes the rodeos and horse shows that go on year around. Many people travel miles just to compete in a rodeo or horse show, and many others travel farther just to come and witness such an event. But, with growing modernization and the rise of animal rights groups, many people think that rodeos should be a thing of the past. Organizations like People for Ethical Treatment of Animals and American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals fight against rodeos and say that the events are a breeding ground for animal mistreatment and cruelty. The Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association is going to great lengths to disprove such accusations, but rodeos have been banned in California, Rhode Island, and in parts of Nevada. Though this fight is not new, I don’t think that it will be over soon. Growing up on a ranch gave me plenty of insight into rodeos, horse shows, and the ins and outs of horse training. My dad, being a horse trainer himself, often entered horse shows for fun, or just to see how far along the horse he had trained had come. He, along with many other cowboys, have some exasperated arguments against the some of my peers. Ag kids who I considered friends or thought were at least good buddies confused my beaming self-assurance for arrogance and undeserving vanity. The fact that I did not grow up on a ranch amplified my lack of credibility in their eyes when talking about cattle, even in passing conversations. Consequently, those people gossiped about and ostracized me from their group. This experience hurt me a lot. I couldn’t understand for the longest time why it mattered so much that I was not like them. I didn’t get why my passion, as an “outsider”, was so wrong to them. I struggled with selfacceptance. I questioned my whole life and passion up to this point. I put up a wall and vowed I would never resent someone who cared about the industry as much as I do, no matter their background. In high school and even early parts of my college experience, I looked past, overthought, and turned down opportunities that seemed to be for people who weren’t like me and that had a “regular” start in the cattle industry. I almost skipped out on attending Casper College because my mind told me that people like myself fail. I felt like a huge fraud until I actually got to school and interacted with kids who assumed we shared the same upbringing. It felt amazing when some people couldn’t believe I came from a non-agricultural environment originally. I still sometimes let thoughts of self-doubt into my Jacob Klaudt Keepin' Up With Klaudt head but am always battling those notions through a pretty awesome support network consisting of my family, friend group, and significant other, all of whom constantly remind me of my value. It also helps hearing stories of livestock industry legends, like Tyson Rule, who worked his way from being a copier machine salesman to being the breeder of the world’s highestselling buck lamb. To make a long story short, never hate on someone’s excitement or passion just because their origin story differs from the norm. Don’t feel threatened by their enthusiasm. Instead, answer their questions and encourage their success. Society is plenty progressive in recent times in terms of breaking down harmful norms and accepting others for who they are. I think now is the time to start genuinely evaluating a person’s character and value solely on the skills and knowledge they possess rather than where they come from. Culture or Cruelty? accusation that rodeos are a cruel environment for animals. PETA’s main arguments against rodeos is the use of spurs and how sharp and dangerous they are for the animal below them. However, any horse trainer worth his salt would tell you that the regulation spurs used in shows are rendered useless when used to condition a horse. These spurs are so dull, that some children even use them on their playmates when they ride each other around. Most of the sharp spurs that the people from PETA see are the ones used in movies, or in Hollywood. These are obviously dramatized for the big screen and in no world would anyone use those spurs on a horse they planned to keep around for long. Another complaint is the use of bucking straps and electronic prods in the shoots. For those who do not know, a bucking strap is used in the bronc riding and bull riding events. This tool is simply put on the horse or bull to make them kick higher into the air. In no way does this hurt them, though their manic bucking and honking would give off the impression that they are hurt. However, if these animals so wished, they could kill the rider on their back at any time. They also talk of the use of electronic prods, which are used to get battle out of shoots. But these tools need the consent of the livestock owner to use, confirmation from the vet that the animal is healthy enough to take the shock, and consent from the fairgrounds president to use it on the animal. This is simply a way to make sure that the cow it’s being used on is not hurt or maimed in the process. But oftentimes, if they are stuck in the shoot and not getting out, it could be dangerous for them to try and back up or hop out. Most of the rules and regulations set in place at rodeos are for the animals’ safety and well-being. ASPCA claims the animals used in rodeos are mistreated and malnourished. This is simply not true. The broncs that the PRCA uses are fed the highest quality hay and grain, and over the course of the year, they are in the ring for seven minutes of their life. Eight second rides are not long, and those rides the animals are “forced to suffer through” add up to seven minutes of their rather pampered lives. Often these horses are set out to pasture and never touched again until it comes time to put them in the ring. The same principle applies to the cows used for the bull riding events, as they too are pampered for the majority of their adult lives. If you are still not convinced rodeos are not inherently cruel, here are a few statistics to ease your red-hot rage. According to AVMA.org, in 2022 an article titled Welfare of animal rights integral part of professional rodeos says that out of 26,584 performances, only 15 animals have been injured -- a 0.00041% rate. Additionally, the PRCA has had animal welfare regulations since 1947. The organization constantly updates and changes the rules to fit the times and the people watching rodeos. Taking away rodeos from the contestants and spectators is a poor decision. Rodeos make $3 billion annually, which funds many jobs and animal welfare. Many people make a living in rodeo, and you would be taking away a way of life. Either way, taking away rodeo’s from Wyoming specifically would be taking away a part of the heritage and culture of the state, and many would miss out on the opportunity to witness it. And if you think that they are unsafe now, wait until the illegal ones start up. Rodeos with no regulation to keep the animal safe, would lead to many more problems and injuries. Legal, and well-regulated rodeos are better for all involved. All in all -- no -- rodeos are not cruel. Rodeos feature a rich part of our history in the west, and it will continue to be part of the culture behind the cowboy way of life. �April 1, 2023 Page 3 CHINOOK Food Pantry........................................... With no physical space available for the pantry, the Student Senate president's office became the designated room. Then COVID hit. While students were sent home for quarantine in March of 2020, Peacock and other Student Life staff dedicated many hours to clearing the room, building shelves, and preparing the office for food storage. The pantry opened in the fall of 2020, running off of initial donations from the community and multiple CC staff lead food drives. Food drives serve as an integral part of food procurement for the pantry. CC requires that clubs on campus participate in either a student-based activity or a food drive. Most organizations choose the latter. Fulton said, “We’ve already received so many canned goods from these drives, which is great, but canned vegetables are hard to fuel up on for the student who is on the go.” The pantry also offers a wide array of food choices including cups of noodles to granola bars and even fresh pheasant meat. Personal hygiene supplies include menstrual products, deodorant, toothpaste, and even toilet paper. “Popular items that are quick and of need include pasta, macaroni and cheese, hot pockets, and instant rice,” Fulton said. The food pantry is staffed by Student Life work-study students that help stock the shelves and show students how to utilize the resource. These work studies have witnessed, firsthand, the kind of impact the pantry is having on other CC attendees. “A lot of the kids who come from on-campus just get the snack type stuff,” said McKinley Kessler, Student Life work-study and sophomore at CC. “But the people I see, usually every week, are off-campus students that come and get stuff for their actual meals. For many of those people, I think it's part of what they eat primarily throughout the week.” Peacock can also recall times of helping non-traditional students take advantage continued from page 1 of the resource to not only benefit themselves but their families as well. “It can be difficult for those students to make ends meet while they’re going to school and working and still having to balance a family in the mix,” Peacock said. “Having just a little bit of help in the food, grocery, and toiletry item department truly made a big difference for them.” Still, some students seem reluctant to make use of the pantry due to potential judgment from their peers. “That kind of stigma can be a big issue with any resource that the campus offers,” said Kessler. “Try it once and even if you don’t like your experience, no one is going to judge you.” The Student Senate Food Pantry at CC continues to impact students for the better. Whether someone needs a quick snack between classes or questions where their next meal is coming from, the pantry functions to supply all T-Birds with even the most basic item of human need: food. Snow........................................................ continued from page 1 Fraker...................................................... continued from page 1 may seem like a minor inconvenience in town, Johnson and Hodnett insisted that the drifts out at the ranch were indomitable. According to Hodnett, the entirety of the south road leading to the ranch had to be abandoned because the snow piled up along lines of trees. They utilized snow blowers and a tractor with a bucket and thankfully the north road remained functional. The north road became the sole way students and faculty accessed the ranch. Along the road turning into the ranch, the drift was especially prominent. Johnson said, “I suppose that drift was – well it was way taller than me, and I’m 6’ 4”! I’m betting it was eight feet.” But battling the snow was critical. Buried behind the piles of snow were the sole entry points to animals that needed to be fed and kept warm. “When it’s really, really cold, if you're lambing or calving, there’s opportunity to lose your animals because they froze to death,” Hodnett said. After birth, newborn animals are at risk of getting frostbite and losing extremities such as ears, Hodnett said. He feels lucky that there is ample indoor space to lamb and keep the animals warm. Despite the challenges imposed by eight-foot drifts and high winds, the labor of students and staff kept the facility running. “They’re all country kids,” said Johnson. “This has been an unbearable winter, but all these kids have lived through it before. They grew up in ranching and farming communities. They’ve seen snow and drought and hardship, and so it’s amazing how they handle it… they just took a hold and did it.” Hodnett reflected on the help the agriculture program and rodeo teams received from the college fondly. coffee expresso bar and new age books. It was a great experience. I met lots of great people. It was fun. We lasted a couple years, we just didn’t make it. Casper can be hard to start a small business, and I applaud those people still doing it. Especially with all the big chains moving in. It also gave me basic coffee experience, which helped prepare me for working here for Sodexo.” After the closing of the Coffee Shaman, Fraker worked a few jobs in customer service, shipping and receiving, and for Sodexo. But after officially “retiring” at 65, he took “We are really blessed to be a part of Casper College because the maintenance crews were out there, and they busted through it, and they kept a dump truck out there so they could keep the roads open for us,” said Hodnett. In the tough and wild worlds of rodeo and agriculture, no day is the same and being prepared for anything is a must. Moving snow, as simple as it may seem, may be an important real-world experience to better prepare students for the world. “When those kinds of things happen, really it’s kind of a life lesson in a lot of things, you know? Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today, ‘cause you don’t know what kind of storm you’re gonna get that next day,” said Hodnett. "I think they’re all lessons that they (students) can learn and adapt to their everyday lives, really. There's education in more than books and sitting in Garrett Grochowski/Chinook A snow drift buries a fence at Casper College’s off-campus ranch facility near Mills. a classroom.” some time off before deciding to come back to work for Sodexo. “I decided I really should be doing something to keep me active, both mentally and physically. So, I came back to Sodexo. I’m not full time, haven’t been for several years, but it works. I live close so I can walk to and from work and always stay busy,” Fraker said. Many students refer to Fraker as “sub shop Frank” and appreciate his positive, upbeat attitude while working behind the counter. A CC alumni visiting the campus even remembered Fraker asking, “Is Frank still working in the sub shop?” But Frank’s goal in the position isn’t to move up the chain of command and make a career out of Sodexo. He likes to think of it more as a service to the college. “I try to be really upbeat and say hello to everybody -- say thank you as they check out and things like that. It can be tiring some days, but I still try," Fraker said. I’m just here helping, trying to keep things flowing, and trying to keep people, a little happy. Whether it’s getting them food or saying something silly to get them to crack a smile. Life is stressful. You don’t need a grouchy person trying to sell you your sandwich.” Frank’s time at Casper and in Louisiana helped prepare him for his current role. Through his different jobs, he says he has learned to build flexibility into himself. He’s not doing what he ever dreamed he would be doing. Where he ended up isn’t where he thought he would go. “In my parent’s generation, they got a job and stayed there their whole life. That’s not where we are now. For most people, they’re going to move on and be in different places, jobs, and experiences. Which I think is good. You really get a more rounded appreciation of what others are going through, and how other people live, and just the broadness and diversity.” His steps in life have been diverse, and he wanted to give students some advice from his years of experiencing different jobs and areas. Fraker said, “If I would offer any advice to current students, it would be to be ready for the change. I am sure in the next 50 years, there will be as much change as there was in the last 50. Life has a way of ebbing and flowing. Things change, but then again they don’t." www.caspercollege.edu/chinook �Page 4 April 1, 2023 Hit and runs on campus dent student plans Carlos Fandal III Chinook Writer Casper College is being hit by a string of hit and run incidents, leaving students and staff concerned about the safety of their vehicles on campus. Over the past year, several incidents of vehicles hitting parked cars and fleeing the scene occurred, leaving the owners of the damaged cars with no recourse. Adrianna Sutton, a CC student and hit and run victim, unfortunately felt the sting of the crime. Despite following standard practice of reporting the crime to campus security and Casper PD, Sutton’s perpetrator, like many others, was never identified. “It was really surprising to me that there were no cameras that could see what happened, I feel like there should be more cameras around campus.” Sutton said. Installing more cameras around campus, particularly in parking lots, could effectively prevent and catch hit-and-run incidents. CC’s Campus Safety and Security Coordinator, John CHINOOK Becker, a former law enforcement agent of 35 years, shared valuable information with the Chinook. “In 2022, we had eight crash reports on campus. And four of them were hit and runs. This year, we've had five (crash) reports so far, and one of them was a hit and run” said Becker, who’d prepared reports for the interview. Becker listed a handful of ideas on why CC is prone to the odd hit and run. “I think a lot of it is the driver not paying attention to surroundings. We have very small parking areas, you know, we have a lot of them. We try to cram a lot of cars in their workspaces and everything else,” said Becker. When a car gets hit and the other driver leaves the scene, it can be a very stressful and confusing situation for the victim. The victim may experience a range of problems, such as having to pay for repairs out of pocket and/or having to navigate the legal system on their own. Becker detailed what steps one should take if involved in a hit and run. “The easiest thing is to call security. We will do everything we can to do a report and get the information we can for you. If we have a camera in the area, we work well with (the) Casper Police Department and local law enforcement agencies. We will give them any information we have on the suspect vehicle that took off. If we can read a plate or get a model or anything else, we will document that report through what we call a ‘maximum report’. We tell the students to get the Casper Police Department to file a crash report with them.” Additionally, Becker wanted to remind students to be mindful when driving. “The speed limit on campus is 20. And you'll see cars that are traveling, you know, well over the 20 mile limit in the lower campus. Be aware of that -- be aware of your speed -- don't text and drive. You would be surprised how many students get in their cars, they're getting out of there, and they're looking at their phone. Because ‘I haven't been on my phone for an hour,’ or, whatever it may be. Don't text Carlos Fandal III/Chinook Hit and runs can be an overwhelming headache for all involved. Incidents seem to be on the rise on Casper College's Campus. and drive, pay attention to your driving and know your surroundings, know what's going on, (and) drive defensively.” The hit and run incidents at Casper College are a cause for concern among students and staff, who rightfully expect a safe and secure campus envi- ronment. As Becker pointed out, it is essential to take steps to prevent such incidents from occurring, including paying attention to surroundings, following speed limits, and not texting while driving. Additionally, victims of a hit and run need to report the inci- dent to campus security and law enforcement agencies as soon as possible. By working together to prevent these incidents and holding perpetrators accountable, Casper College will be a safe and secure place for all who study and work here. �April 1, 2023 Page 5 CHINOOK Laughter the best medicine? Ella Meyer Chinook Writer Dr. Chontelle Gray started laughter yoga a little over four years ago, and she never looked back. It started during COVID - 19, when she found herself bored during lockdown. Gray’s interest began when she first took a yoga class through her college. Since then, she’s practiced and instructed yoga for 20 years, and she just recently found her passion for Medan Kataria’s ‘laughter yoga.’ The practice of laughter yoga started around the 1960’s, and Kataria wrote a book on his studies in 2002. Gray, having been raised Hindu, said she found no problem in getting into such practice and found herself joining laughter clubs at 6:45 in the morning Monday through Thursday. She said she takes the time to gather with the people in her club and laugh. The concept of ‘laughter yoga’ is foreign to most. To many the term sounds strange and out of place. When the majority of people think of yoga, they think of a quiet practice with soft music of the instructor’s choosing. But, Kataria’s studies found that laughter truly is the best medicine. Gray noted that when someone laughs, the act is proven to release endorphins and reduce cortisol. “It’s good to let that crap go,” she said. Gray also talked about how adults are inherently serious, and they don’t like to have fun anymore. They often think they are too grown for laughter and fun, so they keep everything in until it does harm to their body. Laughter yoga has provided a way for those who have forgotten to let go, an opportunity to find their inner child once again. Gray explained that humans hold all of our stress in our body. It is also described in Kataria’s exploration of laughter, that 10 minutes of straight laughing is the best way to get any real health benefits out of it. When such knowledge spread, ‘laughter clubs’ started popping up around the world. At the very beginning members would tell jokes to make one another laugh, though the strategy proved ineffective after a short time due to differences in humor. Kataria found another way to get through a session in one of his post grad classes. An improvisation class that provided the necessary exercises to make everyone laugh for the whole session paved the way to laughter yoga’s success today. Gray praised the effectiveness of the yoga, talking about one of her first experiences with the therapeutic properties of laughter. During the Tarzan show during Covid-19 at Casper College, the actor playing Turk caught coronavirus. Upon being told that the actor was out, Gray said her first instinct was to panic and freak out. But, she took five minutes to go out on stage and laugh to herself about the problem. Once she calmed down, she broke the news to everyone else. Before they could freak out and lose their minds, she had them all laugh for five minutes at the situation. “Laughter helps ground you in a state of panic,” Gray said. This is proven by the state of calm that she experienced after the Tarzan incident. This is also backed up by the 53 country’s that practice laughter yoga regularly. It helps to be able to laugh at the situation when facing it head on, because it's a reminder that it’s not as serious as it might seem. And she hasn’t looked back since that experience. Gray reminisced on the first time she discovered laughter yoga. She talked about how she had watched many videos explaining and going through the exercises to laugh, but she never tried to laugh out loud before joining a session. She talked about how she was never someone who laughed out loud, no matter how funny she found something. But, laughter yoga seemed to turn that around for her. Gray explained her growth in the practice of laughter yoga. “Through laughter yoga, I have embraced my natural laugh, though I am still not a loud laughter.” Now, she leads her own classes of laughter yoga and continues to expand her knowledge in other types of movement, such as chair yoga and meditation. However, there are some students at Casper College who took a laughter yoga session, and did not agree with the effectiveness of the session. Alex Brus, a musical theater major at CC, took part in a laughter yoga session in the fall semester of 2022. He talked about expressing an interest in meditation, but this was out of his comfort zone. Though he had previously tried meditation, he hadn’t done any yoga classes leading up to the experience, and he was going in having no idea what was going to happen. Beforehand, he was informed that the class was going to partake in a session, but this was all he knew before he was taken into the yoga classroom and instructed through the process. “It was very off-putting, and not everyone was participating, so it was a very weird experience,” said Brus. Brus talked about how most in the class were not sure how to take Ella Meyer/Chinook it all in, some laughing more Dr. Chontelle Gray leads laughter yoga at Casper College. because they felt awkward Grey says that laughter relaeses stress in the body. rather than they were compelled to. Though he only par- session, she is less stressed and new people. She discovered ticipated in one of the laughter burdened, and she feels lighter laughter yoga after joining the yoga sessions, he said he thinks than before. Davis participates theater department, and has he could try it again to see if he in the theater at CC, and often tried to join every one after might eventually like it. Brus the theater provides some that. said he recognizes the health stress that needs a place to go. “If more professors knew properties of laughter and real- She also expressed that she the benefits of it, they would izes that it helps many people, feels closer to her peers after take their classes to do it … but overall the experience was a session. it’s a nice way to boost mental not for him. “It’s kind of hard to put up health.” Davis recommends Not everyone who took part a wall when everyone gets to laugh yoga to anyone feeling in a session shares the same see you laugh,” Davis said. stressed and overwhelmed, sentiments. Rebecca Davis, an Though she does feel closer even going as far as to recASL major at CC participated with her classmates after a ommend that professors take in three laughter yoga classes session, it did not always feel their classes to a session. This in the last two years. Davis that way. Her first laughter would also help to alleviate has an interest in yoga, and session helped break the classroom tension and stress. she even does morning yoga in ice after she had moved to A chance to try out laughter the summer when she has the Wyoming from Oregon, com- yoga is on April 5 at 5 p.m. in time. Davis pelled to change her lifestyle the theater building on the main spoke highly about the ses- after living in Oregon for 21 stage of the theater. There is no sions Gray offered. She talked years. This helped connect need for any special clothes or about how after a laughter yoga her with her peers, and meet a yoga mat. Day in the life of CC dancers William G Eastin Chinook Writer William G Eastin/Chinook CC dancers Abigale Lipson holds Mckenzi Pieper while dancing in the Krampert Center for Theatre and Dance. Mckenzi Pieper and Abigale Lipson are both students majoring in dance at Casper College. Between dance classes, general education courses, rehearsals and shows, CC dancers live a drastically different life than that of a typical student. Starting bright and early, Pieper and Lipson wake up to the sound of their alarm at 7 a.m. In the short hour they have before class, both dancers' morning routine usually consists of getting dressed, eating a quick and easy breakfast, as well as stretching and using a massage ball to prepare their bodies for the physically enduring day ahead of them. “The purpose for stretching and using my massage ball is both to combat soreness from the physicality of dance, as well as to prepare for the day by opening up all of my muscles,” stated Lipson. By 8 a.m. the dancers are already in their first dance class, composition. Pieper stated, “We get two to three projects per week where we must choreograph our own dance off of a prompt from our teacher”. Nearing 10 a.m. both leave the dance studio to attend one of their general education courses before they head back to the studio by 11 a.m. for ballet. Balancing dance classes with general education courses is a big struggle many dancers face. “Dance is overall very strenuous both physically and mentally, so with the short amount of time we have off, we are either catching up in one of our classes or we are so tired we just want to go to bed,” stated Lipson. Ballet is a course that all dancers are required to take every semester. This form of dance promotes an increase in flexibility, muscle growth, and balance (Lipson). With Ballet ending at 1 p.m., Pieper and Lipson use the time they have before their next class to eat lunch, as well as practice their choreography from their morning composition class. Their final class of the day, ensemble, starts at 3:30 p.m. Ensemble consists of both dancing and classroom work, with an emphasis on group collaboration (Lipson). On the rare occasion when neither have rehearsal or an actual dance show, both spend the majority of their night, “catching up on schoolwork, relaxing and reflecting on the day, and then thinking what we need to do tomorrow and preparing for that,” said Pieper. However, the majority of their time after school is spent rehearsing for a show or performing said show. This takes around two to four hours of their night away, and the dancers usually don’t get home until 10 p.m. (Pieper). Pieper and Lipson only have a small amount of time to balance schoolwork and self-care during their nightly routines. “Using exercises like affirmations, I find self-care to be very important because dance can take a toll on your mental health,” Lipson said. In order to be physically and mentally prepared for the day ahead, both dancers try to be in bed around midnight, which allows them to get enough needed sleep to start the day again. Join our staff this Fall! Practice interviewing & writing Take photos & design Learn sales & advertising Explore social media & promotion The Chinook is a one credit class titled Independent Publications. Contact our faculty advisor Bri Weigel for more information brianne.weigel@caspercollege.edu �Page 6 April 1, 2023 CHINOOK HYA shapes students and future educators Kaylee Davis Chinook Writer The HYA also known as the Help Yourself Academy hosted its annual third to fifth grade showcase on March 22. The showcase offers a time for students selected by their teachers who show a desire in math and science to present their skills and demonstrate to their parents, friends, and faculty members from Casper College their projects they have completed. Over 200 students and family members attended, in addition to several CC administrators and faculty members. Casper College President Dr. Divine, Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences Dr. Pete Van Houten, and Education Instructors Renee Griffith,and Jenny Johnson, all attended along with, HYA mentors, and the founder, Mr. John Wold. With only two HYA programs in the United States - one in Casper and one in New York- the program gave students an opportunity to “be engaged with math and science and encourage learning through hands on applications and project-based learning while encouraging those students to study and be excited about it.” stated Renee Griffith. The HYA program runs in the fall and spring semester, helping an average of 60-70 students per semester for eight weeks. Eligible students come from the Natrona County School District and are nominated by their teacher, whether or not they are gifted in math and science does not play a role in who is eligible to come. However, those students chosen show an interest in those fields and strive to learn more. Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 p.m. the third and fifth grade students are bussed to the physical science building on the CC Campus. From there, they participate in STEM activities, and work in the math and science department with project-based learning. Once they begin their lessons at the college, they are split between their current grades in school, and each classroom of students has a current or former elementary education instructor. In addition to the instructor, education degree seeking students are encouraged to volunteer or can participate for 1 credit per semester which is paid for by the Wold Family Foundation. To earn the credit, college students come in the classrooms and help guide the students, as well as learn hands on how to manage a classroom, lessons, and more. Jenny Johnson, an educator instructor at CC is also in charge of running the HYA program. She spoke of the impact the elementary students and the program has on the college students. According to Johnson, “College kids have made comments like ‘I didn’t really know I wanted to be in education until I went there and fell in love.’ Not only that, but I see a lot of difference from interaction in students I’ve had come in from beginning of the fall to spring, and they have had to build that relationship with the kids. And I can see their interactions with them and in the classroom change.” Along with learning math and science, the elementary students can learn coding, but in an unplugged way. With this method, students can follow a pattern, or code, to create something such as a bracelet. This version of coding allows other elementary students the option to learn while being away from technology, explained Johnson. Another goal of the program is the ability to track students after they graduate the program in fifth grade and see how involved they stay in their interests. Johnson said that former participants who are now college mentors share that they were once a child in the program. The hope is to one day take the information to see what students were interested in the most, (math or science), what electives they took in high school, and what their career choice will be. While the HYA program gives the elementary students a great opportunity to learn and be more hands on, it teaches our world’s future educators as well. Any student majoring in K-12 education are welcome to become mentors, and along with them, students majoring in math can come to teach lessons, which count as service learning time. Lastly, anyone who is not an education major but is interested in working with students or finding out if they would like to become a future educator is welcome to join, even for a day! The goal of having college students’ mentor is that it allows them to be “engaged, question, and guide the children, observe how they learn and how strategies are used to manage classroom behavior. Casper students serve as mentors for the elementary students but are still learning from the teachers,” Griffith said. This gives these students the hands-on opportunities to see what all goes into teaching, while learning from the students and having firsthand advice from the main classroom teachers. Winter Leywis, a college mentor shared what she liked about participating in the program. “One teacher here is retired and other teachers have different experiences, along with Jenny, and all have different inputs for how they handle things from lessons to management. Not everyone pays attention to what goes on behind the scenes and I feel teachers need more credit than they do. I had an observation teacher put it as: doctors and lawyers rule the world, but everyone neglects to see who teaches these kids. Where would the world be without teachers?” Along with her, Madison Allen, a first-time mentor, and Charisma Gallagher who has participated for two semesters, also had positive things to say about the impact HYA and the students have had on them and their future. Allen explained what she enjoys about the program. Allen said, “For me, I enjoyed working with kids that don’t understand science or math as well, but they are able to incorporate it into their Submitted Photos Above, CC student Hayley Tennant works with elementary kids. To the right, mentor Sarah Denton helps with an HYA activity. lesson for the day. Such as when they are hands on when building a marble track. They don’t realize that there’s math to it, but they understand the process.” Allen also explained that being in the classroom has helped her learn how to “redirect focus, work on and figure out classroom management skills, and learned how to ask engaging questions that get the kids to think and engage with us.” Gallagher’s future includes being a high school math instructor. “This program has solidi- fied me being a teacher, even though I wanted to change at first, but I realized this is what I want to do.” Not only does it help her in the classroom, but she also has an appreciation for how hard teachers work in the classroom now that she has worked from their point of view. While Leywis knew she always wanted to do elementary education, she first thought kindergarten would be her specialty. Then, the relationships that she built with the students, the humor they bring, and the interactions between her and the students in the upper classes shed light to her decision to now do K-4th grade, because as she said, “you are able to learn from those kids every day.” For college students interested in helping at HYA, the program will begin again in the fall of 2023. HYA offers a chance to not only learn from the instructors, but the students themselves. Join in on one of the nation’s two John Wold Help Yourself Academy and work on helping to shape yourself, educators, and future society a more knowledgeable and hands on world. Anxiety Workshop Presented by the Casper College Wellness Center Learn more about the nature of anxiety, along with both physical and cognitive strategies to help you manage your symptoms and reduce the impact that anxiety has in your life, especially in the testing environment. Wednesday, April 5 1 - 2 p.m. UU 212 Snacks will be provided! Email Kelly Green at kelly.green@caspercollege.edu to sign up! �April 1, 2023 Page 7 CHINOOK Mammoth Day At Tate Geological Museum Kaley Pieper/ Chinook On Saturday, March 11, “Dee” the Mammoth was star of the show for the event held to promote Tate Geological Museum. Casper College staff and community members alike brought their kids and families for a fun day of learning. JP Cavigelli, museum collections specialist, and Russell Hawley, education specialist helped teach kids about the discovery of Dee. Director of the museum, Dalene Hodnett, helped organize the event, and gave each kid a poster of Dee before they left. In addition to learning about the discovery of Dee, attendees toured the museum gallery. This free event open to the public was held from 10 am - 2 pm. The kids above had a great time learning about Dee, and they worked together to assemble this puzzle of his skeleton. �Page 8 CHINOOK ‘Little steps to the big picture’ April 1, 2023 CC student shares her struggle with bulimia and her path to recovery Lucy Jane Crimm Chinook Writer Between 10% and 20% of women and 4% and 10% of men in college suffer from an eating disorder, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. Casper College Fire Science Major McKinsey Jerrel is one of many college students who battled with an eating disorder. Jerrel developed Bulimia her freshman year of high school, and she started recovery her freshman year of college. “I am in recovery from Bulimia, I would eat and then make myself throw up,” Jerrel said. “Eventually it got to the point where my body couldn’t handle food, so it would automatically throw up [after eating].” According to the Mayo Clinic, Bulimia nervosa is a diagnosable eating disorder characterized by eating food followed by purging with the goal to lose the calories gained. Purging to lose calories comes in different forms: intentionally throwing up, misusing laxatives, dietary supplements and diuretics. Other common diagnosable eating disorders include anorexia nervosa and binge eating. Anorexia is when a person intentionally restricts calorie intake to control body weight. A binge eating disorder is when someone regularly consumes large amounts of food and feels unable to stop. “There are diagnosable disorders like anorexia and bulimia, then there’s a huge range of what we call disordered eating behaviors that would fit the majority of college students,” Director of Counseling Erin Ford said. “I would say a lower percentage [of college students] have diagnosable eating disorders, but a much larger percentage falls under the spectrum of disordered eating behaviors” Disordered eating develops into an eating disorder when unhealthy diets and exercise occur over a long period of time and start to disrupt the health and lifestyle of a person. “It really stems around somebody’s need or desire to control their body, body image [and] how they feel about themselves,” Ford said. “It can look so many different ways. It can look like restricting eating, obsessing over numbers, or restricting eating over a long period of time and then binge eating. There’s a lot of different things that it can incorporate, and it really is on an individual basis.” In Jerrel’s case, she developed an eating disorder after years of bullying lowered her self-image to the point where she felt the only way she would fit in and get people to leave her alone was by changing her body. “I would get told that I was a fat cow and didn’t deserve to live. I was told that I was too big and I’ll never be enough. ‘Looking the way you do, I don’t know how anyone would want to be your friend’ or ‘Your family doesn’t love you.’ Someone once said ‘Looking like that no wonder why your brother shot himself,’” Jerrel recalled. “There was this one person who every day I would walk through the hall… and they would moo at me like a cow and say ‘Oh look the cow’s back,’ ‘Oh look the heifer’s back,’ ‘Take them to the slaughter house and get some meat.’ It was really stupid stuff like that.” Jerrel’s brother passed away her freshman year of high school and the following year is when her eating disorder really took a turn for the worst. She said bullying, friend groups and relationships all contributed, but social media played a large role in her worsening disorder. “Social media had a really big impact along with bullying,” Jerrel said. “Opening up Instagram and seeing all of these tiny, tiny people in the smallest clothes like crop tops, miniskirts and bikinis with no stomach whatsoever-- these people who had the ‘ideal body.’ Then people doing plastic surgeries and not telling anyone about it, but then coming out years later and saying they had it done. I just felt like why can't I? A lot of it had to do with influencers [showing off] their body… and that idea of this is how the ideal body is supposed to look…thin waist, big butt and big boobs.” Along with the stress, anxiety and depression that bulimia brought Jerrel, she dealt with serious physical consequences, especially because Jerrel has diabetes. “A lot of [physical symptoms] would be with my blood sugars being really out of control,” Jerrel said. “I wasn’t taking care of myself. My body got to a point where it was essentially eating itself and my blood sugars were so high because I was sick. I was so tired, I was lethargic, I had no energy, no motivation to do anything and I was just tired all the time because I wasn't getting what I needed.” Jerrel was participating in something called diabetic bulimia, or “diabulimia.” Diabulimia is when someone with type 1 diabetes purposely skips insulin doses with the goal of losing weight. If Jerrel doesn’t take insulin, it results in a high blood sugar. This leads to diabetic ketoacidosis, which shuts down organs and can lead to death. “I hated that I was being picked on for being diabetic and that also played into the whole diabulimia thing,” Jerrel explained. “I was going into diabetic ketoacidosis, and I was in ICU for a week and a half. They had me monitored, and they thought my insulin pump wasn’t working, but I just wasn’t giving myself insulin. I wasn’t giving myself the medication I needed.” Jerrel’s freshman year of college is when she realized how bad her bulimia had gotten and how it was impacting her quality of life. She decided to start her path to recovery. “I realized that I was trying to live up to these standards that are outrageous… and WRITING CENTER The Writing Center at Casper College is here to help our students and members of the community. Brainstorm possible paper topics Craft an essay Gain writing strategies And so much more! Visit us in Strausner Hall, room 215 or visit the Writing Center Moodle site for additional resources and appointment scheduling! Contact: 307-268-2610 wco@caspercollege.edu Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook Casper College Fire Science Major McKinsey Jerral battled bulimia. She shared her story and road to recovery with the Chinook. finally I was sick and tired of being sick so much. I was sick and tired of feeling alone, sad and feeling like I wasn’t worth anything. That’s when I decided [I’m] going to get on top of this,” Jarrel said. “In the beginning it was difficult, I’m going to be honest it was really hard to stomach things, but a month or two after I started I realized ‘Oh my gosh, I just ate a whole meal, then a desert and I’m not feeling so bad. This is awesome.’” Ford said part of preventing eating disorders or recovering from them is the friend groups people surround themselves with and a big part of recovery and prevention is finding friends that accept your authentic self. Jerrel’s recovery journey included just that. “When I first went into college, I met an amazing group of people, and they were the ones who told me ‘Hey we’re here and we love you’ and they showed it in any situation… they would always take me out and say ‘little steps to get to the big picture,’” Jerrel recalled. “They would encourage me, even if it was a small bowl of soup to eat. I wouldn’t want to eat, but… they would sit there for an hour and a half at a restaurant just so that I wouldn’t have that temptation to get up and leave.” Ford said teens and young adults in college are more at risk for eating disorders, which can stem from social media, friend groups, disordered eating and a need for control. Ford explained, “This phase of life is called emerging adulthood. The primary need in this phase of life is belonging and connection. I think so often students are just starting to develop their identity and who they are, so something more external like body image can really be something we try to control and hold on to.” CC provides resources for college students suffering from disordered eating, eating disorders and body dysmorphia. One resource is the group therapy Ford holds called Body Positive. Body Positive aims to help redefine how people see themselves through five components: reclaiming health, practicing intuitive self-care, cultivating self-love, declaring authentic beauty and building community. “Body Positive is so cool because it is really less about actual body image and more about relating to ourselves differently,” Ford said. “We really focus on our own authentic beauty. Not honoring what someone else says what we need to look like… but identifying the beauty that is natural to who we are, our genetics and where we came from.” Body Positive group therapy meets at the Wellness Center (UU202A) once a week for six weeks during the fall semester and is available on an individual basis during the spring semester. “I get feedback from members each time, a lot of people have said it really helped them to think differently about themselves and about their body. Just learn to love themselves in a different way,” Ford said. The solution for lowering the amount of college students who develop eating disorders starts with one main component– be kind. Be kind to others and be kind to yourself. “In the beginning, it was ‘Why can’t I be pretty enough? Why can’t I be skinny enough? Why can’t people like me? How much will it take for these guys to quit saying all these things?’ and ‘What did I do wrong? Why am I not good enough?’ But now I’ve gotten to a point where I can see I didn’t do anything wrong, I didn’t deserve what they said, I was perfectly fine then and I didn’t even realize it. My body is my body. I was beautiful the way I was and I didn’t deserve any of that,” Jerrel said. Added Ford, “I can’t more highly recommend working with a counselor to work on identity, on self love [and] on self compassion because really that is the core to all of it, that is the ultimate solution… loving ourselves, honoring ourselves, feeling confident in who we are and what we are authentically.” Another big solution to the problem is being more aware of content consumed on social media. Social media is the main contributor to eating disorders in young adults because a lot of content feeds off of insecurities to try and push products. “The biggest [solution] is to really really identify how social media is impacting the way you think,” Ford says. “So much social media we aren’t even aware of what we’re being fed, but if you go in and count the number of ads and posts you see about diets, before and after and beauty products… it’s all just being fed to us in order to get us to buy things, right? It’s being fed to us that who we are and what we are is not enough. So really bring so intentional to really audit social media and follow people who are body positive, body natural and in support of who we are authentically ourselves versus trying to make ourselves one specific mold of something” The path to recovery is not an easy one, but the best method is to prevent oneself and loved ones from developing eating disorders in the first place. Be kind to yourself and others, learn to listen to what your body tells you, love and embrace your body, and support others. Jerrel’s message to others who are struggling with an eating disorder is “It’s okay to be different. It’s okay to feel uncomfortable with yourself sometimes, but do not overthink it to the point that you don’t love yourself. Self love is a difficult journey, especially when you start on it… Do things you enjoy because the more little things you can do– well the baby steps get you to the bigger picture essentially.” www.caspercollege.edu/chinook �April 1, 2023 Page 9 CHINOOK Academics and extracurriculars: All about balance Jonna McCullough Chinook Contributor Casper College students competing in extracurricular activities dedicate their time to balancing school, extracurriculars, and other responsibilities year round while still being absent and traveling for their beloved pastimes. Attending class and devoting extra time for homework and other needs, keeps the students up to standards of maintaining good grades and being a responsible student athlete. Anne Wood, originally from Derby, NY, Kadyn Braaten from Townsend, Mont. and Clay Helm from Miles City, Mont. are all familiar faces around Casper College’s Werner Ag Pavilion and the Casper College Ranch. Helm, a team roper, and Braaten, a member of the livestock judging team, take a class from Wood, the agriculture economics professor for CC. Both Helm and Braaten are on very time consuming, traveling, competitive, teams here at CC, causing them to both be absent more times than present in Wood’s class. Because both students grew up roping and judging they know how to balance their academics and extracurricular activities, and so does Wood based on her agriculture background. Wood says she doesn’t mind when students are gone because it’s their education and money being spent. She said this is college and every student is treated like an adult in her classroom no matter the circumstances. “If you're not going to come to class, you are not going to get the inclass discussion and content, but you are still held accountable for turning in the work, whether your absence is excused or not,'' said Wood. If the traveling students contact Wood ahead of time they may be given an extension, “however you can lead a horse to water, but cannot make them drink,” said Wood. Wood expects every student in her class to pass, as long as the work and diligence is put forth. Helm is a 19-year-old freshman that said he balances school and rodeo ever since he first got on a horse. Helm said, “Because I miss so much school, I take my classes online to help myself stay caught up and organized to keep my grades up”. On average Helm misses thirty to forty days of school for his passion and family legacy to rodeo. “I grew up on a horse in eastern Montana team roping with my older brothers. I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t rodeo,” said Helm. Even though rodeo heavily impacts Helm’s way of living, school is still very important to him. Balancing rodeo and school is an extracurricular activity on its own. He said he dedicates time to school but definitely gets overwhelmed with practice and chores while still trying to be an A student in the short hours of the day. But Helm finds a way to get it all done. Much like Helm, twenty-year-old Braaten has been livestock judging for thirteen years and puts forth effort in the classroom to being the best she can be for every class and instructor while still managing to impress outside of the classroom. This past January, Braaten set a record at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver, Colo. for having the lowest contest drop in all of the NWSS&R Livestock Judging Contests to date. To this day and to many more the class of Hereford bulls will forever be remembered by her, because that is the only class she misplaced, according to officials. “My dad was our county livestock judging coach, and I started going to practice and just grew an interest in it ever since. From going to practice and being the youngest kid to being the oldest kid taking over the practices and teaching the younger kids,” said Braaten. Taking every piece of advice and looking at livestock judging from a teaching perspective gave Braaten an inside look at every class knowing that there is logic to correct placing. She said she just had to find it. Braaten traveled for every livestock judging trip the last two years at CC, forcing her to balance school and dedicate time before leaving to get every assignment done ahead of time, which is how she kept her name on the President's Honor Roll. Because she competed in livestock judging in high school and other activities, she knew what she was getting into come collegiate judging. However, Braaton said she did not expect to be gone almost every other week from the beginning of the school year to spring break. “All through high school I maintained a 3.9 GPA, between showing and raising livestock, livestock judging, basketball, and school. If I wasn’t at school or at practice you could find me in the barn until dark or even past dark. It was difficult, but setting the time aside to get my homework done was very important to me,” said Braaten. Missing as much school as she did this past year, Braaton said she worked twice as hard than what she had to do in high school. Braaten said she wishes she was able to set more time aside for school the last two years, but she was initially drawn to CC to be a part of a competitive livestock judging team and work towards an associate’s degree in Animal Science. Braaten will graduate with honors and an animal science degree in May. Knowing that both students were going to be gone as much as they were over the year, Wood said she was still pleased and even impressed with their dedication to maintaining good grades and following their passions at a successful rate. According to Wood, “It’s not easy to decide between being the best to your ability at the sport you love and school, but both Helm and Braaten have shown me, their coaches, and fellow students that it is possible to balance both tasks and be successful.” Submitted Photos Clay Helm, a member of the Casper College Rodeo Team, practices roping. Kadyn Braaten, a member of the Casper College Livestock Judging Team, judges at an event. Taking online or hybrid courses? Students: We make sure you are able to access online learning resources needed to learn in your classes. We will also help you learn to utilize the digital tools available to you for all your classwork. Examples of items we can help with: 1. MyCCMoodle — including how to submit assignments, participate in forums, etc. 2. ZOOM – help you learn to access and use Zoom for your remote course meetings and collaborations 3. Google Suite — Google Docs, Drive, GMail, etc. 4. Accessing Office 365 .- such as MS Word and PowerPoint 5. Online tutoring — How and where to get extra help as you need it, using NetTutor. Plus a lot more! Contact us. Don’t wait! Get your Questions answered now. Teresa Pat Mike Tyler For help or more information stop by Liesinger Hall, room 132 or contact us at 307-268-3882, dlc@caspercollege.edu, and av@caspercollege.edu. Dave Camille � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Chinook Student Newspaper Online Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2019-2026 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA 08.iii.2023.01_Chinook_Digital Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Online Chinook Newspaper 2023-04 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2023-04 Description An account of the resource This is a copy of the online Chinook Newspaper from April 2023. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA_08.i.2023.01_2023-04 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF https://caspercollege.cvlcollections.org/files/original/98571ea7c3256c4e1f13b3f2011dbb28.pdf fa002711a7cb64126dc30e6156a692a9 PDF Text Text May 1, 2023 Casper College’s Student Voice Since 1945 Student Senate's Casino Night at CC William G Eastin Chinook Writer As the clock struck 7 p.m. on April 19, Casper College students filed through the door with the opportunity to play a multitude of gambling games and other activities with the chance to win a variety of different prizes. Casino Night is a very popular event put on by the CC Student Senate every semester. Student Life Coordinator, Devin Fulton spoke to the reasoning behind the event. “It gathers students in a fun environment that gets them out of the classroom along with the professors and is a great way for staff to see the fun and competitive side of students and vice versa,” Fulton said. So what exactly goes into hosting such a popular event? The first and most important aspect is planning. Fulton stated, “There is a lot of discussion throughout student senate meetings including logistical planning, asking staff to volunteer, coordinating locations, and getting the good grace of Sodexo to partake”. Student senate also take this time to brainstorm solutions to any problems posed in the events prior. The organization’s obligations don’t stop there though, as CC Student Senate is also required to host the actual event. “Student Senate helped in three William G Eastin/Chinook Casper College students participated in Casino Night on April 19 in the Tobin Dining Hall. Games included blackjack, craps, poker, roulette, and bingo. key aspects including pre-event set up, the actual event itself where they had different stations for giving students their chips as well as raffle tickets, and event tear down,” said Fulton. Turning to the night of the event, CC students had the chance to play a variety of different gambling games. Fulton said, “The event had one craps table, seven blackjack tables, four poker tables, one roulette table, and eight bingo tables.” Staff and teachers worked as dealers for every table. “It is always awesome when you can get dealers like Linda Toohey and Dwight Gunnare who both have strong relationships with our students, and even the president himself, Dr. Divine,” stated Fulton. Starting out, students were each given one golden coin and could exchange it for 1,000 chips. Throughout the night, students gambled with their chips across the assortment of games in an attempt to attain more chips. Majoring in computer science, CC student Taylee Siemens stated, “Sitting with my friends, watching them bet everything and losing,” proved one of her favorite parts of the night. Nearing the end of the evening, students received one gold coin per 1,000 chips. They could then exchange however many golden coins they received for raffle tickets with the chance to win an assortment of different prizes. The most popular prizes were the Airpod Pros with over 100 raffle tickets alone, the 40-inch TV and the Xbox Series X with an overall total of 650 raffle tickets submitted, according to Fulton. As someone who participated in Casino Night three times, majoring in communications and multimedia, CC student Isabella Coronado said, “It’s always nice just getting to see everyone have a good time and it's always fun to try all of the games and get prizes”. "Shoplifters" steals the show at Casper College Jacob Klaudt Chinook Writer The 31st Annual Multicultural Film Festival at Casper College screened "Shoplifters," written and directed by Kore-eda Hirokazu, on April 25 in the Wheeler Auditorium located in the Wold Physical Science Center. Shoplifters, released in November of 2018, depicts the life of an underprivileged Japanese family forced to steal to meet their own basic needs. “The thing I like about Shoplifters is that I feel like it gives you a view into the struggle of these people and does it in a way that makes you feel compassion for a situation that you may not agree with,” said Dr. Kristina Pham, psychology instructor and co-chair of the CC Diversity and Inclusion committee. “It reminds me of those stories where someone steals baby formula, and the police pay for it instead of arresting the person responsible.” The two-hour and oneminute long film stars Japanese film celebrities Lily Frank and Sakura Andô and highlights this years’ Multicultural Film Festival’s theme: Dimensions of Poverty. “Poverty is rarely ever thought about as a part of diversity and inclusion. We tend to think about things like minority status and not necessarily about economic status and how that affects people’s lives,” said Pham. "Shoplifters" takes place in a financially challenged and underprivileged area of Tokyo. The story follows a make-shift family: one bonded a by compassion and basic trust rather than blood or familial ties. Each member of the family draws income from vastly different job types from construction worker to industrial laundry woman and even thief. “It’s really impactful when you first realize the type of dynamic the family has and the type relationships you anticipate they’re going to have,” said festival participant and health science major Jilian Moore. Even so, all of these earnings fail to support the family given a new sanction in the Japanese workplace. In turn, the father figure of the family is forced to procure food through stealing from the local supermarket with the younger members of his family. One night after the group’s routine shoplifting session, they encounter a young girl who appears to be abandoned teams, to try out for plays. You can do so many things.” And Zoby considers himself lucky to be a part of the culture here. He believes that Casper is a place that himself and other instructors who like to implement environmental concerns into their writing, such as CC Sociology and World Religions instructor Chad Hanson, have strived to be in. “Take Hanson and I. We fought to get here because we wanted to explore the West, and we wanted to be able to drive out and find a beautiful place,” Zoby said. “We’re people who read Edward Abbey, you know, and Aldo Leopold – big conservationists … we wanted a place where we could go camp and be on the land. We fought to get here. We gave up a lot.” And Zoby did give up quite a lot. Moving to Wyoming meant leaving his family and most of the people he knew behind. On the other hand, instructors like Hanson consider CC lucky to have him. Hanson joked that Zoby wins a national writing competition once every six months. Hanson continuously stressed Zoby’s talent. “I think he’s probably one of the few people I know who could make, if he wanted to, a living as a writer. That's a hard thing to do, but Dave is good enough that he could totally do that if he wanted to,” Hanson said. “But he doesn’t. And I think it’s because he loves teaching. And conversations. He loves education so much, he’s never going to stop being a student.” As an English instructor with a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism and a masters degree in fine arts, Zoby took literature classes on CC’s campus and at the University of Wyoming. Before joining students as peers in literature classes at CC, Zoby co-authored a book and published a variety of articles. Zoby reflected on his time co-writing his book, Fire on the Beach: Recovering the Lost Story of Richard Etheridge and the Pea Island Lifesavers, very fondly and hailed it as a moment in his and injured. The family then informally adopts the young girl. The rest of the film depicts the family’s downward spiral and allows the viewer to evaluate the morality of the family and its situation. “Through "Shoplifters, I really learned about the bon"ds people make when they are struggling and going through hard times. It’s pretty beautiful, pretty challenging and messy,” said festival attendee and social work major Tesla McConnaughey. Other films already shown at this year’s festival include Grass is Greener and The Florida Project. Grass is Greener, directed by Fab 5 Freddy, looks into marijuana’s impact on the AfricanAmerican community and its correlation with poverty. “Grass is Greener is a documentary chosen by members of the Casper College Student Senate in honor of Black History Month. It traces the history of cannabis in America and tThehe impact of the country’s war on marijuana on people of color, including art, music, and incarceration,” said Kat Bohr-Buresh, CC O.L.L.I Coordinator and co-chair of the Diversity and Inclusion committee. The Florida Project, starring Brooklyn Prince and Willem DaFoe, explores the journey of a struggling, single mother and her daughter over the course of an eventful summer. “That movie is about a young single mom who's trying to figure out how to “make it”, and looking at that journey through the eyes of a child and how children view that situation,” said Pham. "Shoplifters, a provocative and perplexin"g film on the effects of poverty in a foreign culture, fits quite well into the Multicultural Film Festival’s theme: Dimensions of Poverty. Past themes of the festival include: “Hispanic Stories” (2022), “Seeking Justice in a Diverse America” (2021), and “Native American Stories” (2020). At the end of the day, the Multicultural Film Festival at Casper College aims to educate the student body on important issues that impact society through the lens and scope of quality films. “Through the Multicultural Film Festival I was introduced to movies I would not have watched otherwise,” said McConnaughey. “It brings a different perspective to issues that everyone might not experience personally or on a day to day basis.” Dave Zoby's love for nature in his writing career Garrett Grochowski Chinook Writer Dave Zoby didn’t move to Wyoming because he loved anything anyone put here. He moved to Wyoming to explore things like mountains, rivers, education, and his writing. The Casper College instructor reflected on what he’s achieved in his career since writing a book, publishing articles in a variety of magazines, traveling the world, and moving to Wyoming to teach at CC. In Casper, he sets out to help students grow and give them opportunities they wouldn’t receive elsewhere before sending them off into the world. Zoby loves teaching at CC because of the opportunities a smaller campus can provide. “If you come to a community college like this, you can grab all the opportunities and have a good chance at getting some of them. Whereas you go to these big schools and you get lost in the shuffle,” Zoby said. “Here there’s opportunity to travel with professors, to be on Photo Courtsey of Chad Hanson English Instructor Dave Zoby fly fishes with his dog inside a river during the winter months. life he worked hard to do something important and do it correctly. Zoby said, “Two guys that were average students and average football players were like ‘we’re gonna go and chase this academic pursuit that's high level’ … and we chased it and went to the very top with it. It didn’t make us famous and it wasn’t like a bestseller of a book, but here’s the thing: it’s relevant.” According to Zoby, Endeavor Studios optioned — See Zoby, Page 3 �Page 2 Divine's Intervention: Chinook Stance Boredom... Carlos Fandal Carlos' Curiosities Unfortunately, I know Casper all too well. It’s a growing town, but it still has plenty of growing to do. People -- let’s be honest --Casper can be an incredibly boring town. Summer is coming up, and we can’t have boredom. You all deserve to have fun! If you’re here from out of town or you’re a local reader, I’ve got you covered. I, Carlos Fandal III, am about to cure your boredom and make your day ten times better with my definitive list of things to do in Casper Wyoming. I’m gonna do my best to keep this list diverse, cheap, and actually fun. Here we go! First, take a hike! Casper, Wyo. itself may not be a total gem to look at but thankfully for us, literally everything around us is remarkable. A short trip up to Casper Mountain’s Rotary Park is a beautiful picnic location that doubles as a trailhead for all sorts of trails, varying in difficulty. No Car? That’s okay too! Casper is home to several in-town trailheads too like Whitewater Park off of West 1st Street. Like I mentioned earlier, summer is very fast approaching! Assuming we don’t have another crippling winter storm, Casper is home to several great camping spots to learn and enjoy. We’ve got your standard mountain family campgrounds up on Casper Mountain, like Lodgepole campground, or the Elkhorn Springs campground. Fire pits, paved tent / RV spots, and vandalized picnic tables, what more can you ask for? Casper is also home to a couple of other sceneries for local camping, such as Alcova lake and Pathfinder Reservoir. One last place I’d like to highlight is Fort Caspar campground! If you’re looking for a historical kick, this is absolutely your place. Casper is historically very, very interesting in a couple different ways. Our next “thing to do” is to check out all of our local museums. Fort Caspar actually doubles as a museum too! See how Casper locals lived a couple hundred years ago while you camp! The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is on the north end of Poplar street, and is a really intriguing and well put together look at life before us in Wyoming. Dioramas of Natives, and highlights of some of their local trails will get you in the historical spirit. For my archaeologists, we actually have a geological museum here! Despite being actually located on Casper College grounds, I’m surprised to hear a lot of students have no clue the Tate Geological Museum exists! Go there! It’s really cool! Casper also has a very rich history in that department as well. Straying from the historical themes, Casper also has a planetarium, which is near the Historic Trails Center on Poplar. The center can be really enlightening with a great display of technology. Finally, you could try out the Nicolaysen Art Museum if none of these are up your alley. This downtown I mentioned is home to several local shops, restaurants, and other oddities that are sure to satisfy the odd bored day, all within walking distance of one another. From a three story midwestern clothing store, to a bead store, downtown is sure to have something for everyone. While Casper may have a reputation for being a bit dull, there are actually plenty of fun and diverse things that’ll keep you entertained this summer. Whether you're in the mood for a hike, a camping trip, or exploring the town's rich history and museums, Casper has something to offer. Casper is what you make of it! www.caspercollege.edu/chinook May 1, 2023 CHINOOK “ For my last message this academic year, I want to first thank everyone for being a part of our Casper College community. Second, I want to wish everyone a wonderful summer. Whether you have the summer off, will work even more during the summer, have vacation plans, or simply plan to have no plans, I wish you a wonderful and happy summer. Abraham Lincoln once said “Most people are about as happy as they make their minds up to be.” In short, happiness, much like several other states of mind, is a choice to be made; one way or another. Certainly there are emotional conditions, life challenges, and a variety of other circumstances that make it difficult to choose to he happy, but in the end, it is still a choice we all make, or fail to make. I freely admit it took a long time to incorporate this concept into my own life. For too long I glossed over this idea and just “went with the flow.” When I was happy, I believed it was because everything was going well, and thus, I should be happy. When things were not going as well as I wanted, then I was, rightfully so I thought, unhappy. But in reality, neither of those concepts was correct. Events are events; they are not good or bad, they are simply circumstances that occur. While we usually cannot control such circumstances, we can choose how we react. Life is challenging. Be those challenges relatively inconsequential, or serious and life-defining, events will occur on a continual basis. Allowing events to determine your state of happiness, while common, is not the most proactive, or healthiest, of choices. Allowing yourself the freedom and control to accept events as they occur, and choosing to be happy regardless of circumstances, is a much harder, but ultimately much healthier, choice. I bid each of you a peaceful and fulfilling summer… Events are events; they are not good or bad, they are simply circumstances that occur. While we usually cannot control such circumstances, we can choose how we react. — Darren Divine, Ph.D., Casper College President Why we show Jonna McCullough Meeting McCullough Showing cattle is a wellknown agriculture pastime involving millions of families across the world that dedicate their time, passion, and love for the industry. Ranging between showing the traditional cattle breeds of British and Continental such as Angus, Simmental, Hereford, and Maine Anjou to the American breeds of Brahmans and Brahman influenced cattle. Waking up before the sun rises in the summer to put cattle in the barn to keep cool and clean is not an easy task. Making sure every morning and night they’re getting fed at the same time to keep a consistent feeding and gaining program is vital to a show calves world. Treating their skin and hair like our very own and maybe even better sounds crazy from an outsider looking in, but to those families, it all makes sense. We must keep the cattle under fans and air conditioners in the summer to recreate the feel of winter and to continue growing hair and maintain moisturized skin. Livestock kids spend most of their summertime in the barn with their cattle, like kids spend more time at school growing up. It’s hard to juggle school, sports, showing cattle, and family time, but with the right balance, goals, and ambitions there's always time for the things and people you love most. Showing cattle isn’t all about the stock and keeping good care of them, but it’s also about what you have learned along the way. A hard work ethic, passion, determination, and leadership, all of which are important skills needed to grow up are gained in the show barn. Many late nights, blood, sweat, and tears are soaked into the foundation and structure of the barn making every minute more valuable than the last. The perfect way to end the day for a show cattle kid is letting the animals out at sunset and watching the sun go down behind the green grass hills as the cattle graze. Not every day is easy to get up and go in the morning while your friends are sleeping in from a late night out. The urge to turn off your alarm and go back to bed is running through your mind over and over again, but those animals are relying on you to eat and get into the barn before the heat strikes. The responsibility is yours, and their hunger is on you. Growing up as a livestock kid and working in the heat while the sweat rolls down your neck can teach skills that sitting in the classroom can’t. The experience and opportunities to learn hands-on and make connections within the industry is irreplaceable. Practicing your public speaking and social interactions skills are regularly used within the livestock showing industry furthering the essential skills of independence. The memories made and people met along the way last a lifetime and carry on to another. For some families it’s just a hobby, but for others it’s a way of life that they wouldn’t change for the world. Student Voice Since 1945 WRITING CENTER The Writing Center at Casper College is here to help our students and members of the community. Brainstorm possible paper topics Craft an essay Gain writing strategies And so much more! Visit us in Strausner Hall, room 215 or visit the Writing Center Moodle site for additional resources and appointment scheduling! Contact: 307-268-2610 wco@caspercollege.edu �May 1, 2023 Page 3 CHINOOK Zoby........................................................ the book and the work has the potential to be turned into a movie or television series. Zoby’s shorter works have also seen their fair share of success. Magazines such as The Sun, and many outdoor sports-focused journals, feature Zoby’s grim and occasionally prophetic takes on the world and its systems. Zoby uses his writing to comment on the unsustainable way humans are using the out- doors, even here in Wyoming. According to Zoby, fish unnaturally stocked into Natrona County waters create an illusion of inexhaustible resources and immediate access to game. “Here this is a Disney World. We got the dam, which pumps out cold water, right here in Casper, as much as we want or as little as we want. It keeps all this trout – ridiculous trout populations – alive, which is totally a fiction,” Zoby said. In other places, his writing paints an even bleaker portrait. He recalled seeing fishermen in Alaska standing shoulder to shoulder for yards fishing in the same spots for salmon, turning up less every year. Alaska is rich in resources, but that's what makes it so attractive to abuse. Hanson reflected on a conflict between Alaskans over a proposed mine, its potential for creating jobs, and its potential environment ramifications as examples of how he, Zoby, and their students have sought conflict as sources of inspiration. Studying the varying interests in such a fragile area, according to Hanson, is an experience rich in art, media, and culture that’s invaluable to young writers. Whether at home in Casper or in Homer, Ala., where Zoby spent many summers, occa- continued from page 1 sionally alongside Hanson, he’s written about the attrition of wild fish populations in Kachemak Bay. Zoby uses literature as a means of communicating what he thinks needs protecting. He has concerns about problems he illustrated in his award-winning writing about Alaska reaching Wyoming, and he reflects fondly on what he considers worth protecting. Camping above the tree- line, watching elk graze from afar, a deep value of intimate education, and, unlike his anecdote about shoulder-toshoulder fishing in his essay Breaking Up With Alaska, peoples’ appreciation of space. Qualities nearly exclusive to the most rugged of the lower 48 are what keep this talented author at CC, where students can learn from a passionate, experienced writer each semester. CC ag hosts 43rd Annual Lamb and Pig Sale Kaylee Davis Chinook Writer The Casper College Agriculture Department held its 43rd annual Lamb and Pig Sale on Sunday, April 2nd. Aside from bringing people across from the state of Wyoming to gather and discuss their passion of raising livestock, the event also provides opportunity for CC Ag Department students to learn how to run and manage a sale, while earning money for the department. The Lamb and Pig Sale was first started as “a fundraiser for the Livestock Judging team by Kelly Burch, who was the head judging coach at the time, along with department head Bill Henry.” stated Ag Department head Heath Hornecker. This year’s sale hosted 31 lambs and 31 pigs that went through the show and sale ring. The night before the sale, a sift occurred, also referred to as the show, which is where every animal is evaluated and that determines the sale order for the next day. The sift not only helps with sale order, but it allows the producers to exhibit their animal’s show ring presence, which may help buyers choose which animal they prefer to purchase. Colby Hales, the head Livestock Judging Coach for the CC teams was once a student involved in the sale. He now helps prepare for the big day and volunteers his time as the auctioneer. Hales spoke to how he sees the event help students. “On a student level, the sale is nice because the students get to see the interworking of a sale, and I bet around 50% of ag students don’t get to see that.” Hales said. “On the college level, it’s a cool event that it brings a positive image to the college, and it gets people on campus which is valuable for recruiting, and for alumni and supporters to see what we’re doing as a department and group.” While most of the profits go towards the producers, 8% of the overall profit from each animal goes towards the CC Ag Department for commission. As of now, the sale is an invite sale only, with preference given to former CC Alumni. Such a structure allows alumni to come back, engage with current students and staff and catch up on the college, ag department and judging team happenings! Kaylee Davis/Chinook Above, Emmy Hornecker, a local producer, stands with her lamb before going into the ring. To the right, ag club members run the front table welcoming buyers. Pictured from left to right is Bailey Mast, Ceara Moffatt, Lacee Sanford, Kassadee Lym. Burkett retires as livestock judging coach Jacob Klaudt/Chinook Dr. Jeremy Burkett, Casper College alumni and current animal science instructor, retired from coaching the CC Livestock Judging Team back in March after the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Burkett coached 14 teams, drove over a million miles in the judging van, and instructed approximately 350 judging students. Six of Burkett’s judging students earned the title of All-American Junior College Livestock Judges. “Dr. Burkett not only aided in my growth as a livestock judging student but in my development as a person, reinforcing life skills such as honesty and integrity, which I will hold near and dear for the rest of my life,” said agricultural business major and CC sophomore Jessy Barger. Burkett helped lead the T-Birds to a National Championship in 2014, winning by a substantial margin of 31 points. Burkett and the 2022-2023 team hold the record for the lowest placings drop in the junior college division at the National Western Stock Show with five evaluators dropping 88 points out of a possible 3000. In retirement, Burkett said he will enjoy exhibiting show sheep with his family, serving the swine industry as a member of the National Pork Board, and continuing to educate students at CC. “Spending time with my family is what I’m most excited about in terms of my retirement,” Burkett said. “At the same time, family is what I’m going to miss most about CC livestock judging.” �Page 4 May 1, 2023 CHINOOK Globalization and its affect on students Kaley Pieper Chinook Writer Submitted Photo Pictured to the right is a histroical photograph of Sash Moline's family on their homestead. Submitted Photo CC Student Sash Moline posed for a photo with her husband and children on her family's seventh generation homestead. Globalization is a relatively new term that is becoming increasingly important in understanding our global community. Globalization is defined by Oxford dictionary as the word used to describe the growing interdependence of the world's economies, cultures, and populations. Depending on the field of work or study, the definition of globalization may vary. For example, in the economics industry, increasing cross-border trade, wide-spread use of technology, and interest in global capital makes globalization strong. In the media field, the spread of cultures and ideas integrates media across the globe causing media companies to grow even larger with a more pervasive reach. So what really is globalization, and how does it affect the life of a Casper College student? Three students in a world geography class wrote essays to answer just that. Sash Moline, Suzee Sanford, and Jay Joccaforte each explained what globalization means to them, and how it has affected their lives. Moline is a mother of three with another child on the way. She takes online classes through CC while living in Thermopolis and working at the elementary school. Moline and her family still live near the original homestead of her ancestor’s ranch and currently run a cowcalf operation. She explained that being from Thermopolis, Wyo., she definitely determines the term globalization differently than someone from Haiti or Brazil. “I believe globalization affects all of us, especially with how much we all have access to the internet.” Moline explained. “Being able to search for anything you can think of and have any item shipped to your house from any vendor in the world, even here in rural Wyoming, in just a matter of days makes us reliant on globalization.” Since we live here in the U.S. and have internet access, Moline explained that such access puts us on the forefront of globalization and makes us even more connected to the rest of the world. She said globalization looks very different from the perspective of someone in a different country. “Haiti is known to be the Western Hemisphere’s poorest country. This country deals with economic problems and its people are experiencing widespread poverty. Poverty would mean the people would not be as connected through internet usage, leaving the people of Haiti to interpret globalization as a suppression of their culture,” Moline said. Another student had a different opinion on globalization. Sanford is a 53-year-old Spanish major going into international studies. She shared her interpretation of globalization. Sanford said, “Being able to not physically touch, but contact something so physically far away. Being in touch with the world on a moment's notice.” During Sanford’s childhood, she said her only ‘window to the world’ came through her TV in her rural Pennsylvania living room. In the 1970’s, there were no home computers or internet, so her concepts of people from other cultures and countries came from the Wide World of Sports, and Godzilla movies. “It’s instant and constant news now. There’s no break from it,” Sanford said. “We’re just bombarded with news constantly, tragedies usually. Globalization is unavoidable at this point in world history.” Roccaforte is a 20-year-old ,multimedia communications major and RA at the dorms on campus. He pointed to the popular Western fast-food chain McDonald’s in his explanation of globalization. After starting in the U.S., McDonald’s is now one of the most popular and prevalent restaurants on the planet. Roccaforte said, “It has been argued that the term ought to be changed to “Americanization,” as globalization has been claimed to only benefit the United States; it has created a world that echoes the ideals and values of white America.” Roccaforte also described the struggles of cultures conforming to the globally dominant status quo, and its negative effects on his life as a result. “My grandmother and her 11 siblings moved to the United States from Mexico as children, seeking the economic opportunities America offered. In school, she was bullied for speaking Spanish, and when she grew up, she chose not to teach any Spanish to her daughters. As a result, the language has been erased from the culture of my family. This anecdote fits closer to the definition of Americanization, my family having felt obligated to assimilate into American culture at the expense of their own.” Roccaforte wrote in his essay. While there are benefits and drawbacks to globalization as a whole, a question remains -- Is globalization good or bad? Each student shared a similar answer; it’s complicated. “That question is complicated and open to interpretation. Here in Thermopolis, having Amazon delivered to my doorstep is good. In the U.S. it allows us to be more connected with the rest of the world,” replied Moline. Sanford was less positive in her interpretation of globalization. Sanford explained, “I’m kinda 50-50. The technology that allows us to do that is amazing, but I would hate to be a victim of globalization.” Roccaforte answered, “In general, it’s bad I guess? It rejects cultural diversity in the name of profit and convenience.” Whether or not globalization is a good or bad thing, it is important to remember and celebrate each culture’s differences. Globalization shouldn’t be the reason cultures are lost. As Roccaforte wrote in his essay, “Silencing the minority experience is easy, and humanity as a whole needs to do the hard thing. It is through an improved understanding of globalization, the effects it has on an individual life, and the deliberate action to engage with a variety of cultures that one is able to truly advocate for the preservation of cultural diversity at a global scale.” Taking online or hybrid courses? Students: We make sure you are able to access online learning resources needed to learn in your classes. We will also help you learn to utilize the digital tools available to you for all your classwork. Examples of items we can help with: 1. MyCCMoodle — including how to submit assignments, participate in forums, etc. 2. ZOOM – help you learn to access and use Zoom for your remote course meetings and collaborations 3. Google Suite — Google Docs, Drive, GMail, etc. 4. Accessing Office 365 .- such as MS Word and PowerPoint 5. Online tutoring — How and where to get extra help as you need it, using NetTutor. Plus a lot more! Contact us. Don’t wait! Get your Questions answered now. Teresa Pat Mike Tyler For help or more information stop by Liesinger Hall, room 132 or contact us at 307-268-3882, dlc@caspercollege.edu, and av@caspercollege.edu. Dave Camille �May 1, 2023 Page 5 CHINOOK Becker reflects on 30 years in law enforcement Photo Courtesy of Zachary Vreeman John Becker posed for a photo in the CC Security Office. Prior to his time at the college, Becker worked at the Sheriff's office for over 30 years Ella Meyer Chinook Writer On the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, John Becker was getting ready for work and getting his kids ready for school when the first tower was hit. The attack stopped the flow of the morning, as both he and his wife found themselves enthralled with what was going on in New York City that fateful morning. Many people found themselves in the same situation on the day of 9/11, simply getting ready for work when the two towers were struck down. This was no different for Becker and the other officers in the sheriff’s office. Becker worked for the Sheriff’s office in Natrona County for 30 years prior to working as head of security for the college. During his years on the force he worked as a firearms instructor at the airport, where he met Mike Hendershot. Mike Hendershot worked as a Fire Medical Deputy Sheriff for 30 years at the airport before leaving to work security at Casper College. Hendershot described Becker as knowledgeable, not only during his time at the airport, but also in his work at the college. “He always listens to what we have to say, and he’s a fair interest in racing. Former CC Automotive Technology Instructor Chris Raymond played a role in Garvin’s passion for racing. Garvin’s brother majored in automotive tech, and Raymond helped him get into rally racing, a point to point race where cars go one at a time on a dirt or asphalt road instead of a designated race track. Eventually he invited Garvin to try a rallycross race, a race with multiple cars on a circuit road designed for racing. “I thought ‘sounds like going fast in cool cars, so sure. Why not?’” Garvin said. “We actually ended up buying an old beater Honda Civic, and we tore the crap out of it. We went to a few events and it just kind of sucked me in.” A 2001 Honda Civic with a manual transmission was the first car Garvin bought and fixed up specifically for racing. Garvin noted that it was a “piece of junk.” When he bought it, the fifth gear didn’t work, it needed a new clutch and a few other basic repairs. He and his brother did a clutch job, replaced the spark plugs, and then Garvin replaced the transmission when he decided to sell it. The first race Garvin participated in was a rallycross in Colorado, he said his goal for the race was just to not get last place. “It was a fall event so it wasn’t super hot, but it was very dusty. I just remember being around all these people I didn’t know and thinking ‘this is crazy,’” Garvin explained. “But there were a ton of cool cars there, and I think that’s actually the first time I saw this Fiat that I have now.” In 2020, Garvin purchased his second race car – a 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth. The white car is small and round with red decals. When the doors are open, the car greets you with a chime and the cozy interior showcases shiny red leather seats and a new car smell still lingers. He named this car “Appa” after the sky bison in the show “Avatar the Last Airbender.” “I saw it at a couple events, and the guy who drove it was a fantastic driver. He won like everything he went to,” Garvin said. “I was getting really sick of working on that Civic, and I was getting ready to sell it… and then in the group he posted that Fiat was for sale. And I wondered ‘Do I really want a Fiat? It’s kind of a goofy car.’ But the more I researched it, they’re fast for what they are. Once you get over that idea that everyone is going to think I’m weird for driving a Fiat, then you open it up and it blows their minds and they realize maybe that is a cool car.” The previous owner was selling it for a very good deal under market value along with four wheels. Garvin said he couldn’t resist, and he never doubted his decision. “That’s one of my best car purchases I’ve ever made, just from the sheer enjoyment I’ve gotten out of it,” Garvin said. The first race with Appa was in the stock class, racing unmodified cars, and they took second place overall and first place in novice. After his first race, he modified Appa and moved up to a different class. Now he is working his way up and trying to improve his racing in the higher class. “I loved [Appa]... It’s Racing full throttle Lucy Jane Crimm Chinook Writer Cory Garvin is a computer support technician for Casper College. While a typical day for him consists of fixing computers and printers, he maintains a bold and surprising hobby. Garvin started fixing, modding and racing cars in 2018. “Cory’s an adventurous guy, he’s always open to new stuff even if it’s a little bit dangerous, but as a friend he’s just a tame and open guy. Always friendly and always willing to help out and share what he knows,” a friend of Garvin and fellow racer Christian Gopperton said in a phone interview. Born and raised in Casper, Garvin said he grew up helping his dad fix stuff and enjoyed tinkering with things. Many of his hobbies came from his enjoyment of tinkering– cameras, computers, cars and airplanes to name a few. “My hobbies are all of the expensive ones,” Garvin joked. “Anything I can tinker with or get an adrenaline rush out of, I’m usually into. When I’m home, I’m tinkering with something. Whether it be a computer, camera or car.” Garvin got his first car in high school. It was a 20-yearold 1991 Jeep Grand Cherokee that used to belong to his cousin. The car needed significant work, and he ended up doing it all himself which taught him the basics of auto repair. Garvin said his second car is when he started messing around with modding cars– he raised the suspension with a lift kit. Fixing and modding his vehicles sparked his interest in cars, which soon grew into an boss who doesn’t micromanage too much,” said Hendershot. They became fast friends when working together at the airport, often seeing each other nearly every day. Their common ground in law enforcement started them off on the right foot, working together to make the training easier and the airport safer. However, out of 30 years of working together, the event that brought them the closest was 9/11. Becker was working in the sheriff’s office at the time, taking the day to close down all forms of air transportation and escorting everyone out of the airport. The day was a somber one, filled with confusion and many civilians in the airport trying to create an explanation for what was happening in their country. “The first thing I felt was shock,” Becker said as he talked about that morning, noting that most of the country was in the same state. Becker said there was a ripple effect in law enforcement that day, and without needing to be told, airports across the country shut down, and air traffic in the United States halted for the foreseeable future. That day brought many law enforcement officers together, including Becker and his office of coworkers. Becker said law enforcement changed the way they trained at the airport, more of it becoming terrorism based. But, what got Becker through the stress of the next few weeks was his faith. He said he changed the way he looked at life, including the way he looked at neighboring countries. On the day of 9/11, he was in church, praying for those who lost their lives in the attack. He came in uniform and said the priest at the time thanked him for coming in uniform, showing the people there that America was going to be ok. “9/11 brought everyone together and opened the line of communication between law enforcement officers,” Becker said about the weeks and months after the day. Pilots made people talk to each other on the plane, encouraging them say hello to their neighbors. Becker talked about how many people were merely concerned with themselves before the attack, and America felt truly divided. But 9/11 brought United We Stand to the nation, and the sheriff’s office and the police department were no longer so separate. The law enforcement agencies started working together more frequently, and Becker said he still works to keep the door open between the sheriff’s office and security at the college. But, as the nation moved on from the terrorist attack, the sense of unity diminished too. Becker said people don’t talk to each other anymore, and neighbors seem more hostile to one another in the process. “The whole country needs to unite and step up!” Becker said of the country’s current climate. Throughout his time as the director of security at Casper College, Becker said he made it a part of his routine to talk to students by sitting in the middle of the cafeteria when eating and teaching classes for the criminal justice major. Whether it be students, teachers, or people visiting the college, he makes a point to be kind and reach out. When reflecting back on his time at the airport, Becker said that he wouldn’t change a thing. He is most proud of his 33 years of marriage, raising three boys, and accomplishing 37 years in law enforcement. He also is a Deacon at his church, becoming closer to God after the attack, and working on that relationship since then. Becker said that the key to life is to enjoy what you do, and if you don’t enjoy it then you need to find something else. “Enjoy what you do, and treat people how you want to be treated,” said Becker, talking about what got him so far in life and what’s kept him happy throughout his career. Hendershot described 30 years of knowing Becker as a pleasure and honor. Becker shared the same sentiments, and extended them to his other brothers in law enforcement. His time at the college is not over, just yet, as he plans to keep working until his ultimate goal: retirement. Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook Above, Cory Garvin stands next to the Miata he refurbished. During his work day, Garvin is a computer support technician for Casper College. a really uncommon car and I’ve always really loved when people race cars that aren’t expected,” Gopperton said. “Through that I just knew that Cory really had an enthusiasm for cars and not just the lifestyle where it’s just a status symbol.” Garvin’s passion for racing also helped him build friendships with people who shared those passions. Garvin introduced Gopperton to the racing world, and they used racing as a way to build their relationship. Gopperton races in a 2011 Honda CRZ. “I just started [racing] last year, actually because of Cory,” Gopperton said. “I had seen through social media that he had gone out and done rallycross, and up until that point I had just gone to shows and meet ups on the street. I had just started to discover the entry level point of motor sports… I got in contact with him and he ended up inviting me to a rallycross event in Colorado.” Gopperton and Garvin met while they were in high school and were in Civil Air Patrol together but never really became close until two years ago when they reconnected over racing. “With rallycross and autocross the drivers volunteer when it’s not their turn to drive, and Cory was the photographer at a lot of the events and one of the events we went to he was doing photography,” Gopperton recalled. “I was just starting to get into photography at the time and he needed a spotter so I asked him if I could… We both ended up taking pictures on course, but it was just so cool that he was open to the idea of letting me.” Unfortunately, Garvin said he hasn’t raced as much as he would like recently because between gas, hotels and car repairs, the expenses add up. Garvin’s future plans for racing are to start doing more racing with Appa on pavement so it isn’t as hard on it and he wants to get his 1990 and 1991 Miatas in shape to continue racing on dirt roads. “It sounds kind of weird, but racing has taught me to just be patient,” Garvin said. “Sometimes you just have to let the car do things, and when you really think about it in life somethings are just going to happen and you just have to let it happen and then correct afterwards. That’s really philosophical and it sounds kind of silly, but just plan ahead, but be patient and be okay when things don’t work out how you want them to.” Join our staff this fall! Practice interviewing & writing Take photos & design Learn sales & advertising Explore social media & promotion The Chinook is a one credit class titled Independent Publications. Contact our faculty advisor Bri Weigel for more information at brianne.weigel@caspercollege.edu �Page 6 May 1, 2023 CHINOOK CC's Jennie Miller says chihuahuas are people too! Carlos Fandal III Chinook Writer Jennie Miller is a wellrespected psychology instructor at Casper College who has been making a difference in the lives of both humans and animals for many years. While her professional expertise lies in the field of psychology, Miller's passion for animal welfare led her to become a devoted rescuer of chihuahuas, or as she likes to call them, her chicos. Over the years, she fostered and found loving homes for countless dogs, earning the admiration of her colleagues, students, and chicos alike. The foundation for fostering started years ago when Miller began her career as an English teacher for secondary and high school students. During that time she became deeply interested in the mental well-being of her students and what was going on in their minds. Miller reflected on her experience. “I kind of got intrigued with what was going on with the kids, you know, do they really feel like reading Romeo and Juliet when they have bad things happening at home or, you know, having emotional issues? I was like, Oh, I think I want to be a school counselor,” Miller said. “And so I started going back to school to get my master's degree, and when I got into my program, I was more intrigued with the mental health aspects rather than school counseling. So I went that direction and got into mental health counseling.” Following her time in counseling, Miller realized she missed being in the classroom and surrounded by kids. “I like working with the older students, the adults. I call them all kids,” Miller said. With a newfound appreciation for teaching, she pondered her next steps. Miller said, “I thought, well, I'll go get my PhD. Because I thought I might teach at the college level. I didn't want to go back to the public schools. So that's what I did, I got my PhD.” During her PhD studies in Portland, Or. Miller formed an unexpected bond with a special companion. While she didn’t realize it at the time, the encounter marked the beginning of a lifelong devotion to a particular breed: chihuahuas. Miller then dove into the story. “I was in my PhD program out in Oregon, and I was living in a trailer court. There were these people that lived in a horseshoe trailer court. They had this dog, and they didn't really want the dog. It was a Chihuahua. But they were taking care of it, and these people weren't very responsible, either. I think there were some drugs going on down that way.” Miller’s compassion drove her to check on the little dog one day. “So I knew the dog was there. I'd seen the dog outside a few times on a little chain. I came back from school, and it was really hot in Portland, Ore. And I thought I'm gonna go down to make sure that dog has water, because I was just, you know, I like dogs.” said Miller. The conclusion of the story is heartwarming and reminiscent of a scene straight out of a heartwarming children's movie. “When I went around the corner, there was this little black and white Chihuahua with a choke chain on her. And she looked up at me, and I swear she smiled. I picked her up, took the choke chain off. I thought, ‘when they come home, I'm gonna tell them they need to be a little more responsible’, but they never came. They didn't want the dog back. So I ended up keeping the dog. Her name was Lupe. I knew that much about her. The vet said she was probably about eight or nine, and she had some issues, but she was just the cutest dog. And I just, I don't know, there was just something about her. And after that, I was hooked.” said Miller After years of traveling and owning several Chihuahuas, Miller made the decision to return to Casper and live closer to her family. At about the same time, Casper College was looking for a general psychology professor. She applied for and earned the position, which is a job she still holds to this day. “I mean, this is probably one of the best jobs I've ever had. I really liked the people that I work with, and I really liked the students” Miller said. Nowadays Miller has four dogs, and a cat, all of them from a different source. Miller said, “I have a long-haired Chihuahua, and then I have a short-haired Chihuahua. And then my mom, I got her dogs because she passed away. She had a papillon, which is kind of like a chihuahua except that it has a lot of hair. I'm a sucker for rescuing dogs. So I ended up rescuing a Chi-whippet. It's kind of like a miniature greyhound. She's kind of bigger than when I first saw her. I thought she was smaller. But then she looked so sad. And she was all skinny and scrawny. So we took her and so I've got four dogs now.” Miller said her cat is also from an unlikely place. “She's a stray. I always end up with the refugees. She just started showing up in our backyard. And I was like, ‘Oh, hi, cat.’ I was like, Oh, I'll get a can of tuna fish. So we started putting out cans of tuna fish, and she'd show up. She is so funny, because she is a bully to the Chihuahuas. She's a bully, she'll stand at the top of the stairs on the deck and won't let them up.” Adopting a pet is a big responsibility that requires careful consideration and preparation. Being mindful when adopting a pet ensures the animal receives the proper care, attention, and love that it deserves, leading to a happy and healthy life together. Unfortunately, not every animal adoption is as nice and wholesome as Miller’s, as she told Chinook. “That's what's happening right now. During the pandemic, I think the statistic is something like one in every five households adopted a pet during the pandemic. And now they're giving them away to shelters and whatnot, because they've had to go back to work. Chihuahuas specifically, they're on the top 10 List everywhere you look in terms of animals being put in shelters and abandoned. They're up there with the pit bull and the other big dogs, which is kind of surprising.” Miller's journey is an inspiration for those who wish to follow their passion and make a positive impact in the world. Her dedication to animal welfare and her beloved chicos led her to become a role model for students, colleagues, and animal lovers alike. Her story of how she became a rescuer of chihuahuas is heartwarming. Miller's work as a psychology instructor at Casper College and her passion for animal welfare shows how good it can be to do what you love and help those in need. �May 1, 2023 CHINOOK Page 7 Let's Rodeo! The 67th Annual CC Ropin’ and Riggin’ Days Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook Left, CC rodeo clowns try to redirect a bull after a bull riding event at the 67th annual Ropin' and Riggin' Days. Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook Below, Casper College's Beau Rees and Laramie County Community College's Dane Pokorny participate in the Wild Ride, an additioanl event at the Saturday night performance. Cassidy Espenscheid rides past after roping a calf in the breakaway roping event. Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook Above, CC Bareback Rider Myles Carlson holds onto his bronc while competing in the 67th annual Ropin’ and Riggin’ days. To the right, two CC rodeo team members, Garrett Titmus and Jasper Neal untie a calf during the tie down roping. Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Chinook Student Newspaper Online Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2019-2026 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA 08.iii.2023.01_Chinook_Digital Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Online Chinook Newspaper 2023-05 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2023-05 Description An account of the resource This is a copy of the online Chinook Newspaper from May 2023. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA_08.i.2023.01_2023-05 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF https://caspercollege.cvlcollections.org/files/original/8875d2963be82c5b2eb7d9b7db412698.pdf 2f1e98ca4e5334b3dbb5ba067b186c1f PDF Text Text October 1, 2023 Casper College’s Student Voice Since 1945 Casper College hosts seminar on AI Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook Keynote speaker A.J. Juliani spoke at Casper College on September 20. His keynote addresses focused on teaching and learning in the age of artificial intelligence. Juliani is the author of "Adaptable," a Wall Street Journal and USA Today best seller. He also won awards for his blogging, speeches and other best selling books. He works for the Univerisity of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. Exchange students elevate the playing field Karsen Kling Chinook Contributor Each year Casper College diligently seeks out the finest athletic talent to build top-tier rosters. About one third of the students that fill these teams are exchange students from foreign countries. Mala Stagg works as CC’s international and athletic student coordinator, a role she’s held for over 9 years. Stagg has a front row seat in seeing what an impact the exchange students make to CC’s athletic teams, as well as the struggles they encounter. "There are a lot of technicalities that come with exchange students being able to have the same opportunities as domestic students," said Stagg when asked about her role as international and athletic student coordinator. It is Stagg’s job to help and make sure that the foreign athletes have the required documentation and paperwork to come to CC. The most common required paperwork is an I20 document, which is needed in order for students to get their F-1 visa. Students must go through their country’s embassy to get their visa, which is what allows them access into a different country for college. The only caveat to this is that Canadian students don’t have to get a visa from their embassy; they just need an I-20 document. Stagg shared the biggest advantage of having exchange athletes. “Our program is very unique, as we get personally involved with our students. The diversity they bring into the state of Wyoming opens up a whole new way to see things,” Stagg said. But with all advantages come disadvantages: exchange students must pay three times the average cost of tuition instate students pay, have healthinsurance as a requirement of their visa, and need proof of funds for school-fees/living expenses before entering the United States. The exchange student program greatly impacts CC sports, as they make up 35% of the college’s sports teams. The percentage drastically increased since adding the men's and women's soccer programs at CC in 2020. “With 40% of our men’s team being Canadians, it makes me proud to say that we are big contributors to the team,” said Canadian Chase — See Exchange Page 3 Photo Courtesy of BreAnne Benson Pictured to the right is freshman rodeo team member Chase Siemens. He is a Canadian native riding bareback for Casper College's team. He spoke with the Chinook about his experience as an exchange student studying in the U.S. Swipe, chat, date, repeat Navigating college dating in the digital era Lucy Jane Crimm Chinook Writer In the age of swipes and likes, college dating has undergone a significant transformation. Online dating provided a faster means to connect with potential romantic partners, but it also introduced safety concerns and cultivated a new culture surrounding dating. Instead of venturing out to meet new people and investing time to determine compatibility, students can now gain insights into someone's personality and lifestyle through a brief profile summary and chosen interests. “One of the benefits [of online dating] is I can meet more people faster, I no longer have to go to the bar or go to parties. I can just hop on my phone,” graphic design major Travis Scribner said. “But I would also say that one of the drawbacks is that I can meet people faster because it can take that personal quality away… and it opens up the opportunity for completely weird and random people to ruin other people’s lives” Dating as a college student presents its own unique set of challenges– many students recently graduated from high school and are still navigating the transition into adulthood. With many students moving away from home, family and friends, they have to build a new social circle and gain a deeper understanding of their own identity. Online dating can help alleviate some of the anxiety, awkwardness and stress that often comes with meeting and dating people through college events or in classes. “My college dating experience could be better,” business major Ryley Henrie said. “A lot of people don’t know what they want, they’re not quite ready to know what they want, and then they change what they want so it’s just hard to know… On dating apps you see a lot more people. You might meet someone you would have never met otherwise.” But online dating also brought cause for concern. Having access to more people also means potentially having access to more dangerous people. Interacting through text, without the ability to gauge body language, makes it easier for individuals to deceive others and pretend to be someone they are not. “Everytime I use [Tinder] it’s comparable to a drug deal,” Scribner said. “You don’t know who you’re meeting up with. You don’t know what kind of person they are, and you don’t know what their background is.” Scribner became more cautious after avoiding a potentially dangerous situation. He matched with someone on Tinder with plans to meet up. However, he grew cautious when she insisted on picking him up instead of him driving to meet her. “There was one person I almost met with– she lived in Midwest and something about it just really seemed weird. Something about their… digital language, that’s the best way I can describe it. Something just seemed wrong,” Scribner said. Online dating also fosters an environment where catfishing becomes more prevalent, which occurs when someone creates and uses a fake identity on social media. Henrie experienced a form of catfishing after investing nine months into a long-distance relationship with someone from Atlanta, Ga, whom they met on the dating app Taimi. The two of them would FaceTime every night and even watch movies together by syncing up their Netflix, but even then, they didn’t get the full picture. “Eventually I got him to come down [to Casper],” Henrie said. “[He] did not look the same in person. I know you FaceTime to see if it’s the real person, and it was really him, but he looked different. Let me tell you, you don’t get the side profile or the height aspect on — See Dating Page 3 �Page 2 October 1, 2023 CHINOOK A note from Pete: Chinook Stance I spent part of one summer while in college helping my uncle and his crew bale hay. Hot, miserable work, especially if you spent the previous nine months in a dormitory. I was often tentative and uncomfortable amid the bales, waiting for him to tell what to do. Finally, one night driving back from the field, he looked at me a little exasperated, “You will never learn to drive if you ride in the back seat.” AI & journalism? Not so fast. “ Lucy Jane Crimm LucyJane’s Literature You know when you walk into a soda shop and your first instinct is to argue with your server about politics and media? Yeah, me neither. The other day I was minding my own business at work when a customer came in and decided he wanted to start arguing with me about how artificial intelligence should replace journalists in the media. Maybe the right thing to do would be to just bite my tongue, but no self-respecting media major is going to do that. The situation itself was annoying, and I could go on about how you shouldn’t bother people who are serving you food and drinks so they can put food on their table, but I’ll save that rant for another day. Instead, I want to talk about the viability of replacing human journalists with A.I. A.I. journalists sound like a brilliant idea at face value -- they’re robots, so they don’t have any bias. The main argument this customer gave me is that having A.I. journalists will eliminate the bias in news stories. The A.I. will tell the stories purely as they happen and they won’t add any of the fluff that humans do. My rebuttal to that is, who is programming the A.I. through billions of data points? Humans. Who is coding the AI? Humans. Human bias can still come through in A.I. because it’s a human creation. Yes, A.I. can learn and develop with more information, but all the information it’s receiving is from humans. He also brought up that A.I. doesn’t have emotion and this would make the writing stronger. I wholeheartedly disagree. I think having human emotions strengthens journalistic writing, as long as the reporter knows how to separate their emotions from their bias. Humans are emotional creatures, and we respond when emotions are evoked. Having empathy plays a big role in how journalists report on sensitive and personal topics. Emotions also allow journalists to hold true to their morals and ethical reporting. When used in the right way, emotions make a powerful story that makes an impact on the readers. An important point that I would like to bring up is this: A.I. is a powerful tool we can use to improve and speed up our journalistic writing, but encouraging this idea that A.I. should fully replace human journalists means that hundreds of passionate people will lose their jobs. I want to become a journalist because I am passionate about granting people their right to know. I am passionate about using journalism to hold the government accountable. And most of all, I am passionate about telling people’s stories to make an impact. A.I. may be able to write a story, but it will never feel that kind of passion. So, if the customer who came in that day is reading this -- you tell me if an A.I. could’ve written this column. His main point was I shouldn’t need him to find me work. But he was also telling me to take charge and be more assertive with my life. When I was teaching classes here at Casper College, I often saw that same issue with some of my students. They were waiting for me to guide them when often the answer was in their own hands. If this is you, make a point in your next class to lead a discussion or offer an opinion. If you are part of a group project, take on the leadership role. If you don’t understand something in class, chat with your instructor during office hours. Find a study group and set up regular meetings. Outside of class, join a club on campus or attend a college event. Start up a conversation with someone you just met. Find some time for yourself. I only offer this, because after that summer, I realized I didn’t enjoy throwing hay bales onto the back of a truck. That fall semester, I took my uncle’s advice and started stretching my abilities, trying new things, setting some goals and becoming comfortable with the unknown. I even signed up to compete on an intramural water polo team even though my swimming abilities were rocklike. Most important, I learned quickly that the front seat is always the better view. Outside of class, join a club on campus or attend a college event. Start up a conversation with someone you just met. Find some time for yourself" — Dr. Pete Van Houten, Dean of the School of Social and Behavorial Sciences The state of our future... It seems to me that Gen Z is increasingly less and less focused on politics or what is going on around the world. Many believe that politics or anything political only incorporates controversial issues like abortion, gun control, and Covid-19. These people avoid anything in the media because they believe it’s unimportant. They see a policy as an inconvenience or a conspiracy without reading about that specific issue or what is actually happening. Most young adults think that the world of news and global issues only encapsulates the worst of the worst. For example, take a look at the ongoing tensions between the Democratic and Republican parties. This feud has been around for decades, causing individuals to choose and pick what they see or hear based on party affiliation. The us versus them mentality takes away any room for discourse or appropriate conversation. It seems we are more focused on aligning with a party than on the actual policies being put into place that affect us all on an individual level. Such practice leaves room for harmful and negative bills or policies to fly under the radar with no hesitation or resistance. If individuals, specifically younger audiences, ignore or do not follow what is going on around them, then they have no power to change anything. They cannot influence what laws or bills are passed, who to put in office, or how situations are solved in their own communities. All in all, thinking that politics is only a world of fighting and fake news is detrimental to our society. The viral issues spreading across social media hold a small percentage of what actually goes on in political settings. The state of our future rests on the backs of the younger generations. If this population chooses to ignore what is going on around them or what policies are being passed or talked about, then nothing beneficial will happen. Many individuals of Gen Z feel as though their voice doesn’t matter so they cannot make an impact. Unfortunately, this type of thinking is the reason for those complaints. Educating ourselves on these issues is also incredibly important for each individual person. Active participation leads to more empowerment. Learning how to Nina Bivens Nina's Negotiations interpret and interact with political figures or simple policies teaches important life skills. It also leads to a world filled with knowledge, ranging from human rights to citizenship. Young people’s voices matter. However, the only way to truly make change in the world is to allow yourself to be immersed in what is going on outside your door. caspercollegechinook.com Taking online or hybrid courses? Students: We make sure you are able to access online learning resources needed to learn in your classes. We will also help you learn to utilize the digital tools available to you for all your classwork. Examples of items we can help with: 1. MyCCMoodle — including how to submit assignments, participate in forums, etc. 2. ZOOM – help you learn to access and use Zoom for your remote course meetings and collaborations 3. Google Suite — Google Docs, Drive, GMail, etc. 4. Accessing Office 365 .- such as MS Word and PowerPoint 5. Online tutoring — How and where to get extra help as you need it, using NetTutor. Plus a lot more! Contact us. Don’t wait! Get your Questions answered now. Teresa Pat Mike Tyler For help or more information stop by Liesinger Hall, room 132 or contact us at 307-268-3882, dlc@caspercollege.edu, and av@caspercollege.edu. Dave Camille �October 1, 2023 Page 3 CHINOOK Exchange................................................ Siemens, a freshman on the Casper College Rodeo Team. When asked what made him decide to leave the maple leaf country for school, Siemens’ only answer was “to rodeo, make the college finals, and to get better at riding bucking horses.” With his hometown of Dating......... Chetwynd B.C. being over a 21-hour drive away, it was quite the decision to come to Casper for school. Siemens said the highlight of his time at CC so far was winning the first college rodeo in Chadron, Neb., and he is looking forward to another win September 22nd -24th in Riverton, Wyo. continued from page 1 These students are not just here to showcase their outstanding talent, over half of the exchange students that come to CC leave with a degree. Most students will graduate with a general studies degree as certain courses have too many years of school than their visa will allow them to complete. continued from page 1 FaceTime.” Not only did he not look the way he appeared to look online, but he also had a bad personality to boot. Colleges can play a more active role in ensuring students can explore dating options safely. While there are plenty of school events that offer students the chance to get out and meet new people, some college students believe they could benefit from dating events on campus or safe spaces provided for in-person meetings. “[The college] could totally make a meet up space where if you want to meet up in person, the college is there. They could provide a space, if anything goes wrong they know what happens. I think that would be cool,” Henrie said. Students could also benefit from college events that put a spin on classic dating events. “I think it would be kind of funny if the college put on a speed dating activity– where you sit in chairs, rotate and talk to one person after the next,” Scribner said. Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook The Tinder login screen– Tinder is a dating app popularized by its “swiping” feature where the user swipes left on a profile to reject it and right on a profile to “like” them. If both people swipe right on each other, then they match and they can start chatting. New building brings WRITING CENTER new life to art programs Lane Johnson Chinook Writer Casper College opened a new visual art building in the fall of 2022 that allows students in the arts program to thrive in a new environment. The program offers five unique majors and each is tailored to student’s personal interests. The majors include: graphic design, photography, fine art, art education and museum/ gallery studies. Even if not majoring in art, the classes are open to any student on campus. Art Department Academic Chair Justin Hayward explained that six faculty members work full time to teach the program. He talked about how each major is geared towards moving students into their desired job field. CC acts as a gateway to a larger institution, and the art program wants to prepare students for the next step according to Hayward Hayward said he believes that “four year institutions will help guide [students]” to understand what job they wish to pursue after college. He also talked about how each individual is different, and it is not out of the ordinary to find success after only two years at CC. Hayward showed excitement for the new art building. “The best thing about the new building is the space,” Hayward said. Students are given more freedom to explore interests because of the new space and Hayward talked about how student enjoyment has increased. Hayward said that enrollment into the program increased since the new building opened. Sophomore art student Grant Hoffard agreed that the new building makes a difference. The Writing Center at Casper College is here to help our students and members of the community. Brainstorm possible paper topics Craft an essay Gain writing strategies And so much more! Lane Johnson/Chinook The Dick and Marialyce Tobin Visual Arts Center opened to students last spring. “Oh, one hundred percent,” he said when asked if the new building makes the art program more appealing to students. Hoffard said he feels comfortable with the access to equipment and technology available, largely due to the new building. Hoffard plans to work in digital design and wants to make sports graphics for a division one school. He stated that CC helped to “broaden his art knowledge” and, he believes he can pursue his dreams easier. Hoffard gave credit to instructor Cythia Harrison for helping him throughout his college career. Hoffard said, “She has a long history with working in graphic design.” According to Hoffard, Harrison helped him know what type of career he wants to pursue. The art program at CC saw major improvements with the addition of the new art building. The building gives access to the new technology, and the space brings joy and excitement to the students who utilize it. Visit us in Strausner Hall, room 215 or visit the Writing Center Moodle site for additional resources and appointment scheduling! Contact: 307-268-2610 wco@caspercollege.edu �Page 4 CHINOOK The show must go on October 1, 2023 New production of 'The Drowsy Chaperone' Carlos Fandal III Chinook Writer In a mix of laughter, music, and nostalgia, the curtains will rise on a joyous production at Casper College, as the campus theater troupe brings to life the timeless charm of 'The Drowsy Chaperone.' The play is a celebration of Broadway's Golden Age, and has taken center to captivate audiences with its humor, wit and toetapping tunes. As the cast and crew transport us back to the glamor of 1920’s theater, it’s important to stop and think about the endless hard work that goes into such a production. For some, it’s an entire lifetime of work that goes into each and every Casper College production. Theater’s many moving pieces provide an interesting challenge, but a challenge that many are proud to overcome time and time again. Richard Burk, CC’s theater degree coordinator and director of many CC plays including the Drowsy Chaperone, welcomes the stress of preparation with open arms. “We have a very positive group of people. As a result, the show is developing more quickly than it would develop if we had people who couldn't see the positive side of things. As a result, they're taking more ownership with what they're doing, rather than sitting back. When everybody feels like they're working on a team, then it's positive. It's not stressful in a negative way, I had a teacher who said that stress is both positive and negative,” said Burk. Burk continued to elaborate on the emotions behind the curtain. The satisfaction of completing a production comes with a sadness of it all ending. “We've been working on this since August 25. Every weeknight, and we've had one Saturday. People, and the city have invested so much time, energy, and effort into it. They're (students) taking it in stride,” said Burk. “Following the closing of the show, there's a sort of void that needs to be filled. Of course, because they're college students, there's a lot to fill that. It's still something that was routine is now missing. Something that was so satisfying, once we get this show in front of an audience, it's incredibly satisfying, because the audience will love it.” Theater operates like a well-oiled machine. Everything holds a specific place, and everything is moving. The production contains endless moving pieces that the audience may not even notice. One extremely important aspect of theater is led by Darrell Wagner, the head of the costume department. Wagner has worked in the costume department for years, but he’s been interested in the glamor for even longer. The work of a costume lead is perfectly reflected by their workshop. They can be chaotic and stressful, but in Wagner’s case, the results are always pretty. Wagner alluded to his love of the work. “I started when I was a kid watching TV back in the day. The Carol Burnett Show, and Sonny and Cher show. Those variety shows had all of these costumes and all of this stuff. And I learned that Bob Mackie, the designer, was designing both shows. One person does all of that work every week, and that's sort of where I started. Find somebody you admire, follow what they do, and learn how they do it.” Wagner said. Wagner then expressed some of the difficulties that come with the job. “I'm responsible for everything the performers do or do not wear? If they’re wearing a certain ring, or a certain watch, or earrings. Everything that the audience sees -- I make those choices. Is it appropriate for the char- Carlos Fandal III/Chinook Theater productions operate like a well-oiled machine, and one aspect of the production is the costumes and wardrobe. CC's workshop is pictured above. acter? Is it appropriate for the show? Is it appropriate for the time period?” Wagner said, he then went further. “A lot of moving pieces, and I gotta keep track of all of them. I have to decide; what are we making?” Wagner said. The Casper College production of "The Drowsy Chaperone" showcases dedication and passion. The laughter and nostalgia are direct results of the immense effort behind the scenes. The production staff is happy to Casper College's Nursing Program keeps striving Bernadette Pieper/Chinook Pictured here is one of the stimulation rooms that the student nurses use to learn how to evaluate patients as part of their coursework at Casper College. Bernadette Piper Chinook Writer The Casper College Nursing Program keeps succeeding today just as it’s done for the past 54 years in graduating close to 2,000 students. The nursing program graduates 64 students each year. CC added the nursing program in 1969. Students who graduate from Casper College with their associates in nursing will go to the work field or they will go to the University of Wyoming to seek a bachelor’s degree in nursing. “We (faculty) encourage our nursing students to consider going to the university to seek a bachelor’s degree,” said Marge Christiansen, director of nursing and alumni of the CC nursing program. “Casper College works well with the University and with the rest of the colleges in Wyoming. All of the ten colleges get together once a year to look at the curriculum and see what needs to be done to help better the nursing students. ” Each year, CC’s nursing program accepts up to 64 students each year. Though the faculty selects the top 32 students each semester after the students take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) tests and are ranked by a series of requirements to get into the nursing program. Students are ranked with every test score and letter grade for each class to get into the nursing program. The process happens every fall and spring semester. “I think that it was not very hard for me to get into the nursing program. With already having an associate’s degree in health science, those grades helped with the points needed to be ranked into the program,” said Katie Baumstarck, first semester nursing student and CC Alumni. “Getting good grades helps you to have a better chance of getting into the nursing program.” The program’s students come from all over the country, and some come from out of the U.S. There are students from California, Alaska, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Africa and the Philippines among others. “I came to Casper for the Nursing Program because I have heard great things about it. I also graduated last year with my associates degree in a different health science field,” Baumstarck said. The students have similar answers to why they come to CC for nursing rather than other colleges as to the faculty. Students and the faculty see a lot of good things about the nursing program here at CC. “Students come to Casper College because they see we have a great program,” Christiansen said. “I think that students come here because our clinicals are a wide range to work with. We have four hospitals, one nursing home, public health, cancer center, and hospice care.” The options for clinicals help the students find where they want to work once they get their LPN or RN certification. The clinicals happen in the second and third semesters out of the four semesters the degree takes to earn. The second year the students work more with clinical rotations and are closer to graduation. Once clinicals are done the students take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The NCLEX is a test that licenses the students as nurses. Then they are ready for the pinning ceremony, graduation, and finding a job. The nursing students can take part in the Student Nursing Association (SNA), which is the nursing club that is also recognized on campus. SNA gives out Thanksgiving baskets, helps with Food for Thought, and collects food for the food pantry on campus. The CC nursing program keeps succeeding each year by continuing to graduate successful students. embrace the stress as an avenue for growth and teamwork. “It taught me to care about people, because I got involved in theater when I was too young to care about people. Whether it's a comedy, tragedy, drama… Everything that engages the audience has to do with facing life's challenges” Burk said. The Drowsy Chaperone premieres on October 13 at 7:30 p.m. Additional evening show dates include: October 14, 19, and 20. CC will host matinee shows on October 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. The department is also premiering “It’s a Wonderful Life” in November. “Pencils Down!” and Percy Jackson’s “The Lightning Thief” are currently slated to premiere in February and April. Take in the shows in CC’s Gertrude Krampert theater. The effort put forward by all involved may not always be directly seen, but when everything comes together, the show goes on. �October 1, 2023 Pharmacy Technology Page 5 CHINOOK More than counting pills Up, Up and Away! Geoffrey Cooper/Chinook Sheri Fulfer, director of the pharmacy technology program, is pictured here at CC's simulated pharmacy. Geoffrey Cooper Chinook Writer Casper College continues to develop its pharmacy technician program with more realistic training and equipment to keep pace with the ever-evolving medical industry. “A lot of things have changed in the pharmacy world,” said Adriana Gutierrez, a former Casper College student and current licensed pharmacy technician. Despite these changes, Gutierrez believes that the strong foundation of drug knowledge she built in CC’s program really set her up for success. She said the program prepared her for all the pharmacy tech positions that she held up to now. Gutierrez even received Wyoming’s 2022 Pharmacy Tech of the Year in August. Currently, pharmacy techs are employed in all kinds of positions from your local pharmacy and insurance companies, to research institutions and even to work from home positions. Gutierrez herself started a new position at Banner Health in February as a charge audit technician. She is responsible for ensuring that patients are charged appropriately and for the correct drugs after a procedure. Most of these jobs don’t fit the typical perception of what a pharmacy tech does, however. Sheri Fulfer, the director of the pharmacy technology program, said she loves to challenge such perceptions. When she asks people what a pharmacy tech does, she is typically met with a short response. “Count pills.” she said,” But there is so much more to it than that.” This is where the new equipment and training comes in. The program implemented a new IV lab for students to practice preparing IV bags in a simulated hospital setting. They also established a notionally sterile room for the students to practice sterile preparations. Students scrub and don personal protective equipment or PPE in the same way one would in a surgical center, to ensure students develop good habits associated with sterile procedures. The additional facilities allow each student to learn how to prepare medications that are a bit more intricate than your average pill or yes, even lollipops. Fulfer said, “We’ll put medicine into anything to get it into a person’s body.” The whole set up runs like a real pharmacy during student labs. Once the lights come on, they’re in business. People come in and shop for over-the-counter medications, others call in to ask questions or complain, and the students run everything as though it were real life. The medical field can get hectic, and Fulfer says this sort of training helps to reduce the initial culture shock. Each student also maintains access to their own personal equipment, and with a class size of only thirteen, the program allows for a great deal of familiarity and one-on-one instruction. Fulfer doesn’t want to stop there though. She is committed to expanding the program and getting more students on board. She said she can’t prepare enough technicians to meet the needs of the community. There is a statewide shortage of techs, so much so, that pharmacies reach out to the program for potential applicants. Wyoming requires pharmacy techs to be certified, and CC is the only accredited program in the state. If interested in certification, reach out to Sheri Fulfer and set up an interview. Join our staff this spring! Practice interviewing & writing Take photos & design Learn sales & advertising Explore social media & web development The Chinook is a one credit class titled Independent Publications. Contact our faculty advisor Bri Weigel for more information brianne.weigel@caspercollege.edu Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook Students begin filling up the balloon with helium. The high altitude balloon is part of the National Science Foundation grant and it is a NASA funded project. Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook Above from left: Ashlyn Stoneking, Lily Trujillo and Dakota Shenn test the signal from the balloon to the dish. The dish was used to stream video from the balloon back to the computers. Left, the balloon flies off into the distance after the first practice launch on August 26. The balloon is followed by four payloads with Raspberry computers inside. �Page 6 October 1, 2023 CHINOOK Speakers explore living in the age of AI Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook Top left: Students, faculty, staff and community members gathered for the 2023 School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Seminar at Casper College on September 20. The seminar's theme was 'AI: A fork in the Road. Navigating Turns in Tech,' featuring talks from CC faculty members and keynote presenations by bestselling author, A.J. Juliani. Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook Top right, from left: Casper College students Jayden Wright and Levi Shupick enjoyed a morning presentation in Wheeler Concert Hall. Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook To the left, students particiated in a Living Room Conversations activity led by Education Instructor Jenny Johnson. Living Room Conversations filled the afternoon portion of the seminar. The topic of the conversation matched the theme of the day, as students respectfully explored the impacts of AI in society. Casper College ASL Club plans for Adventure Nina Bivens Chinook Writer Submitted Photo The ASL club is pictured above. Front from left: Rachel Bates, Marie Hines, Savanah Fowles. Back from left: Grace Echols, Maxwell vonGunten, Rosie Brown, Brayden Ingham, Zoe Law, Elizabeth Meats, Blade Wiese, Emily Smith, Marcelle Watts, Natalie Benson The Casper College American Sign Language Club kicked off with its first meeting of the year on September 15. The meeting focused on brainstorming what the Club wants to accomplish for the school year. Through the conversation, one topic kept resurfacing – Community. The signing population of Casper has struggled to come together because they lack resources to plan, meet, or schedule events. However, Gail Schenfisch, ASL Instructor and ASL Club leader explained that student effort in the past six years aided in reversing the trend. “Th rough students' enc ou r a gem ent a nd suggestions, I designed four semesters of classes. We are the only community college in the state that offers a degree in Asl.” Schenfisch said. The ASL program focuses on opportunities for students to be active with ASL and not be afraid of being excluded. However, the major goal of the program is to bring people together regardless of whether they know how to sign in ASL or not. One of the major hurdles of growing the ASL program hinges on people hesitant to join. Yet, Schenfisch mentioned that ASL is for everyone. She said, “That's what we are designed for, to be open to Casper College students to know more about ASL and deafness and anything in the community related to sign language.” CC student and ASL member Eva Stone also spoke about how important ASL is. Stone mentioned that “It is not only a language but a gateway to communication with a community that has such a rich culture. The best way to learn sign is to immerse yourself in it, and ASL club helps you do just that. It is an easy chill environment with students of various skill levels helping each other practice.” This year, the ASL club will focus on incorporating its club into the community. Every year, the program plans a community service project and hosts a potluck to bring people together each semester. Schenfisch also mentioned that the organization is planning a trip for ASL students to attend Deaf Safari Days at the Denver Zoo October 1, as well as several students going to a Silent Immersion Weekend in Estes Park on November 17-19. Additionally, The ASL Club hosts the Deaf Expressive Arts Festival, giving students or other individuals another chance immerse themselves in ASL. The festival plans on incorporating deaf artists and speakers into the lives of people who would not otherwise be involved with the signing or deaf community. Indigenous Student Alliance brings awareness to Casper Kassadee Lym Chinook Writer The Indigenous Student Alliance strives to share cultural influence and community at Casper College as a newly formed campus club. When Lysander Blackbird, a student at Casper College and the founder of the Indigenous Student Alliance, first encountered the Thunderbird mascot and Eagle Dancer statue, he questioned Native American influence on campus. Blackbird said, “A lot of people don’t realize how much Native American culture is within the college.” Native American needs drove Blackbird to form the club. He admitted the whole process felt overwhelming. He said, "No one is there to guide you. So it was just me with the advisor most of the time.” Daniel Gallegos, six-year political science instructor, stepped in as that advisor. Not only did Blackbird and Gallegos agree on the importance of a Native-centered club, but they also agreed on the group's mission. Blackbird explained that his intention to establish a safe environment for Native American students quickly also provided an opportunity for others to immerse themselves in his culture. Within the first year, Blackbird and his small team set out to accomplish a major goal -- to host a Native Powwow. Despite hesitancy about the time frame, Blackbird pushed his team forward. Blackbird recalled comments from his skeptics, “Some of the faculty was like in a month? You can’t get it done in a month.” Blackbird said he responded with “Watch.” His determination won, as Blackbird’s group successfully hosted an event that united a community. Gallegos recalled that the Powwow matched the club’s vision; it created a sense of community. He also mentioned, “I’m most proud they took the step and have not given up.” Gallegos emphasized a remarkable case where the club's impact on the community brought benefits to a jewelry artist. Gallegos explained that while the jewelry maker felt hesitant to attend the Powwow, she did so with Blackbird's encouragement. At the Powwow, she made enough money to pay for her son’s chemotherapy treatment. Galloegos said, “That to me is community.” Still, the group does not plan to slow down anytime soon. Gallegos and Blackbird both have big plans ahead. In the future Blackbird mentioned he would love to see the club with its own space or building. Soon, he hopes to organize an art exhibition that showcases Native artifacts and Indigenous work. With the success of the group’s Powwow, they only plan to expand moving forward. Gallegos further explained that he aims to build trust between Native families and Casper College. The club leaders understand that it can be intimidating to join a new group. However, they encourage potential members to reach out to the club that promotes Indigenous heritage and community. Blackbird pointed out, “We would be more than happy to make room for others.” Submitted Photo Indigenous Student Alliance members are pictured from left to right: Hilda Ordonez, Herman Vasquez, and Lysander Blackbird, as they promote their event, Orange Shirt Day. Gallegos offered fellowship as a benefit for members. He said, “Here, it's accepted for who you are.” Gallagoes encourages those who want to learn more about the Indigenous Student Alliance to reach out to either Blackbird or himself. �October 1, 2023 Page 7 CHINOOK Student Senate plans to improve campus activity, safety, and student life with multiple projects Rebecca Schilt Chinook Contributor The Casper College Student Senate revealed its in-progress plans to improve student life on campus this academic year. Talks of new parking areas, grab-and-go snack shacks, and much more are circulating the groups meetings. CC’s Student Senate kept busy this first month of school, brainstorming ideas to make student life better and more enjoyable for those on campus. Kristina Pham, Student Senate faculty advisor and psychology instructor, spoke of student senate’s plans and recent progress towards looking into more parking areas and security cameras outside the residence hall and around campus. “We just got back pricing for the cameras, and it is going to be pretty expensive,” Pham said. "We need to meet with I.T. and facilities to see how possible it is.” Students and campus security brought up how parking situations on campus are subpar, and many believe that adding cameras would make our campus a much safer environment. Student Senate chewed on this subject for a time and is excited to see their plans in motion, however long it may take. “I think cameras and parking could get approved this year,” said Pham. “The issue lies with getting them installed this year as well.” While Pham is excited to see movement on this matter, she is hesitant to say how long it will truly take to see change. Taylee Siemens, CC sophomore and student senate president is focusing on more smallscale improvements. While discussing plans for changes around campus, she listed three main items. “One of the things the Student Senate is trying to do is increase voter registration,” said Siemens, “We have also discussed scooters on campus, as well as grab-and-go snack shacks.” Siemens spoke of the organization’s wanting to get students involved in politics more civilly and positively. Student senate is working on setting up voter registration tables this upcoming voting season and next semester. On top of voter registration tables, Siemens discussed ideas of snack shacks in the library, residence hall, and theatre building to allow students who don’t have time to stop at the dining hall or food pantry a chance for a quick bite. Siemens said, “We want to make sure the students are being well fed, and this is another way to do that and keep them happy.” Plans for the snack shack are not yet in motion, but Siemens hoped to bring up the topic at their most recent meeting. While the first two items may take longer to see progress, Siemens alluded to rumors of allowing electric scooters on campus, touching upon sports teams requesting scooters on campus as a better and faster way to get to class. “The issue here is there isn’t a policy against scooters. We have them for roller skating, blades, skateboards, and bikes, but not scooters,” said Siemens. “Right now, we are drafting one that we hope to bring to Dr. Divine and have approved.” According to Siemens, student senate and faculty are aware of how widespread the campus is, and arriving to class on time is an issue for students. The Student Senate is working tirelessly to make this possible for students and are looking forward to seeing results. While progress will take time, student senate is working on quite a lineup of changes and improvements at CC. About Us Discover the educational opportunities at UW Casper, the exclusive branch campus of the University of Wyoming. At UW Casper, we are dedicated to serving site-bound students, whether you're following a traditional path or pursuing education on your terms. Our diverse range of bachelor's and master's degree programs are offered through both asynchronous and traditional delivery methods, catering to your unique learning style. Plus, we're proud to offer a variety of scholarships to make higher education a valuable and accessible experience for every student. Join us in shaping your future at UW Casper, where excellence in education meets your needs. Bachelor Degrees Master’s Degrees Master of Social Workadvanced standing and standard programs available Master of Counseling- school counseling and mental counseling available Organizational Leadership Biology Communication Psychology Medical Laboratory Sciences Elementary Education Social Work Zoology Sociology Secondary Science Education Criminal Justice General Studies Career & Technical Education Make an appointment with an advisor today! 307-268-2713 Union/University Building #435 uwyo.edu/uwcasper/ � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Chinook Student Newspaper Online Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2019-2026 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA 08.iii.2023.01_Chinook_Digital Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Online Chinook Newspaper 2023-10 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2023-10 Description An account of the resource This is a copy of the online Chinook Newspaper from October 2023. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA_08.i.2023.01_2023-10 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF https://caspercollege.cvlcollections.org/files/original/74d366afcda5b65e342c2f2e3bbc2216.pdf a07de04048faa33d3019249c3c546283 PDF Text Text November 1, 2023 Casper College’s Student Voice Since 1945 The ‘Scoot Gang’ strikes again Nina Bivens Chinook Writer Casper College does not currently allow rollerblades, skateboards, or anything similar on campus, as interpreted by CC security. International exchange student and soccer player Zack Gorman explained that the regulations prove especially challenging for foreign students with little access to other transportation, “During my time at Casper Community College, I have had the privilege of meeting several international students who face numerous challenges when it comes to getting to class in a timely manner. Many of these students do not have the money or the time to obtain a driver's license, let alone a vehicle,” Gorman said. With the current regulations, some students are at more of a disadvantage than others. Regarding one particular incident, Gorman said, “My friend was late to her class due to long commutes from building to building. Despite leaving her class as soon as she was dismissed, she encountered unexpected delays and arrived late. Witnessing her frustration and disappointment made me realize how crucial it is for our school administration to address this issue.” To mitigate the issues they were facing, the soccer teams and other international students turned to using scooters on campus. According to Dean of Students Corey Peacock, campus security originally denied the use of scooters due to current policy. When asked about the current policy surrounding other means of transportation besides cars and bikes, Peacock said, “It’s generally well-known by students that skateboards are not allowed on campus. I think there was an assumption made by a lot of folks, including campus security, that scooters fell into that classification. So, security asked students with scooters at the beginning of the year to not have them on campus.” In response to the current policy, Gorman and others who owned scooters decided to try and get the rule changed. To do so, Peacock said the students started a petition. In regard to the petition, Peacock said, “This one happened to be very successful in getting a lot of names. They presented to student senate, and student senate was able to go through the proper channels to try to look at policies.” Peacock said that the meeting included students, student senate, security officers, and himself. They very — See Scoot Gang, Page 3 Submitted Photo Zack Gorman, International transfer student and soccer player, rides his scooter on campus earlier this semester. CC's budget: Where do student fees go? Kassadee Lym Chinook Writer Kassadee Lym/Chinook Connie Brooks is pictured here helping Casper College student Ceara Moffatt with financial questions in the Gateway Building. Casper College students pay large sums of money to the institution each semester, and the money is distributed to fund various aspects of the college. The Chinook investigated how tuition and mandatory student fees are decided and where the money goes. Lynnde Colling, vice president of administration at CC, explained the allocation of received funds and where they come from. She also explained the structure of the operating budget at the college, which classifies into three main categories: state appropriations, local appropriations, and tuition and fees. Colling said that state appropriations are money the college receives from the state, whereas local appropriations are money the college receives from local property taxes. Colling said one challenge the college must navigate when dealing with both sections of the budget is fluctuation. Because of the mineral industry and other variables in the state of Wyoming, Colling said, “ It’s (the budget) is not necessarily flat. It’ll have big ups and downs.” Colling also explained that steady inflation increases the price of medical supplies, equipment, and technology software. However, the operating budget of CC remained relatively steady. Colling shared another example of a budget challenge that occurred in 2021. CC’s operating budget saw a two-million dollar shortfall. To deal with this, Colling explained that she and her team worked to refigure the budget to avoid cutting any piece entirely. “It's not easy to do quickly, so you have to be looking ahead at the what-ifs,” Colling said. Tuition and fees make up the last segment of the operating budget. Colling explained that the Wyoming Community College Commission fixes tuition. The commission works together to decide a set tuition rate for all accredited community colleges in the state based on several statistics and how the state compares with others in the region. Colling said, “They (the commission) put a lot of focus on affordability and accessibility for students.” She further explained that the commission will maintain the in-state tuition price until fiscal year 2025. In terms of fees, Colling explained that mandatory student fees vary by college. She said CC ranks second in the lowest student fees of the community colleges in the state, behind Eastern Wyoming College. Hailey McKenzie, CC student and livestock judging team member, explained that cost became one of the biggest factors in deciding to leave her hometown of Jefferson, Ore. “ This(Casper College) was one of the cheaper junior colleges that I looked at,” McKenzie said. While student fees at CC are on the lower side, the allocation of the fees differs amongst other colleges as well. Colling said each community college decides the allocation of its student fees. CC’s mandatory student fees are set at $42 — See Budget, Page 3 Brushing boundaries LucyJane Crimm Chinook Writer People say if you love what you do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life and for Casper College drawing and painting instructor Justin Hayward, that definitely rings true. For 16 years, Hayward has taught and inspired art students at CC while continuing to further his own art career. “I [paint] as a profession, but it’s also my hobby. I love to do it,” Hayward said. “I’m constantly drawing, sketching, creating. Outside of class, between classes, and during classes I’m always working on something.” Hayward doesn’t just paint as a hobby,for class or for exhibits. He also does portrait and landscape commissions as a profession. People reach out to him after finding him on social media or hearing about him by word of mouth. There are even some commissions that he applies for. Hayward is currently doing a commission for the Air Force Academy in Colorado. “The graduating class every year hires an artist to do a painting, I applied and they chose me,” Hayward explained. “The painting is going to be given to the keynote speaker of the graduation. There’s some rumors of who it is, but I don’t know for sure until they actually announce it.” Hayward’s passion for art began at a young age, and he drew as a child. He knew he wanted to continue pursuing art, and he wanted to be a Disney animator when he grew up. When he first started art as a child, he had limited access to mediums so he mainly drew, but when he was in high school, he was introduced to the world of painting, which became his main medium when starting his career. “I was always good at it [art] and teachers started to point it out at a young age. I wasn’t good at anything else, so I just kept pursuing it,” Hayward said. “Oil paint is my main medium. I’ve used it for so long. I just know all the tricks to it and selling work- it seems like buyers want oil painting more than an acrylic or watercolor.” Hayward is a realist artist and mostly does landscape paintings but also explores portraiture and still life. When creating his landscape artworks, he said he takes an immersive approach by going on hikes, photographing the scenes, and carefully observing the surroundings before translating them onto a canvas. He even occasionally brings his art supplies out on LucyJane Crimm/Chinook — See Hayward, Page 3 Justin Hayward stands in front of his painting that hangs in the hallways of Casper College’s new visual arts building. �Page 2 November 1, 2023 CHINOOK Chinook Stance Divine's Intervention: Our expectations of college The way college culture is presented throughout the years in movies/TV shows is toxic. They push the narrative of being attractive, party-heavy, and somehow maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Television portrays students effortlessly acing/passing all tests and classes like cake. The reality of taking hard courses is not shown. This implies that school is easy and so is maintaining a social life. The truth is, that every aspect of college is challenging and requires long nights and dedication. There are aspects of everyone's academic career that test the student's capabilities. This fraud has made it both difficult and easy to normalize struggling situations. Although everyone experiences some form of setbacks, no one talks about the pressure of it all. Television puts out this narrative of how a person's romantic and social life should be. Painting a picture that shows nonstop parties, love triangles, and instant deep friendships isn't a college norm. Making long-lasting relationships in college is difficult. Either it's too awkward and childish to ask “Hey wanna be friends?” or people have their friends. Making friends can also turn into a drama-filled horror show. As for relationships, this generation is so afraid of rejection that their true emotions are never laid out on the table. There are factors like bad intentions and toxic situations, nevertheless, signs are pointing to those red flags. In television, they go by troupes, like friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, or forbidden love. It’s unrealistic movies like “Legally Blonde” or “Mean Girls” that set the notion that school is easy as long as you have “pretty privilege.” Because apparently, that's the most important takeaway from life. This is what people expect when going to college. In America, there is a well-used term called party schools (colleges). These are universities with a high reputation for having large numbers of students who regularly party and drink alcohol or use drugs but do not spend much time Yaasmiyn Hickman Yapping with Yaz studying. Examples would be: Tulane University, Florida State University, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. The outcome for students is the ongoing sense of freedom that is imagined. But it in fact makes the college process harder. The lack of focus plus the built-up tolerance to alcohol and drugs can cause addiction. But no one wants to watch a movie about the struggles and realizations that college has to offer. Hollywood sells it as the best years of a person in their late teens or early twenties life because of the connections and memories. Movies often gloss over the importance of time management, as well as financial realities. A lot of the time, students have to balance school work, studying, a part-time job, and kids, all while trying to sustain a social life. Lately, college TV shows have been moving to showcasing the normalcy of a messy life. The characters have been exhibiting acts like backstabbing and self-sabotage to be relatable to the viewers. All in all, college culture is a combination of what television portrays because it is embedded into our minds at a young age. The transition to adulthood is complex, and there are so many different categories that people fit under. What they don't say is the pressures eventually fade away into achievements. In the end, college isn't a movie or easy lightwork. It’s a point in life where hard work pays off, connections are built, and finding yourself is expected. As I sit composing this article and looking out my office window I see a calm, peaceful scene. The flags on the flagpole are barely moving, and despite a few clouds in the sky, it is a beautiful October day. However, the forecast calls for very cold temperatures in the next few days, with a chance of snow. Although this news is unwelcomed by some, seasonality helps us mark not only changes in the weather, but also changes in our lives. Not as predictable, but certainly as ever present as seasonal weather changes, is conflict between human beings. Whether we are referencing something as trivial as a disagreement picking between two different restaurants, or are referencing a globally-significant armed conflict, given enough time, some level of conflict will develop between different groups of individuals. Accordingly, a pragmatist does not spend time wondering if conflict will arise, but instead allocates their time thinking of ways to respond when it does arise. Whether the change facing you is the natural aging and progression of your children, or the sudden and unexpected death of a loved one, we all need coping strategies. Whether the issue at hand is what movie to watch this evening, or what side of a perceived moral issue you find yourself on, the possibility oaf conflict, at some level, is always present. Avoidance and denial are seldom adequate responses, nor useful coping strategies. Please understand I am not suggesting each of us go through life enthusiastically embracing all forms of change that present themselves, nor am I suggesting we look for potential conflict around every turn. I am suggesting maintaining a mindset that change is a constant in our world, and conflicts may arise at any time and at any level, ensures you will not be taken completely off-guard, and thus be more prepared to meet the challenge as presented. Challenges are not inherently bad. Properly met and addressed, some challenges can turn out to be defining moments in our lives. The variable each of us can control is choosing whether we allow such challenges to become negative defining moments, or positive defining moments. Challenges are not inherently bad. Properly met and addressed, some challenges can turn out to be defining moments in our lives — Darren Divine, Ph.D., Casper College President The Joy of Intramural Sports I was a college football player in the spring of 2023. Now, I’m just a student in college looking to keep my competitive edge. Casper College intramural sports allow me to do just that, but there are also a few problems with the structure of the programs. I’ll share my experience and suggestions. The school offers basketball and volleyball, so I always feel like I have something to look forward to and keep my love for sports alive. Being from Casper, I was invited to join a team with my friends from high school and have loved every moment of it. I am able to keep my competitiveness without the fear of being yelled at by a coach or punished for doing something wrong. Intramural sports at CC are a great way to meet new people and get together with friends to play organized sports. Each sport is refereed by students, and players are expected to call their own fouls on the basketball court. Such practice promotes good sportsmanship and brings the joy of playing sports to weeknights. I have met many new people and enjoy the sports I love while building relationships. Though these sports are very fun, there are a few problems. There is a lack of organization when it comes to scheduling games, and there is not a clear place to find the game schedule. The schedule can be found online under student activities on CC’s website, but it isn’t promoted or wellknown unless you are actively looking for it. The next problem is the lack of rules for coed. I found that when we played coed basketball, there were very few girls who played. I believe that this is because of the lack of rules on the matter. Some may argue that there aren't any girls who want to play, but I believe this is because they are often forced to play against a team that consists of all guys. This structure takes away some of the fun for female athletes and draws less interest from the female student body. If there was a rule stating that each team must always have one female player on the court, then there may be a greater interest among the student population and bring more teams to the table. There were only five teams that played during the basketball season and many instances occurred when the other team did not show up to the game. If there were more teams, the season could be longer and teams could play different groups of people. The change Lane Johnson Johnson's Journal could also allow for new friendships to be formed. Overall, intramural sports are a great way to have fun and meet new people, though there are a few problems. I highly recommend looking into playing these sports and for the chance to compete in something. It is always a joy to win the championship and it would be even better if there were more teams to play against. caspercollegechinook.com Phishing attack kicks off awareness month Geoff Cooper/Chinook Kent Brooks, director of the CC IT department is pictured here at his desk. Brooks spoke to the Chinook about a phishing attack at the college. Geoff Cooper Chinook Writer Casper College suffered a multiwCasper College suffered a multiwave phishing attack in the middle of last month. Phishing, according to IBM, involves digital or voice messages that try to manipulate recipients into sharing sensitive information, downloading malicious software, transferring money or assets to the wrong people, or taking some other damaging action. According to CC’s IT director, Kent Brooks, “The first wave was over 2,000 emails, and of that, two hundred were opened.” Brooks and several IT staff spent the weekend of Sep. 15 dealing with the attack, and he said he personally clocked thirty-two hours at the office during the ordeal. Most of the work involved notifying students, faculty, and even other institutions that may have been affected. In addition, Brooks said he and his team manually went in and pulled the emails from the receivers’ inboxes. Brooks said that the ratio between students and faculty who engaged with or became compromised by the phishing emails was close to evenly split. This particular attack aimed to obtain personal information that circumvents the multi-factor authentication in place for CC logins, and it worked in at least one instance. The victim’s account was taken over. “It was totally social engineering,” said Brooks. “There’s no technical thing that would have stopped it.” Social engineering, in this context, is the use of deception to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential or personal information that may be used for fraudulent purposes, according to Oxford Languages. It is also known to organizations, like IBM, as “human hacking.” With the advent of things like multi-factor authentication, the only variable left to exploit is the user. “It is way more challenging for me to hack your password than it is for me to ask you politely,” said Brian Clark, the IT network coordinator for CC. Despite the recent phishing attack, campus functions remain undamaged. As for the individuals affected, both Clark and Brooks want to change the narrative around cyber-attacks. In their experience, whenever someone falls victim to an online scam, they aren’t regarded with compassion like any other victim. Rather, they are blamed for falling for the scam. Victims even blame themselves and often express shame or embarrassment. Neither Clark nor Brooks believes this to be the appropriate response. For them, the blame rests solely on the criminal behind the scam. “I have a master’s degree in cyber security, and I’ve fallen for phishing,” said Clark. “It’s going to happen because we are trusting people. People need to recognize that they were trusting, not stupid.” According to both Clark and Brooks, it doesn’t help that these attacks are consistently improving either. Phishing attacks are way better now than even just last year. With the advent of something like ChatGPT, scam messages are getting harder and harder to detect. Many of these messages originate from outside the United States, and with the help of AI, scammers are capable of much greater linguistic nuance. With this in mind, the IT department will continue to send out information and resources regarding cyber threats, and they have the resources to organize fake phishing exercises for awareness in the future. The most important thing for users to understand is that IT will never ask for passwords or logins, and neither will any other reputable business. Any suspected campusrelated phishing attempts should be reported to the CC IT department. �November 1, 2023 Page 3 CHINOOK Scoot Gang............................................ amicably put their heads together to come up with solutions. Peacock said. “We want to see these devices be allowed, but we also want people to be safe and responsible with their use.” Considering the reasons that students wanted scooters on campus, and that the current student policies do not mention scooters specifically being banned, student senate as well as Peacock drafted a policy for CC’s policy committee to consider. However, a policy change must go through a step-bystep process before it can be implemented. “What we’re proposing is a policy that does allow all of these non-motorized vehicles, so skateboards, rollerblades, longboards, and non-motorized vehicles,” he said. Peacock spoke about the main deciding factors in changing the policy. He said, “I’m all for student advocacy. I think it was a good continued from page 1 example of students bringing up something that they would like to see us looking at and what our current policies currently say.” While it takes time for policies to go through the proper channels, the future of Budget..................................................... per credit hour. Colling chairs Casper College's Student Fees Committee, which determines how those funds are split. Student senate President Taylee Siemons represents student involvement on the committee. Nearly half of the student fee funds (49.19 percent) go to technology support. The smallest portion of student fees is publications. In fiscal year 2024 the fees will rise from no allocation to .36 percent of student fees. The Casper College Student Senate Hayward..... receives some of the other portions of fees. Student senate prioritizes funding requests from clubs. Student fees are also used to allow student free admission to athletic events. A general course student fee minimizes course fees and supports academic allowing non-motorized vehicles on campus is potentially up for a big change. When asked whether he will personally invest in a scooter, Peacock said, “I will not, mainly because I’m old. I don’t want to break my face.” continued from page 1 operating budgets. Klacie Groene, Wyoming resident and fitting and showing club president said, “Student fees allow my club to take cool opportunities.” Groene mentioned that through student senate funds, her club gets to take a trip to the Cheyenne Livestock Expo to exhibit heifers. However, Groene is not the only one in this case. Casper College student fees support opportunities for students, and tuition contributes to the CC’s operating budget. continued from page 1 WRITING CENTER The Writing Center at Casper College is here to help our students and members of the community. Art Courtesy of Justin Hayward Justin Hayward, visual arts instructor at CC, shared a photo of one of his paintings for publicaiton in the Chinook. Hayward's art is exhibited across the country. hikes with him and paints the landscape right there. “Usually when people go [hiking] with me, they get annoyed because I have to stop to look and take pictures, or I’ll just sit for a while and just see how the light is falling on the objects,” Hayward said. Hayward originally got a degree in illustration and illustrated a few books, but ultimately decided that his role was to teach others. He found inspiration from the teachers he had in high school and college to get him to where he is now. He said, “I wanted to be an animator as a little kid. Then as I got older, I had some really good teachers throughout high school and college, and that inspired me to be a teacher. I think if I didn’t have those teachers, I probably wouldn’t be where I’m at.” Much like his teachers before him, Hayward’s passion also extends to his students who admire his artistic abilities. Fine art major Sierra Farquhar-Baltazar took 2D design in the spring of 2023 and is currently taking his drawing class. She said she’s learned a lot from Hayward. “I was a one-trick pony, and taking his 2D class really forced me out of my box… I was able to try different media, color palettes [and] subjects. His drawing class made me realize I really didn't have as great of a grasp on the fundamentals that make a drawing go from good to great. These tools have greatly improved my work and my confidence within these works,” Farquhar-Baltazar said. If Hayward didn’t seem busy enough already, he’s also had his art featured in numerous art exhibits and shows in museums. Locally he exhibited his art in the Nicolaysen Art Museum, Art 321, Casper College and other art shows around town. He displayed a portrait in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. Many museums around the nation featured his work including Utah, Michigan and New York to name a few. “I think early on I knew I wanted to do something with art,” Hayward said. “The A/’s came easy in Art… I knew at an early age, I just didn’t know what I was going to be doing… but I just knew it would be something with art.” Hayward made his mark with his art, but it’s still just the beginning for him. As he furthers his art career, he will continue to inspire and teach the new generation of artists. “I've seen many of his [paintings]. I have a profound respect for him as an artist, so I stalked him a bit- - artistically, that is. I love them. He's very versatile, and his talent is inspiring,” Farquhar-Baltazar said. “Justin is tough and sometimes he seems very stern. That's not uncommon with instructors, but he warms up to you and then he's hilarious. He's very honest but he's really helpful and goes the extra mile to see you succeed. If he tells you (that) you did a great job, you know he's not pulling your leg. He has good hair, good jokes, and good clothes. Despite what other people might say.” Brainstorm possible paper topics Craft an essay Gain writing strategies And so much more! Visit us in Strausner Hall, room 215 or visit the Writing Center Moodle site for additional resources and appointment scheduling! Contact: 307-268-2610 wco@caspercollege.edu �Page 4 November 1, 2023 CHINOOK From classroom to club to career Abrielle Santee Chinook Contributer Casper College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Club prepares students for future careers in the OTA field. Because occupational therapists work in such a wide array of settings, community outreach is crucial for OTA students to develop their skills and find their niche. The OTA club allows students to build leadership skills, grow a social network, and practice real-world problem-solving skills. To help support students, the OTA club provides leadership opportunities. Each member has responsibilities within the club. Lyndi Jensen, a second year OTA student and OTA club member explained, “Every member of the club has a role to help it run effectively.” In addition to an officer team club members are put in charge of hosting fundraisers, voting fÅor projects, participating in mentor programs, and staying active in collegehosted events. Club leaders encourage members to identify opportunities to make a dif- ference. Additionally, community partners allow students to get a better feel for clinical sites before they enter fieldwork rotations. Club members get to build connections with people already working in their career field while also getting used to communicating with the patients they will eventually see. “It (the club) helps us have a foundation so once we are graduated we have connections with people. We have good relationships with them, and we’ve had positive interactions with them so we’re set up for more success leaving the program,” said Jensen. Strong relationships can provide job opportunities and future internships. The OTA club takes students to the American Occupational Therapy Association national conference. At the conference, students meet other college students in addition to seasoned professionals and get an idea of what occupational therapy looks like across the nation. On campus, the club helps teach students to handle their time responsibly and balance their heavy course load while building strong relationships with professors and fellow classmates. Classroom teaching meets real-world application as students go out into their communities and find problems to make solutions. “As part of the program, we really focus a lot on being good stewards. Good stewards to the clients to the community, and we want to emulate that in the club,” said Melissa Neff, OTA club advisor and CC Instructor. The club donates to local clinics, as well as many other organizations. The OTA club is increasingly active in community service with the goal of helping students recognize the impact of giving back to their communities. Neff explained, “We like to Submitted Photo give people a good quality of Pictured from left to right: Tana Downs, Jessie Nesterenko, Lyndi Jensen, Raesha Vanderhoff, life. It’s what we do.” and Alona Wilkerson participated in highway clean up as part of OTA community service. Whether it’s dealing with muscle or mind, the occupa- dents, the club is open to all Around campus, the OTA are a very active club, and tional therapy field strives to CC students. To join the club, club is responsible for the the students stay very engaged give independence and confi- students attend club meetings sensory room in the Goodstein in the classroom and in their dence back to those in need. and pay dues of five dollars Foundation Library, caring for community.” “The OTA club is all about a semester. The club partici- the rose garden in Liesinger This mindset earned the helping people become better pates in many organizations Hall, and campus food drives. OTA club the Casper College by doing,” Jensen said. like Reach for a Star, Grief Neff said, “I’m very proud Club of the Year award last While established for occu- Camp, Advancing Abilities, of the club. Even though we year and will take these stupational therapy assistant stu- and the Jackalope Jump. tend to be a smaller club, we dents far in their careers. Need help with homework? The Residence Hall offers tutoring services Nina Bivens /Chinook This is room 200 in the Residence Hall where free tutoring happens every Sunday-Thursday evenings from 6:30-9:30. Bernadette Pieper Chinook Writer Casper College provides free tutoring services in the Residence Hall for a few years now, but students are not taking advantage of using it when tutoring is needed in their academics. The tutors are available Sunday through Thursday from 6:30 to 9:30 every night for free. “Tutoring is very powerful,” said Liz Dobson, the residence hall coordinator. Dobson is also in charge of the tutors in the Residence Hall. She talked about how students who might not know about peer tutoring know how successful it could be for them to go to a tutor to get help. In the 2022-2023 school year, 4,614 students were enrolled at CC. Out of the enrolled students, 80.3% never used tutoring services, including the tutors in the residence hall, the Writing Center, and the STEM Center at CC. The tutoring services in the Residence Hall is open after the Writing Center and STEM Center close. There are two tutors in the Residence Hall. Nina Bivens, tutor, a sophomore, and public relations major tutors students who need assistance or help with English or any communication classes. Lewis Gordon one of the tutors, a sophomore, and a soccer player, tutors students who need assistance with math or science classes. “We are here to help you,” Bivens said. Bivens talked about how there are times that the tutors see several students a night between Bivens and Gordon, but then there are other nights when the tutors don’t see any students. Dobson said she sent out emails to students and posted flyers in the Residence Hall to advertise the tutoring services, and she wants to reach out to faculty to have them inform students as well. Dobson explained that she worked as a tutor when she went to college and wants to help students thrive academically or receive help from the tutors in the Residence Hall. She said she sees a lot of potential in Bivens and Gordon to help any student to succeed in their work for classes. “The one-on-one attention with someone who is helping you learn how to study but also be successful with the material can be the difference between an “F” and a “B” or “A,” Dobson said. Dobson talked about how the tutors plan to reach out to any student on the “D” or “F” lists soon why midterms just got over. The tutors are there to help any student, but can help students who are almost on academic probation. “Tutoring can also be mentor coaching,” Dobson said. “There is always room for improvement.” Tutors can help students with their coursework, but they can also help students with other skills like time management, academic skills, mentorship, or coaching the students to do their best. “I think overall tutoring is very important,” Bivens stated. “It should not be shameful to come in and get help if you need it.” Students might be shy about going to a tutor making them lose confidence in their work, but going to a tutor can help students to change their academics. Bivens talked about how students might be ashamed, dumb, or unintelligent of themselves if they are seen by friends when getting help from the tutor. Casper College provides free tutoring services across campus why pay for a tutor when students can get it for free? The Residence Hall tutors are there to help students with their academics, academic skills, time management, and can mentor the student. Tutoring is a great resource and tool for any student who is in need of assistance with their class work. Don’t be shy to go and get help if needed. caspercollegechinook.com Join our staff this Fall! Practice interviewing & writing Take photos & design Learn sales & advertising Explore social media & promotion The Chinook is a one credit class titled Independent Publications COMM2390. Contact our faculty advisor Bri Weigel for more information brianne.weigel@caspercollege.edu �November 1, 2023 Page 5 CHINOOK On the lamb Photo courtesy of Abrielle Santee The ewes and Homer the goat peacefully graze at the Casper College Ranch. Abrielle Santee Chinook Contributer Ovine convicts escaped their enclosure at the Casper College Ranch on Saturday, Sept. 23 and ended up in a barn where they ate a small portion of students horse feed. The college's sheep flock consists of two rams and 20 to 25 head of breeding ewes. A student alerted authorities of the breakout around nine p.m. Saturday. Sunday morning Agriculture Instructor and Advisor Heath Hornecker brought CC student and work-study employee Garrison Utter onto the scene to round up any last stragglers and find out how the sheep escaped. Once out at the ranch, they found a small hole in the fence. Hornecker explained that regardless of the fence's state, sheep rarely stray from the flock. For this reason, he and several others in the college's agriculture department believe a phony shepherd infiltrated the barnyard. The criminal in question is named Homer. Homer is the free-range goat orphaned at the ranch and then adopted by the college. Agriculture Instructor Anne Wood said, “He is well loved and the troublemaker of the ranch.” When talking about the ewes getting out, she said, “He’s the leader of the bunch, and these are pregnant and hormonal women happy to follow their new best friend.” Homer now resides inside the fence with the flock. The Agriculture Department hopes this will dispel his loneliness and halt his mischief. Coming to his defense is Homer's number one fan and Dean of the School of Science Gerald Hawkes who insists Homer is a scapegoat -- a goat in the wrong place at the wrong time. Back on the ranch the flock’s safety is one of the top priorities for ranch staff. Saturday night, the students shooed the wooly escape artists out of Barn 3 and put up a temporary panel to prevent them from re-entering the barn. Barn 3 is the stalling barn the rodeo students used to house their horses and tack, including their feed and hay. The next morning Hornecker and Utter found the last couple of ewes around the pivot, eating alfalfa. Ranch staff moved the panels and perpetrators away from the faulty fence and into a more secure location until someone could mend the fence. Hornecker and Utter examined the ewes for any sign of injury or illness before checking the barns for stolen contraband. “It’s a big concern -- you don’t want them to get into any hay left out for other animals or anything else they’re not supposed to have,” Utter said. Sheep, being small ruminants, makes them prone to bloat, which is a disease caused by rapid changes in a ruminant's diet and overfeeding. Bloat is a common disease that can be fatal if not treated in time. On top of that, sheep cannot ingest copper, a heavy metal essential in horse rations. No one knows exactly how many sheep broke out or for how long. Between the break-in buffet in Barn 3 and the feast out at the pivot, Hornecker happily reported that there weren’t any signs of bloat or injury. “We had attentive students that said ‘hey this a problem,’ (and they) knew it could be a really bad problem and were able to get the sheep moved out and back somewhere safe before it became an issue,” Hornecker said. The absence of students who normally care for the sheep made everyone even more grateful the ewes came out unscathed. Approximately two weeks later, the flock staged another breakout. This time, ranch staff found no sheep outside the pen. Instead, they found an open gate and hoof prints in the mud. Whether this is a user error or a sign of Homer's increasing intelligence is still up for speculation. Whatever the case may be, the agriculture department is discussing plans to add chains and a padlock to increase the security of the enclosure. In the meantime, Hornecker said, “All sheep are safe. Everybody’s happy. Hopefully, Tuesday (Oct. 10), we’ll find out if everybody’s pregnant and on schedule to lamb.” Having survived their jailbreak antics, all the ewes, joined by Homer, took a field trip up to the ag pavilion on Oct. 10 for pregnancy checks and vaccinations. Professor Hornecker’s Introduction to Animal Science class gave the bunch lots of love while learning how to properly ultrasound and give shots. Taking online or hybrid courses? Students: We make sure you are able to access online learning resources needed to learn in your classes. We will also help you learn to utilize the digital tools available to you for all your classwork. Examples of items we can help with: 1. MyCCMoodle — including how to submit assignments, participate in forums, etc. 2. ZOOM – help you learn to access and use Zoom for your remote course meetings and collaborations 3. Google Suite — Google Docs, Drive, GMail, etc. 4. Accessing Office 365 .- such as MS Word and PowerPoint 5. Online tutoring — How and where to get extra help as you need it, using NetTutor. Plus a lot more! Contact us. Don’t wait! Get your Questions answered now. Teresa Pat Mike Tyler For help or more information stop by Liesinger Hall, room 132 or contact us at 307-268-3882, dlc@caspercollege.edu, and av@caspercollege.edu. Dave Camille �Page 6 November 1, 2023 CHINOOK "The Drowsy Chaperone" takes the stage LucyJane Crimm/Chinook CC put on the musical the Drowsy Chaperone Oct. 13 - 21. The musical was a comedy story of a love struck performer who gave up her life in the spotlight to marry, but all was not as perfect as she hoped. This story was all told through the eyes of a reminiscent man in a chair who was listening to the play with the audience and adding his own commentary. Above and to the left, Janet Van de Graaff, played by Abigail Larsen, is interviewed by a reporter before performing the song “Show Off.” Above and to the right, Abigail Larsen and Roman Gaddis dance on stage together, the two play the main love interests in the play. To the far left, Mr. Feldzieg, played by Kadyn Riley, is threatened by two gangsters played by Rhynne Zmiewski (left) and Aster Harrison (right). Left, Kyler Rabourn, who plays the unnamed Man in Chair, takes a sip from his tea cup as he reminisces about his favorite play, the Drowsy Chaperone. Lighten Your Load Presented by CC Counseling Services Join us to visualize throwing away stress. Take home stress busting swag! Tuesday, Nov. 7 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Casper College Union/University Building, first floor �November 1, 2023 Page 7 CHINOOK Soaring to new heights Lane Johnson Chinook Writer Submitted Photo Aviation student Tyler Petersen stands in front of a plane at Natrona County International Airport. He’s pictured holding certificate for the completion of his first solo flight. Casper College currently offers an aviation program through a partnership with Rising Wings Aviation. While Rising Wings Aviation takes care of the aviation classes off campus, the connection with CC allows students to receive more financial aid, according to the academic chair of the aviation program Justin Eggemeyer. Eggemeyer spoke with the Chinook about the cost of aviation in general and covered many details about the expensive major. He explained that through CC, students can earn an associate’s degree of applied science in aviation. “If a student doing aviation wants to take out student loans, they have to do private student loans,” Eggemeyer said. He explained that many of these private loans require students to provide a “cost of attendance” and Rising Wings Aviation doesn’t provide that information. He went on to explain that Rising Wings Aviation partnered with CC to allow students to provide a cost of attendance for private loans. According to Eggemeyer, Rising Wings Aviation is a separate entity where people can attend flight school without going to CC. Eggemeyer talked about how students can take aviation classes online or at the Natrona County airport. He said a cost chart for Rising Wings Aviation is available on the CC website, separate from the cost of attending the college. CC allows students to complete general classes such as history, math and science that are still required to get a degree in Aviation. Eggemeyer then said Rising Wings Aviation offers the rest of the classes needed. The Federal Aviation Administration follows very strict rules about hours, so there is no time table for when one can complete their degree, according to Eggemeyer. Students must complete a certain number of flight hours in order to get their license for two different levels of piloting. Eggemeyer explained that, “a student should be able to go all the way through private, instrument, and then commercial in two academic years. Many do not… because it’s a lot of hours.” For a private pilot license, students must complete 40 total flight hours and 10 of those hours must be solo flights, according to the Rising Wings Aviation FAA flight chart. The chart also gives students a relative price estimate for each of the four sections of aviation. For the private pilot license alone, there is an estimated cost of $17,000. The total realistic cost estimate for a student obtaining their private and commercial license and their instrument and multi-engine ratings will come out to approximately $101,000. Eggemeyer explained that the cost is why CC decided to partner with Rising Wings Aviation to help make things somewhat more affordable for students. He also said that students can get jobs as an instructor after a certain amount of hours with Rising Wings Aviation. He said that the opportunity helps students continue getting the many hours required by the FAA. Aviation major Tyler Petersen talked about how CC helped him tremendously on his journey into the aviation program. He said “I’m still working towards my private license, but attending CC has made my experience a little bit easier.” Petersen is in his third year at CC and he is pursuing a second associate degree while also continuing his aviation education through Rising Wings Aviation. He credits CC for helping him make his goals more attainable. Though CC doesn’t directly have an aviation program, its partnership with Rising Wings Aviation helps many students find a more affordable option to get into the aviation field. About Us Discover the educational opportunities at UW Casper, the exclusive branch campus of the University of Wyoming. At UW Casper, we are dedicated to serving site-bound students, whether you're following a traditional path or pursuing education on your terms. Our diverse range of bachelor's and master's degree programs are offered through both asynchronous and traditional delivery methods, catering to your unique learning style. Plus, we're proud to offer a variety of scholarships to make higher education a valuable and accessible experience for every student. Join us in shaping your future at UW Casper, where excellence in education meets your needs. Bachelor Degrees Master’s Degrees Master of Social Workadvanced standing and standard programs available Master of Counseling- school counseling and mental counseling available Organizational Leadership Biology Communication Psychology Medical Laboratory Sciences Elementary Education Social Work Zoology Sociology Secondary Science Education Criminal Justice General Studies Career & Technical Education Make an appointment with an advisor today! 307-268-2713 Union/University Building #435 uwyo.edu/uwcasper/ �Page 8 November 1, 2023 CHINOOK Lady Thunderbirds climb the mountain Carlos Fandal III Chinook Writer In the world of college sports, there's a quiet champion waiting to take its place in the spotlight. Volleyball, with its unique blend of finesse and power, often operates under the radar. It’s as challenging as any collegiate or professional sport with its quick-paced nature that requires split-second precise decision-making. The necessity of teamwork and communication among players makes it even more demanding, straining players physically and mentally. Still, volleyball is often questionably overshadowed by other major college sports like basketball and football. Head Volleyball Coach Angel Sharman, a twenty-year coaching veteran, spoke to the Chinook about the sport at Casper College. “I just think it's a great and beautiful sport when it's played well. The athleticism of the athletes out there is just… it's fun to watch. It's a complex sport that people don't understand too much.” Sharman said. Sharman’s years of experience illustrate a passion for the sport that goes much further than just having fun. What’s crucial is her commitment to the growth of volleyball, as well as women's sports as a whole, even if it’s an uphill climb. “If our women want to play any kind of sports, they have to go overseas. Their opportunity is just not there like it is with basketball, where they have a little bit more opportunity. If we can get a professional league in the United States to see all these kids continue doing what they love to do and still have their profession, it would be kind of fantastic… Get men's volleyball here, I think that would help as well,” Sharman said. Despite this, the Lady Thunderbirds are in the midst of a remarkable season so far, winning 22 games and losing only 11. Of particular note is the team’s stellar conference record of eight wins and two losses, which mirrors their record on home turf. Midway through September, the Lady T-Birds began a nine-game winning streak, showcasing their prowess with six consecutive shutout victories during this impressive run. Consistency can be tough to maintain, but Sharman manages to keep her team prepared to win. “We have a goal set. We talked about that at the beginning of the year. And again, we talked about unity with our team, and I think the unity of volleyball is huge. Eight people have to be in sync to be successful because if you have a weak link, the opponent's going to find that weak link. So you have to have players that trust each other and just are hungry to win. And I think this group is hungry to do that,” Sharman said. Sharman leads by example for her players and school to keep getting better and better every day. “If they (The Lady Thunderbirds) see me being a little bit lazy coming into practice, then they're going to follow those footsteps. We want to keep climbing that mountain. We just need to keep climbing. We talked about 2% -- getting better 2% every day. That's what we're trying to do” Sharman said. Volleyball's journey to the limelight begins with the Thunderbird community. The Lady Thunderbirds are giving their all, and it's up to the community to rally behind them. By attending games and cheering on the volleyball team, these athletes can shine as the stars they are meant to be. Sharman's commitment to unity and improvement is driving their success, setting an example for the entire team. Her vision for volleyball's growth and opportunities for women in sports paints a bright future for this sport. As volleyball's star continues to rise, it inches closer to the limelight in college athletics. As Sharman said, “We want Photo Courtesy of Edwin Gonzalez to keep climbing that moun- Nia Surman, a Casper College student athlete from New Zealand, attacks the ball during a tain.” recent volleyball game. New Beginnings for CC’s Men's Basketball Team Submitted Photo The Casper College Men's Basketball Team shoots around in the Erickson Thunbird Gym earlier this fall. Yaasmiyn Hickman Chinook Writer As November approaches, so does the start of a new basketball season. This year’s Casper College Men's Basketball team is made up of new players, new coaches, and new attitudes. One of the exciting aspects of this upcoming season is the new coaches setting the scene. College basketball is an opportunity for aspiring athletes to work their way up to their dreams while juggling the stresses of school work, ambitious goals, and intense practice. Dedication and chemistry are primary attributes that go into preparing for a good season. The root of the team is CC’s new head coach, Tom Parks, and new assistant coach, Deion Anderson, who work with a nurturing but tough strategic method. The team spends six days out of the week practicing for two hours with an additional hour of lifting. The coaches put in work to go the extra mile for the team. Anderson stated, “It’s not work if it is doing something that you love.” The world of basketball is wide and broad on its own. With high school, college, NBA, and professional leagues overseas, there is always a coach on the sidelines. Coaches serve the players by guiding them in the art of the game and in making improvements. They tweak defensive strategies and shooting techniques, and they foster the ability to make split-second decisions on the court. Coaches contribute the proper elements that go into the sport mentally and physically. A large majority of players gravitate toward coaches as role models. Anderson sees himself as responsible and reliable for all fourteen players. He stated he does his best to be there for his players whether it's getting them a tutor, providing them with a ride, or giving them advice. Both coaches are there to better the lives of each player by being a part of guiding each athlete's future to success and happiness. As the basketballs start hitting the gymnasium floor, players prepare for the upcoming games. The dynamic of each team differs over the years at CC with the different types of players displaying their collective personalities. This year’s team looks closer in strategy, as well as in friendship. Since rooming with one another and being each other's first interactions with CC, the players have formed a fast closeness, not only sharing the same love for basketball but creating a long-lasting sense of comfort. As with any team, it is important to build a strong connection. Trusting each other on the court is crucial to the game. The CC players also spend time with each other in practices and classes while also rooming together. The chances of forming a connection are easier and faster. This year’s team is more unified than previous years. According to returning sophomore, Jaden Peters, “The team this year has a lot of outgoing personalities, which made it easy to form close connections. We all talk a lot because we spend most of our time together.” In community college basketball, every victory is celebrated as another milestone to get closer to a goal. The more athletic achievements that are collected, the better they get as players and coaches. There is more than standing on the sidelines, screaming and pointing. Coaches and teammates provide motivational direction that not only shapes the players on the court but also the people off the court. Running up and down the court, they symbolize the flexibility, opportunity, and transformative power of sports. This shows the true determination of an interworking community. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Chinook Student Newspaper Online Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2019-2026 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA 08.iii.2023.01_Chinook_Digital Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Online Chinook Newspaper 2023-11 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Description An account of the resource This is a copy of the online Chinook Newspaper from November 2023. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA_08.i.2023.01_2023-11 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF https://caspercollege.cvlcollections.org/files/original/064000d9e89a38140558fcddb5a1de73.pdf 21d36775568fbd6db5cc1b898b996556 PDF Text Text December 1, 2023 Casper College’s Student Voice Since 1945 Dancers flash mob the cafeteria Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook Jodi Jones' dance ensemble class takes over the cafeteria on Wednesday at noon in a flash mob. Bri Weigel's survey of media production class collaborated with the dancers to do video, photography, commentary and live coverage of the event. Honoring heroes: Veterans day at CC Carlos Fandal III Chinook Writer Veterans Day stands as a tribute to the brave men and women who wore the uniform of the United States Armed Forces, selflessly dedicating themselves to the defense of our nation and the preservation of the freedoms we hold dear. Casper College has many veterans amongst its student population. Veterans bring a unique blend of experience and dedication to the campus ranging from majors in agriculture to computer programming and everything in between. Caleb Lindsay is one CC student who served their country and brought that experience to CC’s campus. He is one of many with a career as a soldier, but his experience in the service remains very unique. “I was a cavalry scout. So I did reconnaissance on the battlefield, kind of painting a picture of it for the battlefield commander. Realistically, I spent a lot of time mopping floors and looking at broken trucks,” Lindsay said with a chuckle. Lindsay did much more than that, however, and traveled the world doing so. “I did some Pacific pathways -- rotations to different Pacific countries to train with their militaries. After I got out, I went into private military contracting and went to Afghanistan for many years.” As another Veterans Day comes and goes, it’s important to remember why the holiday is so important. It’s a day of honor to those who selflessly served the nation. To a veteran, the day has a very different meaning however. Lindsay shared his thoughts about the holiday's significance. “Veterans Day is my opportunity to give back to my brothers and sisters. For me, it's about giving back to them and honoring their services, and for people who didn't serve to also give that opportunity.” Lindsay said, before furthering his thoughts on the holiday. “I mentioned I was mopping floors, but realistically, I was ready at a moment's notice to go anywhere in the world to defend the freedoms that we enjoy here. It's an opportunity for ourselves, for us to give honor to our brothers and sisters as well as people to give respect to us for what we sacrifice” Lindsay said. More and more citizens are molded into veterans every day, with the recent events in Ukraine. For those unaware, roughly a year ago, the Russian army invaded the country of Ukraine. In a precautionary response, the U.S. Army has deployed thousands of troops in surrounding countries. One such citizen turned veteran, Sergeant Nathaniel Seth Jordan, is a Casper native who joined the Armed Forces after attending and graduating from Natrona County High School. He works in the IT department at Fort Campbell, in Kentucky. Despite being excited to explore a new hemisphere, his time in Europe quickly turned sour. Sergeant Jordan shared his story with the Chinook following his deployment to the potential front lines near Bucharest, Romania. “We were put in these tents where there is no ventilation, and when a sickness started, there wasn't a single person — See Veterans Page 3 Caleb Lindsay, one of many CC veterans, speaks at the CC Veteran's Ball. Submittted Photo Jenny Johnson: The glue of a pro-rodeo family Photo Courtesy of Jodie Baxendale Kellan, Kress, Jenny, Jhett, and Carson Johnson pose for a family photo. Jenny teaches in the education department at Casper College, and her husband, Jhett, is the college's head rodeo coach. Jenny's two older sons rodeoed for CC on one Jhett's former teams. Kassadee Lym Chinook Writer Anticipation fills the atmosphere with the screams of an eager crowd as rodeo cowboys give their all to compete for their chance to win the world at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. However, amidst the excitement of the arena, an anxious mother of three young cowboys wishes her husband to return with ten fingers intact and the world title in his grasp. Jenny Johnson is the wife that stood behind the five-time NFR Qualifier and NFR World Champion, Jhett Johnson. She also raised the 2021 College National Finals Rodeo Team Roping duo and Gold Medal Winners at the Days of ‘47 Rodeo, Kellan and Carson Johnson. She is the glue that holds a pro-rodeo family together. Jenny spent her childhood riding her horse to a one-room schoolhouse near Sturgis, S.D. 4-H projects and time on her family's ranch filled her younger years. Both experiences are integral pieces of her childhood that she hopes to instill in her three cowboys. Time in the saddle paid off for Jenny, and she earned a scholarship to rodeo at Fort Scott Community College in Fort Scott, Kan. After competing there Jenny finished her bachelor's degree in elementary education with a minor in early childhood at the Oklahoma Panhandle State University. On the college rodeo trail, Jenny crossed paths with her now husband, Jhett Johnson. As a couple, the two-faced adversity. Jenny became the foundation that kept her family stable, whether supporting her sons and husband to chase their dreams or holding her family together during tough times. When Jhett and Jenny were only engaged, they received the news that Jhett had been diagnosed with testicular cancer. Jenny explained that faith kept her going. She said, “We pray a lot. You have to because there are some things that are just out of your control.” Fortunately, the couple moved forward. They had three children: Kellan, Carson, and Kress. Faith and a strong network of support held Jenny’s family together. While Jhett worked to achieve his dreams of becoming a world champion, Jenny played a crucial role in running everything seamlessly in Casper. Her two older boys, Kellan and Carson, explained that their mom took the thankless job of caring for everything at home, from driving them to late-night basketball practices to hauling horses. Jenny looked to what she explained as her, “teaching family” for support. While teaching, raising young children, and supporting her husband on his dream trail, Jenny completed her master's program and national board, twice. “She’s a go-getter,” Kellan said of his mom. Burnout never crossed — See Johnson Page 3 �Page 2 Chinook Stance Divine's Intervention: Get involved! Join extracurriculars Bernadette Pieper Blurbs with Bernadette As I sit here and write this piece and reflect on my college experience, there are some things that I would have changed in my first year of college. One of the biggest things I would have changed is getting more involved in activities or clubs on campus. I wanted to get the college experience first so I did not get really involved in anything on campus until the second semester. Being involved can help students in many different ways. Casper College provides us as students with so many activities, clubs, organizations, and events for students to take part in. The college offers at least 30 clubs or organizations. There are events like game nights, bingo nights, watch parties, intramural sports, and other events for us to participate in. There are times that clubs and organizations will host some kind of event to get more students involved and to treat us to something fun. Being involved can help us meet new people, make new friends, reduce stress, and help our bodies mentally and physically. Joining campus activities helped me learn time management and other life skills -- and to be December 1, 2023 CHINOOK honest it can help build our resumes. According to a 2023 Gitnux article about college students in extracurricular activities, “Students in extracurricular activities are 12.6% more likely to graduate compared to nonparticipants.” Getting involved can help us grow and learn so much. It can also help us as students to do better in school. Some activities, clubs, or organizations are not for everyone, but we just have to try to get out of our shells and be involved. It is not going to hurt us to try something new. A lot of the activities require little to no commitment or time before participating. I have found from being in some clubs, organizations, and going out to some events that it is a decompressor and helps me to just take a moment to refresh myself before going to do homework or study for a test. I think that being involved in extracurricular activities helps me practice so many skills. I honestly recommend that every student join a club, organization, or intramural sport. At the very least, attend an event. Some clubs and organizations were established from majors or classes that students take. Other clubs and organizations were established to have more entertaining events on campus. If you are interested in any clubs, organizations, or other activities I suggest visiting with friends and professors, as well as taking note of the posters that are hung up around campus. A lot of information is sent out via email too. Let’s try something new! Get involved and be active. “ As we wind down the fall semester and rush head-long into the holiday season, I want to discuss two important and related topics: life balance and emotional health. Balancing the ever-changing demands of everyday life is challenging enough, but such balance can be even more precarious during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. As such, I ask you to take extra care over the winter break and embrace the holiday season, spend time with your friends and family, and engage in any activity that brings you peace and happiness. It is all too easy to become fixated on a single aspect of our lives, and thus unintentionally neglect other, equally important, aspects. So please, over the holidays, be sure to keep things in balance, and don’t neglect any one aspect of your life, especially your personal space and time alone. Along that same thought process, you likely know the holidays can be especially challenging for those who struggle with increased anxiety or depression brought about by the seasonal focus on happiness, family, finances, et Whether this scenario describes you personally, or you have a friend or loved one who faces with some of these challenges, please take extra care to watch for signs of emotional distress both in yourself and in those around you. There are many resources at the College, the county, and the state to help anyone having a tough time. Also know you can reach out anytime to any member of our staff and we will put you in touch with trained professionals who can help you or a loved one sort things out and get back to a healthier and happier emotional state. Best wishes for a peaceful and wonderful holiday season… It is all too easy to become fixated on a single aspect of our lives, and thus unintentionally neglect other, equally important, aspects. — Darren Divine, Ph.D., Casper College President A lit conference that didn’t put me to sleep Casper College held its 37th annual literary conference earlier this month, specifically from November 7th - through the 9th. The chosen theme for this year was the “wilderness.” Given the title of this column, it would be reasonable to surmise that I only attended out of scholastic obligation, and you would be correct in that assumption. Despite my preconceived notions though, I enjoyed the workshop that I sat through. I didn’t even open my energy drink. The presentation I observed was put on by Christine Peterson. Peterson is a journalist that’s written about the environment and outdoor recreation for over a decade. She has written about grizzly bears, wolves, elk, insects and more recently: chronic wasting disease. She started at the Casper Star Tribune, but she’s currently working fulltime freelance. She has some impressive publishing credits under her belt, too. Namely National Geographic, which is where my interest piqued. I’m both a photographer and a journalism student, so I was interested in what she had to say. I’ve always wondered how people go about submitting to major publishers, and how the pay involved with that even works. Did you know that freelance writers are often paid in cents per word? I didn’t, and now I feel like a bit of a chump writing this for free. Anyway, she also showed us a few pieces of writing from her own body of work and from some other journalists. It was an exercise in creative writing essentially, and there was a fair amount of discussion between members of the audience about what worked for them and what didn’t. Particularly regarding chronic wasting disease. Words like viscous or moist have a certain connotation after all, and this is seen plainly in the way you just reacted to reading the word “moist.” Overall, the discussions that Peterson fostered were fun to observe. There were writers from several backgrounds who had traveled from all over to attend the conference. Poets, fiction writers, and wannabe journalists like me. Plenty of perspectives on display. I won’t lie to you and say that I’d have attended this regard- Geoff Miller Mid Level Geoff less of a teacher’s instructions, but what I will say is that I’m looking forward to something like this next year. www.caspercollegechinook.com Taking online or hybrid courses? Students: We make sure you are able to access online learning resources needed to learn in your classes. We will also help you learn to utilize the digital tools available to you for all your classwork. Examples of items we can help with: 1. MyCCMoodle — including how to submit assignments, participate in forums, etc. 2. ZOOM – help you learn to access and use Zoom for your remote course meetings and collaborations 3. Google Suite — Google Docs, Drive, GMail, etc. 4. Accessing Office 365 .- such as MS Word and PowerPoint 5. Online tutoring — How and where to get extra help as you need it, using NetTutor. Plus a lot more! Contact us. Don’t wait! Get your Questions answered now. Teresa Pat Mike Tyler For help or more information stop by Liesinger Hall, room 132 or contact us at 307-268-3882, dlc@caspercollege.edu, and av@caspercollege.edu. Dave Camille �December 1, 2023 Page 3 CHINOOK Veterans................................................. that didn't get it. They didn't really treat the sicknesses either because it was usually a flu. So, you know, if you get sick, they kind of just give you some ibuprofen,” Jordan said. Camp conditions worsened as time went on. “Some depression came because you don’t see any- thing but the camp fences. I couldn’t really see the outside world because we were literally in a Romanian base camp inside of a camp, our American camp was inside of a Romanian camp. So when you look outside of the fence, you just see another camp. There were people in close quarters -- some people couldn't handle it and would start just taking it out on each other,” Seth said. Seth’s unit waited patiently at the read in case of the worstcase scenario. His said his unit was directly on the other side of the line drawn in the sand by the United States. If Russia had crossed the line, he and his unit would be up to bat against the force of the Russian Army. “It was really scary because where we were wasn't really tactical. If the war had escalated, we would have been hit by missiles. We wouldn’t even have had a chance to fight, which was really scary to think about. We would have died continued from page 1 without even having a chance. Thinking about the fact that, if things were to escalate, we would be just immediately toast. What would we be, a martyr? I had those kinds of thoughts, but they don't do anything for the good of getting the job done,” Seth said. The legacy of the nation's Johnson................................................... Jenny's mind. She said, “I never was looking over the fence wishing for something different or more material things. I had a job and it was to raise my boys, keep everything going at home, and teach third graders.” Although it was not always easy, Jenny explained she never kept challenging aspects of her life from her children. She believes that your kids need to watch you overcome obstacles. “I think it's important for your children to see you struggle and how you overcome it. Because they're going to be able to take those skills and say, oh yeah, they overcame that. They can accomplish anything,” Jenny said. Her philosophy must have proved helpful because her boys are not strangers to success. Jenny instilled the value of family into her sons, and Kellan and Carson explained that because of their mom, family drove them to achieve their goals. Carson, Jenny’s middle son, said, “Everything we did, we did as a family.” The boys grew to rely on each other. Kellan, the oldest, said, “She (Jenny) was always big on your brother is who you always have to fall back on…we’re in each others' corner no matter where life takes us.” Jenny helped create a bond that allowed Kellan and Carson to go on and win the 2021 CNFR, amongst other accomplishments. However, Jenny is also proud of the role model her older boys created for her youngest son. She said, “I was gifted with really great children… and Kress had the opportunity to have wonderful role models.” Jenny was able to raise those role models by focusing on creating gracious winners. Although her husband was unarguably successful, he too shared his time of not making the spotlight. Jenny said her boys and others witnessed their father, Jhett, make it to the NFR, but they did veterans goes far beyond the designated date of remembrance. Veterans like Lindsay, and Jordan shaped the course of history and continue to change the fabric of society. As the day comes and goes, appreciate the cost of freedom and remember the meaning of Veterans Day. continued from page 1 not always understand the failures that formed such success. She said, “They didn't see the 1992 to 2005 and all the things in between.” Jenny supported her husband through the failures that led to winning. But when big wins were found, Jenny was the first to yell. Kellan and Carson explained that when they won the CNFR together, Jenny's reaction matched when their dad, Jhett, won the world. Carson said, “She was screaming, yelling. She was proud to see us do it together really.” Her oldest son Kellan said, “She cries, yells, hoops, and hollers. She’s always on our team.” With Jenny’s support, both boys continue to team rope together today as part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). Not only does Jenny play a pivotal role in her family’s team, but she also contributes to the success of the Casper College Rodeo Team. Alongside her husband, now CC’s head rodeo coach, Jenny works to create an atmosphere where rodeo athletes have the opportunity to succeed in the classroom, in the arena, and in life. Jhett and Jenny Johnson are the team that supports CC Rodeo. “If you come to Casper College you’ve got my dad and my mom. That’s just like having a family away from home,” Kellan said. The CC team is not the only ones that benefit from having Jenny on their side. Her boys also recognize the blessing that is their mom. Kellan said, "She showed us everything outside of rodeo -- that life’s bigger than rodeo.” Jenny’s behind-the-scenes support drove the success of her three cowboys, Kellan, Carson, and Kress, and her world-champion husband, Jhett. Submitted Photo As Kellan said, “I love my mom and I Jenny and Jhett Johnson posed for a photo while out for a ride. Jenny grew up riding and wouldn’t trade her for nobody.” earned a rodeo scholarship to college. AI in classrooms is sparking conversation Yaasmiyn Hickman Chinook Writer A new age of teaching and learning is approaching with the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms. Students and teachers are beginning to use these new tools to potentially add advantages to the curriculum. However, with new positives come negatives that are set to disrupt the main focus, such as concerns about academic credibility and lack of creativity in the school system. What can AI do to change the lives of students? John Bailey wrote an article called ‘AI in Education,’ written in 2023. In the article, he said, “AI’s ability to conduct human-like conversations opens up possibilities for adaptive tutoring or instructional assistants that can help explain difficult concepts to students.” The Chinook explored the topic at CC. Kathryn Morgan, an assistant at Casper College’s Writing Center, shared her thoughts. “There are chatbots that act as an extension of your search engine, acting as an online secretary to help you get everything in order on your technological device," Morgan said. " The con is letting it take away a person’s ability to think, as well as real human interaction.” According to a 2023 article by the Brookings Institution titled ‘Should schools ban or integrate generative AI in the classroom, “schools that ban AI deny students and teachers the potential opportunities to leverage the technology for instruction and lesson development.” This form of learning could benefit different learning styles. Morgan expressed her thoughts on the ongoing developments surrounding AI in classrooms. “There are parts of it that are extremely helpful, but it could lead to threatening specific types of job markets, ” Morgan said. “For example, there's AI that has been designed for tutoring, like in math, English, and even in computer science. I think as a tutoring tool it can be good but not the same as human interaction learning. It's designed to help break down things into easier language. However, the danger in that is students will use the generator to get the answer.” With the rapid usage of AI/ ChatGPT, students have expressed a sense of relief in their workload. The AI tool is capable of writing papers, solving math problems, and generating ideas. Students look at this strategy as a skeleton key for the ongoing semesters. Veronica Sulzman a sophomore at CC talked about the importance of education and obtaining a degree. “I used to go to the Writing Center all the time, and they really help. However, in my current English class, the requirement is that we have to use AI to help generate ideas and formats for our papers,” Sulzman said. “It (AI) helps with general education classes too because you need those classes as a refresher for later on in life. The other day I was telling my daughter that English isn’t a needed subject. But people need to know the proper basic rules of writing emails or papers properly. AI helps you understand the different formats faster. “ The main concern with AI is that students will use the tool to cheat in their classes, which could cause a generation of students to disregard the material. Morgan spoke about the issue. She said, “One of the things that is being recommended for teachers to do is basing their papers on in-person human experience.” AI is looked at as both a tool and a threat to students and teachers. The challenges it brings aren't solved easily, but continue to spark curiosity in schools all over the country. �Page 4 CHINOOK December 1, 2023 The Shining Light that is Valerie Innella Maiers Yaasmiyn Hickman/Chinook Valerie Innella Maiers, Visual Arts Instructor is photographed in the Tobin Visual Art Center. She personally selects artwork that goes into the Strausner building at Casper College. Yaasmiyn Hickman Chinook Writer Valerie Innella Maiers, PH.D., has experienced a very cultured life. She is a visual arts instructor at Casper College. She lives a life full of opportunities and culture. Coming from Central New Jersey, she felt that teaching was a part of her calling. Taking a break from working full time at art galleries, Innella Maiers applied to teach at Casper College to pursue her love for art and teaching. Innella Maiers said, “I've always been interested in art. I did study art history but didn't expect to teach full-time. I moved to Texas and they offered me the opportunity to teach an introduction to art class, which I really enjoyed. Then I went back to school to get my doctorate in Art Education. Now I get to both teach and work in art galleries.” Teaching wasn't even a part of her initial life plan. An out one-time experience stimulated an interest that wasn’t there before. Bringing the need to do it again, and eventually turning it into a career. Innella Maiers found joy in teaching students about her passion. Innella Maiers shared some of the things she enjoys about teaching. “Teaching is something that came to me unexpectedly. Learning about the different types of kids and what they want to do with their degrees is a refreshing chapter that I look forward to every day,” said Innella Maiers. Coming from a highly populated state, Innella Maiers said she loves everything Casper, Wyo. offers. The flat lands are different from the city life in New Jersey, yet she never fails to find hidden gems of joy. “I love to visit family back in New Jersey and visit New York, but in Wyoming, you're surrounded by this beautiful landscape,” Innella Maiers said. There's less traffic and more opportunities to go hiking. Especially since fall is here and there are turkeys and deer right outside the art building.” Maiers is active in the community by directing the Casper College Humanities Festival each year. The festival is an event that explores disciplines from social and physical sciences, humanities, and fine arts. She is also very involved in The Casper College Foundation of Fine Art Collection. Where art pieces are selected to be furnished into buildings all over Casper, Wyoming, including CC. "The Humanities festival mainly focuses on humanities, but we touch on other areas. There are speakers from political science or related to agriculture,” said Innella Maiers. “All the visual art on campus is a part of The Casper College Foundation Fine Art Collection.” Innella Maiers explained that she is often moving art or loaning art to museum expeditions. She said some of the artworks are from past students, but most of the collection is from artists across the United States. There was so much accomplishment, as she spoke of all the art she handles. Innella Maiers radiates a bright and comfortable presence. She spoke full of content happiness, especially when talking about her travels. Europe is a continent that is filled with classic and popular art. “I teach travel courses, as well and this past summer I taught a class about the Georgian era of Scottish art and architecture in Edinburgh, Scotland for the University of Wyoming. Then for three weeks, we were in London England to gather art information and incorporate it into future classes,” Innella Maiers explained. Innella Maiers said she was part of a fellowship with the University of Wyoming faculty in Jerusalem, Israel this past January. She said she got to see the earliest churches and modern/ contemporary art. For CC I've taken students to places like Spain, Morocco, and Budapest. Students who major in art classes at CC take at least one of Innella Maiers’ classes. Freshman Moriah Jones spoke about her experience with Innella Maiers. “I love Valerie. She is the sweetest, most interesting person I've ever met. Whenever I have questions or need clarification, she always approaches the situation with care. I never feel lost or angry after our interactions. Valerie has a subtle sweetness about her,” Jones said. Flash Mob! WRITING CENTER The Writing Center at Casper College is here to help our students and members of the community. Brainstorm possible paper topics Craft an essay Gain writing strategies And so much more! Visit us in Strausner Hall, room 215 or visit the Writing Center Moodle site for additional resources and appointment scheduling! Contact: 307-268-2610 wco@caspercollege.edu LucyJane Crimm/Chinook Casper College dancers Bella Garro and Nate Skoglund performed in a flash mob in the cafeteria on campus. Garro and Skoglund are taking Jodi Jones' esemble dance class this fall. �December 1, 2023 Page 5 CHINOOK Unexpected leap to journalism Lane Johnson Chinook Writer In August of 2022 Garrett Grochowski moved into the dorms of the University of Wyoming in Laramie and prepared to pursue his degree in anthropology. The Friday before classes started, Grochowski decided he didn’t want to be in Laramie or study anthropology because of many things going on in his life, mainly his dad getting very sick. Acting on a whim that weekend, Grochowski decided to apply at Casper College before things got going at UW, and he moved back home to Casper. “I got registered for all my classes and then went to that first class like an hour later,” Grochowski said. Grochowski knew that he no longer wanted to do anthropology and wanted to instead get into journalism because he knew he enjoyed writing. He said he felt very fortunate when accepted at CC because of how quickly he changed his mind at UW. “I dropped my classes at UW before I came back,” he said. “So if I didn’t get into Casper College, I would have been out a semester.” Grochowski grew up in Casper and felt like returning was the best option for him with many family issues going on at home. He also believed that he grew up and matured slower than his peers. “I feel more mature. I feel like an adult actually,” Grochowski said about coming home. “I was able to be there with my dad when he passed away. And I’m happy -- And I don’t think I’d be as happy, and I’d have a lot more regrets.” He said that coming to CC was a great experience because of the small atmosphere and things are more “intimate” with the teachers and peers. Grochowsk said CC helped him know that he wanted to be a journalist. He added he isn’t sure that even the same journalism degree track at UW would have led him down the same path. “It’s kinda crazy how when you start college, the expectation is like just pick something, and then get a degree in that and then it’ll be the rest of your life… If I was into [communication at UW]… I wouldn’t be as sure as I am now without the experience I got in Casper.” Grochowski added that his teachers were great at CC and really helped him know that he loves journalism. He believes that Communication Instructor Bri Weigel was a huge part of his experience at CC, and she was a mentor for him to get into doing the things that he loves. “She’s been great because she’s helped me find things outside of CC that have vastly helped me… She’s genuine, and she’s like a friend,” Grochowski said. “She doesn’t treat you like you’re a student there to take her class. She’s trying to build you into the person you’re trying to be.” Grochowski shared high praise for Weigel and is thankful that she still reaches out to him to give him more opportunities to learn. He said he wouldn’t have worked at Oil City News if it wasn’t for her, and he is happy that she still makes him feel as though he is a part of CC even after he left. “She set the foundation for the writer that I am today,” said Grochowski. Grochowski and his good friend Marc Sanford worked at Oil City News over the summer and both said they gained extensive knowledge from the experience. Sanford talked about their time at Oil City News and explained that Grochowski went above and beyond. “We were only supposed to work 20 hours a week. He probably worked 40. He put in so much work for that company,” Sanford said. Grochowski made an impact in just three months of working for Oil City News. His peers at CC know about him and he definitely left a mark on the community according to Sanford. “It shows that he is a pretty special dude -- that he was able to make that much of an impact,” Sanford said. Grochowski and Sanford are now roommates at The University of Wyoming, and Grochowski is very grateful for his opportunity to be a student at Casper College. Grochowski believes that his time at CC set up his future and allowed him to get back on track in his life. He built the foundation for his future, and Photo Courtesy of Ben Winckler Photography it goes back to that last second Garrett Grochowski, a former CC student, posed for a photo. decision to return home for a Grochowski found his love for journalism when he made the year. last-minute decision to attend college in his hometown. Building the future on the foundation of the past Geoff Cooper/Chinook Darrin Miller, welding instructer at CC, is pictured in the welding shop on campus. Geoff Cooper Chinook Writer Inflation and cost of living are two commonly discussed concepts, and they only ever seem to be going in one direction very quickly – a direction and a pace that wage growth is unable to match. The days of buying a new part to replace the old or the broken will soon be over, but there is still hope in the form of teachers like Darin Miller, one of the welding instructors here at Casper College. Miller’s early life on a farm in Torrington, Wyo echoes our world’s current predicament. “We couldn’t afford new stuff,” said Miller. “We had to fix the old stuff, and I think now we’re starting to see that again. In the last three or four years, and even before that, it turned into a throwaway world. And now with shipping lanes how they are and everything on back order it’s starting to be like it was before. People are going to have to learn how to rebuild stuff again.” Miller doesn’t necessarily see this as all bad because there’s a fair amount of merit in making do with what you have and being self-sufficient. Growing up on a farm with old equipment and irrigation that’s done by hand takes a bit of ingenuity after all, and it’s what set him on the path to where he is now. “I think one time, the planter broke, and dad welded on it three times,” Miller said. “He didn’t know what he was doing, and I dang sure didn’t know what I was doing, but he started throwing stuff so I asked if I could take a crack at it.” After successfully fixing the planter, Miller said he became the farms resident handyman. This knack for fixing and rebuilding equipment led to a degree in diesel technology and in welding from Eastern Wyoming College. He was always fascinated with seeing how things tick and reverse engineering them with the goal of “building a better wheel.” Unfortunately, he got out of welding school in 1986, during an oil bust. “You couldn’t buy a job welding, even here in Casper,” Miller said. Miller got married the same year and needed a way to pay the bills. He enlisted in the US Army shortly thereafter and was stationed in Ft Hood, Texas. He later attended a Reserve Officer Training Corp program and commissioned as an officer before becoming the commander of the maintenance unit in Guernsey, Wyo. Leadership in the Army tends to involve a lot of meetings, logistics and paperwork, so whenever Miller needed a break from that he would go down to the shop and help the enlisted. “I tell you what, it was a lot of work, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” Miller said. Despite being in a leadership position for many years in Guernsey and completing his military service as a Major (Promotable), Miller said he never really saw himself as a teacher. It was a friend of his dad’s, who worked for the job service here in Casper, that got Miller to apply for the job here at CC. Right around that same time, Miller was working on a welding job down in Torrington. He was hired because the guy before him almost died on the project. He said teaching sounded better by comparison, so he’s been doing it ever since. In addition to welding, Miller saw to the development of the auto body shop and a fabrication shop at the college. Students rebuild classic cars and learn how to reverse engineer and produce older machine parts that aren’t made anymore. Miller also takes the students to assist in the Platte River Cleanup with the goal of giving back to the community and teaching team building. Between the military and teaching, Miller said that his proudest accomplishment is his students and the success they find in the welding program. Students like Marvin Aragon, whom Miller hired to teach with him after he went through CC’s program. “I taught him how to weld once. I know I don’t have to do it again,” Miller said. Aragon graduated in 2016 and went back to his hometown of Lander for a few months. He didn’t find any work, but luckily for him, Miller reached out to let him know there was a job at Pepper Tank here in Casper. He worked there up until a couple of years ago when Miller called him again and asked if he wanted to come teach at the college. “I had my concerns. I had my doubts, but he talked me out of them,” Aragon said. Like Miller, Aragon never saw himself teaching, but he’s glad he took the leap. For Aragon, working with Miller is a blast. He loves coming to work and seeing a new group of students every year. Despite being a teacher himself, he still learns a lot from Miller. “I don’t think I could ever get tired of working with him. He’s the best teacher I’ve ever had,” Aragon said. The two became friends when Aragon stopped by to visit during his time at Pepper Tank, and he said that other students come back from time to time to get advice from Miller or bounce ideas off of him. Despite having an old school teaching style, he said Miller is very approachable, and he believes the way Miller is running the program really works for their students. Welding, to Aragon, is foundational to society. Just about everything you see, every building you enter, needed a welder at some point. It’s just a matter of finding the people who want to do the work and training them. Both Owen Nielson and Zane Neville started in the welding program this semester. Nielson plans to go to work on an oil pipeline, and Neville plans to work in structural welding. Like Aragon, they describe Miller as old school. “He doesn’t go around the truth. He tells you what you need to do and how to figure it out,” Nielson said. Both students said they appreciate his old school attitude because they think it’s preparing them for the real-world in welding. They described welding as an old school profession, one that won’t treat them like glass. At the same time, they also described Miller as an open book. Someone they feel comfortable coming back to for advice. “He allows you to give your best shot,” Neville said. “I don’t think it’s ever good enough for him though. He wants you to keep getting better and better and better, which I think is needed in a teacher.” Miller has been teaching for over thirty years, and though his military days are far behind him, he believes that the patience and leadership qualities he learned in the Army are a large part of his success in teaching. The three attributes of a leader, and subsequently a teacher, according to the Army, are character, presence and intellect. All three of these attributes are clearly seen through the descriptions given by Miller’s students – students who are now more prepared for a world that can’t just throw things away. Partnering to better serve the deaf community Geoff Cooper/Chinook In partnership with Serve Wyoming - Student Learning Initiative, Emergency Medical Students and American Sign Language students at Casper College worked together to learn more about deafness. The training involved local deaf community members in simulation activities where the EMS students interacted and cared for deaf patients. The simulation activities help prepare up-and-coming first responders for caring for this patient demographic. Above and to the right: Tia Iedema, Kaela Lundstrom, and Dawson Butler practice sign language with instructor Gail Schenfisch. To the left, Raghuram Prasad, Kevin Tomphson, and Dawson Butler work with a deaf volunteer. �Page 6 December 1, 2023 CHINOOK Fall sports recap Photo and content courtesy of the Casper College Public Relations Department The men's soccer team celebrates at a September game against Western Nebraska Community College. The men's soccer team finished at 10-7-7. The team won the Region IX Northwest Plains District Championship beating Otero College. The final score was T, 1-1. Because they were the Region IX winners, they went on to the 2023 NJCAA D1 Men't Soccer Chapionship in Wichita, Kan. In the national tournament, the T-Birds entered pool play with two other teams. If there was a team in the group that could beat the other two opponents, then that team moved in to tournament play. In the first game against Arizona Western College, the T-Birds lost 1-0. The next game was against Louisiana State University-Eunice. The T-Birds won that match 2-1. However, Arizona Western College also beat Otero, so AWC moved on. Photo and content courtesy of the Casper College Public Relations Department Licia Echevarria serves the ball at a September game against Gillette College. The women's volleyball team ended a great season with a 30-14 record overall. The team had a 4-1 record in the Region IX Tournament, taking first in the B bracket. The showing earned them a trip to the 2023 NJCAA D1 Volleyball Championship in Hutchinson, Kan. The Lady T-Birds lost their first match to Miami Dade College and went to the consolation round where they beat Blinn College and New Mexico Junior College. In the game to determine ninth place, they lost to Indian Hills Community College and placed 10th in the tournament and in the country. This is the highest the volleyball team has ever placed in the national tournament. Photo and content courtesy of the Casper College Public Relations Department Michelle Cave kicks to score in a September game against Laramie County Community College. The women's soccer team finished at 13-2-2. The team made it to the semi finals in the Region IX Northwest Plains District Championship but lost to Otero when the game ended 0-0 in regular time, and Otero beat them in double overtime. Join our staff this spring! Practice interviewing & writing Take photos & design Learn sales & advertising Explore social media & promotion The Chinook is a one credit class titled Independent Publications. Contact our faculty advisor Bri Weigel for more information at brianne.weigel@caspercollege.edu �December 1, 2023 Page 7 CHINOOK Beyond the cap and gown: Behind the scenes of graduation Submitted Photo Casper College 2023 graduates celebrated at commencement after being presented with their degrees. LucyJane Crimm Chinook Writer Every college student looks forward to commencement day, but what goes on behind the scenes for graduation? Who ensures that each student completes the right credits and fills out the proper forms? Who makes sure each student is getting the information they need? And what happens if they don't receive it? It’s a more complicated process than students may think. Casper College’s Registrar Linda Nichols stressed the difference between gradua- tion and commencement. She said graduation is the official process of completing the program and receiving the degree, while commencement is the celebration that happens after graduation. CC ‘s 2023 graduates need to note important upcoming dates- - April 1 is the deadline for students to apply for graduation, Feb. 24 - April 14 is the window for students to order their cap and gown, and commencement practice and ceremony is May 12. All the departments at the college play a role in graduation and commencement, but a lot of the process starts in the records department. “Students see MyCCInfo and we [staff] have the administrative side of it that we use to process [degree evaluations],” Nichols said. “When we run a degree audit, it looks a lot like the progress that students see… But sometimes there's unique pieces in there that are different for degrees, and we can’t make it show properly. So there’s sometimes manual edits or updates that we need to do.” The records department handles the forms for graduation and commencement. The process starts when students fill out their first degree evaluation, typically in their third semester, to make sure they are taking the correct classes, fulfilling requirements and planning appropriately. Then in the last semester of college, students need to fill out the graduation application. Once that form is sent to records, the students are once again run through the degree evaluation process before the degree is posted. The degree evaluation process happens a third time when final grades are posted to ensure they have everything they need. “Those are electronic forms, so the student logs in to submit those forms and then it comes to us electronically… it comes to us in an electronic queue, so then we go through and process those. Then we send them back to students electronically,” Nichols explained. Any forms that need to be filled out can be found on the Casper College website in the records section. Graduation and commencement information and deadlines can be found on this page. If students have questions about graduation, they can email the records department. “When it gets to the end of the semester and we’re ready to start checking grades and posting, the name of the game is like Santa making a list and checking it twice- - and three times and four times. Just going through and making sure everyone is on the list and they’re registered for what they need to be,” Nichols said. Walking across the stage and finally getting that diploma at commencement is a very exciting moment for most students, and the CC public relations department also plays a big part in making commencement run smoothly. From photos, to livestreams and even just hyping students up, the public relations department wears many hats. “We view [commencement] as a celebration of students and their achievements. We really want them to be celebrated that day, so we try to do things that assist with that,” Director of public relations Christopher Lorenzen said. “Usually, we put together the commencement program, we get it all together and produce it. We do the livestream of the events and some photography. We do the news releases about it, and then after we send out dean’s lists and presidents lists to local papers. We do social media posts to celebrate it. There’s just all kinds of little things- - we’re even helping design the diploma cover.” PR’s most important role on the day of commencement is the livestream they do of the ceremony. Commencement takes place in the Ford Wyoming Center and PR streams the footage and audio live onto the CC YouTube channel for family members and friends who are unable to attend. “I think the live stream is really important to all the families that can’t make it to commencement, especially for our international graduates,” Lorenzen added. As is the way of life, not everything will always go according to plan. Every year around graduation and commencement, some problems arise. One of the biggest problems is making sure the students are receiving emails with information and completing the forms they need to. “Unfortunately every semester we get to the end of the semester and a student kind of shows up out of nowhere saying ‘Hey I’m graduating!’ Really? Because you never told us. We always do our best at accommodating when students miss deadlines,” Nichols said. Some of the challenges the PR department faces come with their biggest role, the commencement livestream. “The biggest challenge is putting on the live broadcast of the event,” Lorenzen said. “It takes a lot of us. It takes a whole department to support it. We’ve got it down, but there's always something that happens that you don't anticipate. From a bad HDMI cable to a camera that goes out, or even the internet configuration.” Students play a big role in graduation and commencement going smoothly. Nichols said that students can make a big difference just by checking and reading emails in a timely fashion and by paying attention to deadlines and communicating with advisors. The biggest factor in a successful graduation process is communication. Dr. Divine’s journey to president of the college Bernadette Pieper Chinook Writer Submitted Photo Casper College President Dr. Darren Divine posed for a photo in the Gateway Building. Submitted Photo Dr. Divine addressed the audience at the 2023 Casper College Commencement ceremony. He started his career as a professor before becoming the faculty senate chair followed by associate vice president to vice president of academic affairs. Now he is president of Casper College. As if that were not enough, he also mastered being a husband, chocolatier, and competitive pistol shooter. Darren Divine, Ph.D., began his journey as the president of the college in the summer of 2015. Before coming to CC, he worked as a professor and then vice president at the College of Southern Nevada and at the University at Las Vegas. Divine said he never thought he would be the president of a college, but he references a quote that helped him along the way. He shares the quote with students, crediting a professor from one of the colleges where he worked. “Discovery is recognizing something you didn’t know existed,” Divine quoted. He majored in biology before starting his career. His love for biology stemmed from his father because he was a fisheries biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. His career has helped him along his journey to become president. “I would not trade it for anything. The reason that I got into this was because of the students. I wanted to teach. It's no different now,” said Divine. “At the end of the day, the answer is well that is part of my job, but that’s not the important part…My pleasure, my honor, my joy is to celebrate students and support students.” Some of Divine’s goals for the college are to keep up with the changing needs in life in order to meet student needs. “If I could impart anything to anybody, it is to remind them that everything we do is for students. Literally, there is not a job on campus that isn’t here for students,” said Divine. Others have seen that Divine is there for the students and that is what helps CC to bring in more students. “One of the things that is very clear when you meet Dr. Divine is that he is passionately committed to the college. He believes the student comes first and focuses on the student’s needs and where our decisions are made in daily work,” said Christopher Lorenzen, director of public relations at CC. Lorenzen and Divine both talked about how Divine loves to support students. Divine traveled over 1,000 miles to watch the men’s Soccer team at Regionals, the volleyball team at Regionals, and the music concert with the Dean Morgan Middle School. Divine talked about how he is always heartbroken if he cannot make it to an event that involves CC students. He said he really wanted to make it to the Nationals to watch the soccer team and volleyball team but he could not. “I got to put my big boy pants on,” Divine said, as he has other obligations as president. When Lorenzen started his job at CC, he noticed how Divine does so much for the college and the students. “I was blown away by the positive perception that the college has. You can really see how Darren and the trustees lead the college. Their passion is for the students,” said Lorenzen. Aside from serving as president of the college, Divine is a chocolatier in his spare time. He found a passion for it after learning about chocolate from his father at an early age. He remembers every Christmas his dad would make chocolate pretzels and more. There was just one day out of the blue when he started to do the pretzels and more with chocolate when he was working at the college in Las Vegas. Divine said that when he and his wife lived in Las Vegas, she took him to a cake and chocolate shop where he met the owner. The shop’s owner helped him with his passion for chocolate. Since then, Divine perfected his work as a chocolatier. He occasionally offers a class for others to learn, giving him the opportunity to share one of his passions and still be a teacher. Lorenzen stated, “He likes to master it. He significantly enjoys his work. You can see by all of the things that he is involved in.” Lorenzen talked about how Divine is passionate about his hobbies, and works hard to master his crafts, like being a chocolatier and a competitive pistol shooter. Divine also participates in many pistol shooting competitions. He is a ranger too, meaning he helps with setting up for competitions. Divine said that since working as president, he has not had much time to shoot or to go hunting. He talked about how he hopes to get back to doing it more often, but he has been doing his job as president first. He really enjoys his pistol shooting competitions and all of his other hobbies. Divine is there for his students and employees. When he talks with students or employees about their experiences here at CC or things brought to his attention he tells them this: Divine said he tells this to students and others, “A phrase I always use, ‘Achieve your goals and realize your dreams.’” www.caspercollegechinook.com �Page 8 December 1, 2023 CHINOOK The art of connection Nina Bivens Chinook Writer Picture a stage in a theater where one side of the stage belongs to the music department and the other the theater department. Such a place exists at a community college in Scottsbluff, Neb. Almost 28 years ago, two individuals worked together on opposite ends of the stage, but they never met for five years. It wasn’t until Terry Rogers, the coach for the theater program at the time, reached out to Cindy, a piano instructor. He wanted her help with the upcoming school play, specifically to take the role as a rehearsal pianist with ridiculous hours and a paycheck of only $200. Wanting to provide for her family and take on a new adventure, Cindy said yes, igniting one of the most successful love stories to grace Casper, Wyo. Loving husband and Casper College Communication Instructor Terry Rogers grew up in an environment where there wasn’t a lot of money, but his needs were met and he was highly involved. However, Cindy Rogers, private piano instructor and loving wife grew up as an only child with parents that loved each other unconditionally, setting a great foundation for what a marriage or relationship should look like. Both Terry and Cindy were previously divorced. Fortunately, the splits created an opportunity for Terry and Cindy to cross paths. Cindy said, “We both remember what the first marriage was like. We both had a very hard first marriage, so we both know how bad it can be. So we both really think of each other first. Love is more than a feeling -- it's a commitment.” One of the most unique qualities about Terry and Cindy’s relationship is how they inspire each other. “In some ways, we are very much alike, and in some ways we are very different,” Terry said. “I'm inspired by her ability to trust in her heart and always, always see the best in people. I wish I could be like that.” Because of their experiences, Terry and Cindy came together and created a solid footing. Cindy spoke to Terry’s strengths. “He (Terry) is so steady and calm,” she said. “He is the steady line of the relationship -- that's how my mom and dad were too. He makes this place so safe for us and for me.” This shared inspiration has allowed the couple to be together for almost 28 years with their anniversary coming up this month. Terry shared what advice he would give to others wanting to have a stronger relationship like his with Cindy. “Being open, honest and transparent gives us the ability to have real conversations. It's like a positive cycle that keeps feeding in on itself,” Terry said. Cindy shared the same sentiment. “There is an openness towards one another -- trust, a willingness to be kind to one another regardless of what we feel in the moment,” Cindy said. “There is a commitment not to be rude or disrespectful. We agree that certain behaviors aren’t okay because we have respect for one another.” Terry explained that there is a space between two people when they hug each other, and it is called the inside space. Terry said that “We talk about keeping inside on the inside and the outside on the outside, and the outside always wants to get on the inside and that pushes you apart.” Overall, both Terry and Cindy believe that focusing on their relationship and keeping other factors out of it is the center of creating a healthy Submitted Photo Communication Instructor Terry Rogers and his wife Cindy stopped for a photo while out on an adventure together. The couple will celebrate their 28th wedding anniversary this year. environment in a relationship that can last a lifetime. In the end, this relationship works because of the effort to have trust, honesty, and communication between them. As Cindy puts it, “It’s a sacred thing to us. It’s a relationship like no other.” Casper College's 'It's a Wonderful Life' LucyJane Crimm/Chinook From left, Kyler Rabourn, Nathan Skoglund and Kirsten King read their lines off on stage. The play was a radio adaptation of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” so the actors focused on voice acting and setting the scene of a radio station. LucyJane Crimm/Chinook Abigail Larsen brings a water pitcher to the other actors on stage. Larsen played the role of an assistant at the radio station. LucyJane Crimm/Chinook Ambrosia Johnson, who plays Mary Hatch Bailey, stands at the microphone as she performs her lines. Pictured here are the foley artistse in charge of sound effects using props. LucyJane Crimm/Chinook �December 1, 2023 Page 9 CHINOOK About Us Discover the educational opportunities at UW Casper, the exclusive branch campus of the University of Wyoming. At UW Casper, we are dedicated to serving site-bound students, whether you're following a traditional path or pursuing education on your terms. Our diverse range of bachelor's and master's degree programs are offered through both asynchronous and traditional delivery methods, catering to your unique learning style. Plus, we're proud to offer a variety of scholarships to make higher education a valuable and accessible experience for every student. Join us in shaping your future at UW Casper, where excellence in education meets your needs. Bachelor Degrees Master’s Degrees Master of Social Workadvanced standing and standard programs available Master of Counseling- school counseling and mental counseling available Organizational Leadership Biology Communication Psychology Medical Laboratory Sciences Elementary Education Social Work Zoology Sociology Secondary Science Education Criminal Justice General Studies Career & Technical Education Make an appointment with an advisor today! 307-268-2713 Union/University Building #435 uwyo.edu/uwcasper/ � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Chinook Student Newspaper Online Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2019-2026 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA 08.iii.2023.01_Chinook_Digital Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Online Chinook Newspaper 2023-12 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2023-12 Description An account of the resource This is a copy of the online Chinook Newspaper from December 2023. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA_08.i.2023.01_2023-12 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF https://caspercollege.cvlcollections.org/files/original/0be94553ffb7b47510039238ef6ead0c.pdf 5607a6096799ccec4c9955ccf80e4ce1 PDF Text Text March 1, 2024 Casper College’s Student Voice Since 1945 "The Lightning Thief" Theater students work hard to prepare musical Lairen Brush Chinook Writer Lairen Brush/Chinook Theater Instructor Richard Burk visits with students in his acting II class. Students pictured here include (from left to right) Ella Meyer, Abigail Ehrlich, and Kyler Rabourn. The department is activeling working on the "The Lightning Theif," set to open on April 18. Much like the rest of the ensemble in the Theater Department at Casper College, Ella Meyer, a student for the theater student, and Richard Burk, an instructor for the theater performance degree, are preparing for the upcoming play adaptation of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, which will run April 18 through the 27. Some students, like Meyer, did not have much theater experience prior to attending Casper College. They mainly participated in underfunded high school programs that didn’t accurately represent how a professional production should run. For instance, the shift to the college stage meant going from unstructured tryouts to a more professional feel. Meyer said she finds the tryouts at CC challenging. In CC’s theater department, students are also part of the greater cast, such as assistant stage managers among other positions. The Lightning Thief is a student cast, with the exception of the five-piece accompanying orchestra as it will include both local musicians and students. With the upcoming release, the passion and dedication of the actors and crew is strong despite the production’s strain on their schedules. “You don’t really have time to socialize,” Meyer said. “And you only socialize with your cast. And if there’s a problem within the cast, there’s just a problem.” Due to the amount of work required for a play, theater students don’t really interact with classmates outside the Theater Department during this time. For instance, the participants in the Lightning Thief rehearse for nearly six weeks before opening week, and even have a guest choreographer coming to help them. Students and staff alike all handle the stress differently. Some are stressed at the time of the auditions while others feel stressed in the middle of the process when the time necessary for the production conflicts with midterms and assignments in other classes. Some are stressed throughout the entire process. Despite this, Burk said all that stress is hidden once the play begins as the theater program seems to bring out something in the students, giving them an outlet to be extroverted when they normally wouldn’t be. “I’m definitely extroverted,” Meyer said. “I’ve always been extroverted and really loud.” This trend is not normal outside of theater classes. “In a new class, I won’t talk to anyone, like any class outside of theater classes that I have,” Meyer said. However, Burk said the theater department gives students an opportunity to express themselves differently as he believes most of the theater students are introverted, even if they deny it, but then act out in a very extroverted way by being very outgoing in their performances. Richard Burk said, “And, of course, they’re anxious to make sure they’re expressing the thoughts behind the Lightning Thief, which I think has to do with fitting in, feeling like you can’t fit in, feeling like the world doesn’t recognize you for who you are.” — See Theater Page 3 CC Course teaches basic self defense, legal defense Geoff Cooper Chinook Writer Geoff Cooper/Chinook Butch Steinle, former SWAT officer and current Casper College self defense instructor, poses for photo in front of a target. It’s unlikely to end up in a dire self-defense situation, given Wyoming’s violent crime rate, but self-defense isn’t really about the every day. It’s about being prepared for the worst day. “Situational awareness can help you avoid a majority of conflict,” said Butch Steinle, the instructor for Casper College’s self-defense course. “But if you’re in it and it finds you and you can’t avoid it, then you need to know how to execute a certain amount of force swiftly and violently.” Steinle served as a police officer in various capacities for seventeen years and has an extensive background in both armed and unarmed combat. In addition to serving as a SWAT officer, Steinle is a certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructor, and this is the basis for CC’s course. According to Steinle, “The main focus is on Jiu-Jitsu because you can take a hundred- and ten-pound female and she can leverage her entire body onto a specific area of an opponent or a predator and inflict pain or even injury to the point where she can get away.” However, getting away isn’t the only thing to consider in a self-defense scenario. “Self-defense isn’t just going home, it’s also staying out of jail,” said Steinle. “You need to know when to stop and de-escalate so you don’t end up in prison.” Besides a background in criminal justice, Steinle has also been investigated himself, as many SWAT officers are, for various events in the line of duty. He brings this unique perspective to the program and imparts those lessons to his students. Zoe Swanson, a student enrolled in his class this semester, said that the Steinle relates any given scenario with a volume button and explains when that button needs to be turned up or turned down. “It’s really nice because it’s adjustable for each situation,” Swanson said. “It’s also a very safe environment to practice in, and he really takes his time going over each move.” This safe environment is something that Steinle is deliberate in fostering. “A lot of people are intimidated by this kind of stuff,” Steinle said. “So, I really try to create a safe, fun, and friendly environment. Especially since some of the people pursuing this might have experienced some level of trauma in their life. I want them to feel safe to practice in a controlled environment where they can regain their confidence.” Besides being a confidence builder, this class is also available as a PE credit, and it is a unique opportunity for the community since you don’t have to be enrolled in a degree seeking program to attend. The class is currently listed as PEAC 1041 for those interested in registering next semester. Searching for awe every day Abrielle Santee Chinook Contributor Submitted Photo Chad Hanson, a sociology instructor and advisor for the social work program at Casper College, recently posed for a photo. People from all different walks of life fill each office and dorm room of Casper College. Sitting in the space of others gives one a glimpse into their world. If a student walks down the hallways of Liesinger Hall and finds themselves in the 175 office pod, tucked away in the corner is LH175B. Upon entering the office, a few things will stand out. These might include a mug with a snake in the clutches of an owl, a festive sombrero, and three pine cones set up behind the desk on the window where the light can shine in on them. Books fill the shelves, ranging from philosophy and scientific study to poetry. Pictures of landscapes and horses hang on the walls like portals back to fresh air and wideopen spaces. Knickknacks and stickers garnish the room on every available surface, a reminder of where they came from. The desk, however, remains moderately clean and organized. Splashes of color decorate a black bookshelf and white walls. In a place where everything seems out of place, everything is where it should be. It feels like the walls are telling those who enter they belong too. Welcome to the office of Chad Hanson. Hanson is a sociology instructor and an advisor for the social work program at CC. Hanson searches for inspiration in everyday life and brings that experience and attitude into the classroom. Hanson's story took him from the snowy nights of Minnesota to the mountain biking trails of Arizona and the lakes and rivers of Wisconsin. Hanson admits his reason for moving to Wyoming might seem a little unorthodox. He said, “This isn’t usually the reason people make professional decisions, but I moved to Casper to teach here so that I could fish in the North Platte River. I’ll cop to that.” Following the fly fishing, Hanson found himself in a trout and nature lover’s paradise. The move put him in touch with the Bigh Horn and Snowy Range mountains. More then just a change of scenery, Frankland said, CC gave Hanson more creativity with his program and a better connection with students. Political Science Instructor and personal friend of Hanson, Erich Frankland, described Hanson as one of the most engaging instructors at CC, stating Hanson makes his coursework relatable. He connects with many students, a helpful skill for an instructor of a common prerequisite. Frankland said, “The ancient Greek philosophy of education is mind, body, heart, or spirit. We’re obviously focused on the mind here as a college, but I think he sees students with a more holistic perspective.” By looking at students with a broader lens, Hanson makes them feel comfortable. Frankland said college can be intimidating, especially for students from smaller towns, different states, or foreign countries. People feel listened to and valued when talking to him, which reduces their anxiety and creates an environment like the one he had going through school. Good teachers have good teachers. Hanson is no exception. “I had role model after role model. Sometimes I'll catch myself. I’ll say something or — See Hanson Page 3 �Page 2 March 1, 2024 CHINOOK Divine's Intervention: Chinook Stance The perfect spot for lunch Lane Johnson Johnson’s Journal Imagine you wake up late for school and don’t have a chance to make yourself lunch. You have a 45-minute break between classes in the afternoon and don’t have a meal plan at the College. You could always just grab lunch from one of the fast-food restaurants in town. But what's the fun in that, when Casper College has a cheap delicious option right here on campus? Sub Connection is the perfect choice for a quick lunch. I have found myself getting a sub many times throughout my year at CC. When I walk into the Union Building and take a prompt right I’m greeted with a delicious smell of fresh bread and coffee. I love having the option to stay on campus and get a cheap meal. Sub Connections also has a Starbucks menu so it doubles as a coffee shop. Students who need a little caffeine to start their day off have the perfect option. Having a coffee shop on campus is also nice when you only have a small break in between classes and want to just hangout around campus. You can always go grab a drink and find a quiet place to study and catch-up on school work during the day. Sub Connection also recently added salads to their menu with the build your own option. If you have a sweet tooth there are also many desert options you can add on as well. These many options are great for any college student or professor with a break in their schedule. I have eaten a homemade sandwich for nearly every lunch since I was six-years-old. Now I can go into Sub Connections and have them make my signature ham and cheese sandwich for the cheap price of $4. The prices at Sub Connection are what make it so appealing to me. Having the ability to spend less than $10 on lunch gives me a good and affordable option for those days when I don’t feel like making lunch or when I wake up late and have to hurry out of the house. Sub Connections is the perfect hybrid of snack stand and fast food that it’s a no-brainer when you’re free and hungry on campus. caspercollegechinook.com As I was thinking about what to write for this edition, I looked back over previous submissions, and came across this topic from last year. As I sat and thought about it, I realized it is as important, if not more so, than before. So, with that idea as my “ inspiration, here are some updated thoughts on the world of politics. While Mark Twain is revered for his legendary and enduring prose, one of his most famous quotes is “Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress; but I repeat myself.” Now while this particular quote is humorous to some and exasperating to others, it is nonetheless part of the large genre of jokes about politicians and politics. Although I enjoy a good joke as much as the next person, I urge you to look past the joke-level, and ponder the purpose and function of politics. While each of us has our individual opinions of the political process, and individual or groups of politicians, I urge you to not cast aside the political process altogether. As I write this article, the race for the U.S. Presidency is ramping up to what will surly to be a full-throated campaign on both sides of the political divide. In addition, the Wyoming Legislature is in the middle of their four-week Budget Session to determine the state’s funding levels for the next two years. Both of these processes have the potential to not only shape how our national and state governments will operate in the near term, but they will also affect each of our lives, to some degree or another. Please know this is not a partisan political message, or a call for everyone to drop their current plans and run for elected office. Having said that, I would encourage anyone who is interested or feels compelled, to run for an elected office. I firmly believe everyone needs to be aware of the pieces of legislation being proposed and moving through your local, state, and national political processes. Democracy is a process of the people. Without being involved; without making your voice heard through public discourse, communication with elected representatives, and through the election process, you are leaving your future to the desires of others. While each of us has our individual opinions of the political process, and individual or groups of politicians, I urge you to not cast aside the political process altogether." — Dr. Darren Divine, Ph.D., Casper College President Literally, just talk to people I would like to preface this by saying, I am not a social person. Especially not with making the first move or impression on a new person. This is not a matter of being introverted or extroverted, I just tend to watch people, before even attempting to talk to a specific person. Granted, this could be seen as unintentionally creepy and I am fully aware of this. And I am fully aware that my people-watching could also be considered socially awkward, making it difficult to make new friends. My now best friend was the only spur-of-the-moment decision I made to talk to someone and that interaction was weird to a certain degree. She had been pronouncing a name wrong and I, sitting against a wall and reading a book, decided it was a good idea to correct her while talking to another person. Our next interaction was purely based on a mutual friend. Then, as they say, the rest is history. Outside of her, I have a maximum of five people that I have a conversation with on any given day. I don’t believe that I am the only college freshman with this issue. While the small size of Casper College may be my only basis for comparison, I do know that the struggles of talking to people in a large environment to the point of developing lasting, meaningful friendships is rare. CC offers the advantage of a small campus size compared to the much larger University of Wyoming in the college town of Laramie, so running into the same people is a given. Also, the class sizes are smaller, which makes striking up a conversation easier. I strongly believe in the ability of humans to adapt to situations. Taking the initiative is always a good idea, despite initial hesitance. The world at large is quite varied and presents so many opportunities to adapt to progress in life. I do hold strong to the belief that you just have to talk to people, as difficult and awkward as it may be at first. I have only recently made a friend outside of my friends from class. The conversation only started because of the icebreaker at the beginning of a class’ semester. The conversation would have ended there if I hadn’t shared a second class with them on the same day. Luckily, I did and they just happened to be sitting alone by the time I got there. I have added another person to my small list of five by midterms of this semester. Outside of talking to people, there are other ways to add to your social circle. Sign up for extracurricular activities. Look into different clubs. Try new experiences. Just be present and try not to overthink it. Just interact with people. Force yourself to strike up conversations, even if it’s just for an assignment or about a mutual class. Be out there. Put yourself out there. College is intrinsically made to force you to interact with new people. ‘Finding yourself’ is just a small part of interacting on a college campus. Casper College is filled Lairen Brush Brushing out the Details with a wide variety of students who come from everywhere, so why just limit yourself to one or two people? Don’t be a sheep, following the people from high school. Meet fellow students and develop friendships for this new and different stage of life that will make your college experience more gratifying and enjoyable. We are all here for educational purposes, so let’s educate each other about ourselves too. 34th Annual Wellness Conference April 4 and 5 at Casper College Gateway Building Thursday, April 4 is FREE to students, faculty, and staff and will feature a special screening of the PBS documentary “Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness” from 6-8 p.m. This award winning film is inspired by Casper College alumni Kee Dunning and the work she has done in her community around mental health awareness and advocacy. The screening will be followed by a panel Q&A discussion with Kee and other individuals featured in the film. Casper College Counseling Services believes in the importance of offering professionals, students and interested community members opportunities to learn about a variety of topics related to both physical and mental health. �March 1, 2024 Page 3 CHINOOK Theater................................................... Burk said he believes the theater department is helpful to students within the major as “it prepares them to move forward in the industry in preparing for a career,” but that doesn’t mean the theater program only benefits those in the major. “The benefit for people who are not majors is that everything we do is geared towards becoming comfortable and capable in the moment and in the presence of others… They are often willing to speak their mind, and I find often that students who are not involved in theater are not quite as ready to speak their mind,” Burk said. continued from page 1 Meyer, while she does not wish to pursue a future in theater as an actor, does wish to hopefully teach the subject and skills later in life. Hanson................................................... Chad Hanson is pictured above. He is journaling and observing on a warm day. Submitted Photo do something. If I have a moment to reflect I go, ‘Oh that was my old teacher Mike. I just did Mike,’” Hanson said. Hanson believes three factors make a good teacher. He said teachers need to know their subject, have a sense of humor, and they need to like students. Hanson has always enjoyed being in and around education. He considers himself lucky to work in schools and classes that always seemed joyful. While Hanson graduated with an extended major in Sociology, meaning he took more than the regular number of sociology courses, he initially pursued an art major. Hanson said, “It felt like a fit that I was unaware of till I actually put my feet in a (sociology) class and started learning about it. And on top of that, the person who taught the class just looked like he was having a barrel of fun.” Hanson liked the kind of worldview openended questions sociology tried to tackle. Hanson hasn’t given up his artsy interests like photography, ceramics, and music. The lines between art and sociology can get blurred. Hanson said, “Art can be seen a couple different ways. Some people would say it’s a reflection of culture and our way of life. Other people would say art, whether it's visual art, painting, films, music probably fits here too, maybe these forms of art are more than a reflection of our culture. Maybe they actually give shape to our culture. I think in the end, it’s probably both.” Hanson sees societies and art everywhere. He is an accomplished writer, and his wife is a painter and photographer. The pair bike around Casper, adventure in the mountains, track down wild horses and attend poetry readings and folk The Lightning Thief opens April 18. Burk encourages attendance. “Because it’s going to be great fun,” he said. continued from page 1 music concerts. One can find him where spirits are high, the coffee is black, or the inspiration is flowing. Hanson is constantly learning and reading new studies. Frankland said his ability to immerse himself in any new project or interest and then bring that back to the classroom helps to make topics and resources accessible and relevant to students. Frankland said, “He’s a bridge between academia and personal experience.” Hanson encourages students to take life a little slower to appreciate all the little moments. In his award-winning poetry, Hanson gives life to the awe-inspiring places he’s been able to see. Hanson continues to follow his passions, writing both sociological analyses and poetry. His advice is to start early and revise often. Hanson believes things are added and subtracted from a story to give it more life. “He has an infectious energy, and you can’t help but get excited about what he’s excited about,” Frankland said. Hanson thinks every new project becomes his favorite. His current project combines his love for wild horses with his fascination with the human experience centered around the sense of awe and wonder. “Now that I’m reading a lot of that research, it’s easy to go back through my life and realize just about everything I did was geared around that (wonder),” Hanson said. So whether or not a student knows the stories of the sombrero of destiny, three Red Feather Lakes pine cones, or the hike with the great horned owl and the snake, Hanson's feelings of connection between people and the wonder of nature are understood. Join our Chinook staff this fall! Interview & write Take photos & design Learn sales & advertising The Wellness Center Workshop Series Declutter Your Mind Workshop Are you anxious, feeling overwhelmed, or have a hundred thoughts running through your mind? You are not alone! Our Casper College Wellness Center counselors will help you discover ways to manage stress and realign your focus. We’ll discuss ways to create a calming physical space, assess the impact of technology use, and identify ways to add joy to your life overall. Explore web development Create social media content The Chinook is a one credit class titled Independent Publications Tuesday, March 5, 4-5 p.m. In the Residence Hall common area, across from the front desk. Pizza and snacks provided! Casper College provides equal opportunity in education and employment — caspercollege.edu/nondiscrimination. Contact our faculty advisor Bri Weigel for more information brianne.weigel@caspercollege.edu �Page 4 March 1, 2024 CHINOOK BOX OFFICE open April 1st 307-268-2500 April 18-20, 25-26 pm 7:30 April 20 & 27 pm 2:00 ON THE MCMURRY MAINSTAGE PURCHASE TICKETS AT caspercollegearts.cc MAY 6 Musical Theatre & Acting Showcase on the McMurry mainstage 7:00pm MAY 8-9 Student Dance Showcase in the Scifers Dance Studio 7:30pm showcases are FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC �March 1, 2024 Page 5 CHINOOK Casper College Spring Basketball Update Photo Courtesy of BQGauck Photography Elli Rettinger, a physical therapy major and Casper College Rodeo Team member, competes in goat tying. Breaking stereotypes: The rise of women in rodeo Saioa San Francisco Arilla Chinook Writer In the Casper College rodeo arena, women are breaking barriers and rewriting the rules of athleticism. Cowgirls rewriting the storybooks of rodeo. Back in 1920, women couldn't even participate in rodeo. Elli Rettinger, a CC cowgirl studying physical therapy at Casper College said, “As the times are changing, more women are getting into it, which is great.” The women’s team at CC didn´t have a coach until this year, making the women’s rodeo team less popular. Rettinger said, “In past years we had eight people on the team. This year we have 20 girls, and now that we have a female coach I think the numbers will get bigger.” In a sport traditionally dominated by men, the rise of women in rodeo is a story of courage, perseverance, and a lot of heart. Women like Rettinger try every day to prove they belong in the sport. Rettinger continued with her disciplined approach to the rodeo even with a broken ankle. She said she told the doctor, “You are not putting me in a cast. I would wear a boot walking around but not when I am on my horse.” The women share an amazing passion for the sport, and they will do anything to keep participating. Rettinger said, “I´ve been doing this since I was born. It is like second nature for me.” It's not just about winning medals or setting records, it's about breaking barriers and blazing trails, showing the world that women belong in the saddle just as much as men. Differences between genders in the sport can be challenging for the female athletes. “I try not to affect me, but generally it does affect a lot of women,” Rettinger said. Rettinger explained that the breakaway roping event at the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas doesn't let women run in the same building as men. As more women enter this sport, they are trying to come together and push event organizers to allow the women to compete in the same building as the men. She also explained that some men look down on women when they try to rope. Rettinger said, “I think it affects women more subconsciously than they think.” Although women are still fighting for equal footing in the sport, the rodeo industry is working on equality of genders. Cowgirl Bobbi Krammerer, a nursing student at CC said, “The rodeo industry has leveled the money to be won out in the last decade. Different associations create different opportunities for both men and women.” At CC, the female rodeo athelets are challenging stereotypes and proving that the arena is no place for gender discrimination. Their journey hasn't been without its challenges. They've faced skepticism and prejudice, but they've refused to back down, pushing through the obstacles with a determination and belief in themselves. A lesser-known sport: Pickleball Andi Schissler shoots a 3 pointer. Photo Courtesy of Edwin Gonzalez The women have had a great season with a record of 22 and 5 as of February 22. The women had a huge scoring night on Thursday, January 18 playing Central 115 to 48 win. The team will compete at regionals in March. Head Coach Dwight Gunnare said the Lady T-Birds have been ranked in the NJCAA Top 25 polls several times this season. Gunnare said, “If we can shoot a respectful percentage and continue to improve defensively, we will have a legitimate opportunity to compete for the Region IX Championship in March. Photo Courtesy of Edwin Gonzalez Nate Sasser III goes up for a layup and Jimmy James watches. The men have had a great season too with a record of 19 and 8 as of February 22. The men have been having really high scores and games. The men played United Tribes Technical College on Saturday, January 6 winning with a score of 118 to 82. They have a few more games before they go to regionals in March. Lane Johnson Chinook Writer Pickleball is a sport that is stereotypically popular with older people. Many who hear the word pickleball think of an elderly person playing the game in their free time and nothing much more. Sam Dia, pickleball instructor at Casper College, and chief operating officer of the recently opened Casper Pickleball and Sports Complex in town begs to differ. Dia teaches pickleball at CC. He started when the college added the sport as an option to satisfy the physical education credit two years ago. For the past four years and counting, Dia also teaches a class through CC’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program. The credit class at CC limits the roster to 12 people because a max of four people can play at one time, and there is only room for three courts in the Liesinger Hall gym. Die explained the benefits of pickleball “It’s truly the most social game. It’s good for your mental as well as your physical health,” he said. Dia added that, “People live longer healthier lives that do play pickleball.” Dia said he hopes to bring more awareness to the sport and bring it into the youths’ eye. Opening a pickleball complex in town was his first stepping stone to reaching this goal. Dia said he believes that pickleball is “multi-generational” and “easier on the body” than other competitive sports that can be played after one's school days. There are eight students in Dia’s current pickleball class, all of whom have expressed increased interest in pickleball and playing the game, even after only the first few weeks of class. Dia asked his students Cornhole Tournament! Lane Johnson/Chinook Sam Dia prepares to serve at his pickleball complex. He is an instructor at Casper College. how interested they felt about the game on a scale of 1-10 on the first day of class. The average answer then was around five or six. He asked the same question four weeks later, and the answer increased to nine or ten. Tyler Hill, one of Dia’s students, said that he really only chose pickleball at first because he needed a PE credit. After the first few weeks, Hill said he is now happy that he chose to take it. When asked about playing pickleball after the class is done he said, “Oh yeah, without a doubt. This game’s super fun and I could see myself staying healthy and active playing it.” In just a few weeks, Hill’s outlook on the game and who it was played by drastically changed. Dia said he hopes that more youth will pick up interest in the game with a means to play right here in Casper. Located at 1911 Dunlap Way there should be no excuse to not try the game out and see if it’s enjoyable. More information can be found at www.casperpickleball.com. Geoff Cooper/Chinook Irena Fernandez participated in a cornhole tournament at Casper College on January 25. The college gave away several fun prizes. �Page 6 March 1, 2024 CHINOOK The American Dream Faythe Fowler Chinook Writer Foreign students adjusting to the American lifestyle from their home country is challenging, yet easier than expected. Many foreign students are specifically recruited here for the athletics programs. Anna Csenyi, a Casper College sophomore, moved from Szolnok, Hungary to play basketball for the college. She said she wanted to try a new lifestyle, and the United States is the best place for her to improve her basketball skills and her education. One of the hardest challenges Csenyi faced transitioning to life in America was the differences in how basketball is played. She said that basketball at an American collegiate level is much faster and more intense than what she is used to back at home. Although it is a big culture change living in America, Csenyi said she came prepared for the fast-paced, busy lifestyle Americans live. “As [for] American culture, it didn’t really affect me that much, I was expecting this already,” said Csenyi. Learning about American culture in school and personal experiences and relationships with people living in the States made her transition easier. Teodora Popovic, a CC freshman from Bosnia, also transitioned easily from her home country. Popovic stated that her older brother also attends college in the states playing lacrosse in Wisconsin, and his stories and experiences prepared her for life when she moved to the States as well. She said that the education in America is more appreciated than in other countries, so her main focus is to get her degree. Aside from her education, CC recruited Popovic to CC to play volleyball. A major challenge she said she faces is the language barrier and the fact that she is still learning to be fluent in English. Popovic said she is thankful her roommate is from her same country, and they speak in their first language together often. “She helped me a lot with everything that I didn’t know when I first came; she showed me the campus, she showed me where the classes are,” said Popovic, grateful for her sophomore roommate to show her the ropes. Both Popovic and Csenyi appreciate how the American education system works so closely with athletes to adjust to their sports schedules and ensure that school and earning a degree are still the main focus during their short time at CC. Photo Courtesy of Edwin Gonzalez Anna Csenyi, a sophomore at Casper College, drives past an opponent at a recent game. Csenyi spoke with the Chinook about her foreign exchange experience in Casper. She is from Szolnok Hungary. A personalized college experience at UW-C Aliesia Berryman Chinook Writer University of Wyoming at Casper (UW-C) is aiming to close the higher education gap for Casper locals. A higher education isn’t always easily attainable for everyone who desires to pursue a degree. Single parents, fulltime workers, and caregivers for aging family members must overcome significant hurdles in order to attend college. Valorie LeeLyman Garrett is the Academic Advising Professional of UW-C and considers herself the “one-stop shop” for students. She helps with advising, planning, registration, and so much more. Garrett herself is an alum of both Casper College and UW-C. When she pursued her degree as a single mother and could not relocate to Laramie to pursue a Bachelors. UW-Casper provided exactly what she needed. She graduated with a bachelors in biology in 2015 along with her two associate degrees from CC. She is currently pursuing her Masters online through University of Wyoming. She said, “This experience allowed me to better relate to the student population we serve at UW-Casper because I have walked in their shoes.” According to UW-C dean, Brett Pickett, Ph. D., historically speaking, the majority of students are elementary education students. He also said that the majority of elementary teachers in Casper today received their degree at UW-C. Additionally, a popular, up-and-coming organizational leadership degree is 100% online. When Garrett walked through the halls of UW-C she spoke passionately about each unique room. Classrooms and offices for UW-C are located on the upper floor of CC’s union building. She said, “We mainly have non-traditional or online students so each room is built in with the technology to conduct zoom based classes.” Classrooms are equipped with cameras on both sides of the room allowing students attending online to really feel like they are in the classroom. In-person students get microphones that they can turn on when they would like to speak, and off when they are done. As a UW-C student, one can participate in all organizations and events hosted through CC as well as any clubs offered through UW-C. Garrett affectionately refers to this as, “Doublelove.” All clubs and programs are student-led and student-driven. She said the social work club is the most popular. Another benefit of attending UW-C is the financial assistance that students can receive through scholarships and the work-study program. Jessica Steward, once a work-study student herself, is the Program Coordinator for the school. Work study students do projects that benefit the school based on their preferences. “We meet bi-monthly to finetune any projects they are working on,” said Steward. UW-C offers scholarships tailored to its non-traditional and transfer student body. A smaller student body (just under 400 compared to upwards of 4,000) means better chances at winning them! Students who go to UW-C enjoy a school that is built for their success. The classrooms are big and bright, creating an environment for open minds and creative thinking. Intimate classes build lifelong friendships and memories, and the carefully vetted teachers Aliesia Berryman/Chinook and staff make it their goals to ensure the The University of Wyoming at Casper is located on the fourth floor of the Union Building at students are getting the personal attention they Casper College. Academic Advisor Valorie LeeLyman Garrett's can be found in the office space deserve. pictured above. Taking online or hybrid courses? Students: We make sure you are able to access online learning resources needed to learn in your classes. We will also help you learn to utilize the digital tools available to you for all your classwork. Examples of items we can help with: 1. MyCCMoodle — including how to submit assignments, participate in forums, etc. 2. ZOOM – help you learn to access and use Zoom for your remote course meetings and collaborations 3. Google Suite — Google Docs, Drive, GMail, etc. 4. Accessing Office 365 .- such as MS Word and PowerPoint 5. Online tutoring — How and where to get extra help as you need it, using NetTutor. Plus a lot more! Contact us. Don’t wait! Get your Questions answered now. Teresa Pat Mike Tyler For help or more information stop by Liesinger Hall, room 132 or contact us at 307-268-3882, dlc@caspercollege.edu, and av@caspercollege.edu. Dave Camille �March 1, 2024 Page 7 CHINOOK Casper College Esports Club: safe space on campus for competitive, casual gameplay Anthony Sturt Chinook Writer Photo Courtesy of Austin Emmert Casper College's Overwatch team is pictured above competing in a match against NCHS. Players include (from left to right): Clifford Smith, Juliana Kahoun, Dustin Davis, Ozzy Ness, and Magus Dickinson. The Casper College Esports Club welcomes gamers of all skills levels regardless of whether they are more interested in competitive or casual play. Austin Emmert, a business administration major who founded the esports club in the fall semester of 2023, serves as president of the club. Emmert said, “ For our focus on our competitive side– it's getting competitions for our players to play in– tournaments, online, in person, whatever that be. And then for our casual gamers, it's giving them a safe space on campus for them to meet new people and play games.” The esports club’s main competitive games are Overwatch, Valorant, and Rocket league, but club members are also interested in forming teams to play Rainbow Six: Siege and Counter Strike: Global Offensive. The club is not currently involved with a competitive gaming organization, but Emmert said that the club aspires to join the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Esports league. “The biggest problem right now is paying that membership fee,” said Emmert. The fee to join the NJCAA Esports league is $2,000, and the enrollment period is from July to June, according to the website. Emmert stressed that players are not excluded from competitive play because of a lack of skill, and that players who want to improve are offered coaching by the more experienced players of the game in question. “I coach our Rocket League team because I'm a top one percent player myself, and then our two top 500 players help coach the Overwatch team. So, there's always opportunity for coaching to be had in esports (club),” said Emmert. The esports club meets at 7 p.m. every other Wednesday for its bi-weekly game night. These events generally include party games like Jackbox, Mario Kart, Super Smash Brothers, and others. The next club meeting is set for March 6, and the title played will be Wii Sports. Each meeting centers around a different game. The club has a membership of 30 to 40 CC students, as well as students from high schools in the local area, a few from the University of Wyoming, and local community members. Trevor Elijah, an officer in the esports club, said that the club worked with the college’s PR department to promote the club, and one method employed was to attach posters to all of the card readers in the dorms. The Esports Club’s Overwatch team hosted Natrona County High School’s team for a best three of five match on February 6. CC’s Overwatch team won the event, and the two teams played several matches for fun after the fact. The event was live streamed at www.twitch.tv/caspercollegeesports. Devin Fulton, the Student Life Coordinator for Casper College, recently came on board as a faculty advisor for the club. Fulton also serves as advisor to the Student Senate, which is how he initially became aware of the club last fall. “Students like Austin Emmert and Trevor Elijah, just seeing them campaign for their own club, getting students to join their Discord, putting on events like this. It's been awesome to see, especially from a Student Senate standpoint where we encourage clubs to be active on campus. These guys who just started back in September– they've been killing it on campus,” said Fulton. Burk to retire in May but remain in the industry Bernadette Pieper Chinook Writer At a young age, Richard Burk (Rich) thought he would be a fireman when he grew up and his brother would be a policeman. However, his mind was changed when he was a junior in high school and his English teacher talked him into auditioning for a play. Burk said he was cast as Peter Van Daan in the play, which changed his mind about his future career. A friend who also participated in theater and who was a year ahead of him in college encouraged him to go into theater at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. There, Burk studied drama and theater. He then earned his master’s degree in acting from the University of Illinois. Burk is now an instructor for the department of theater and director of many of the shows produced at Casper College. Burk will be retiring in May from instructing at Casper College. He said, “I believe that all great actors are introverts. And because they’re introverts, they know that they have to fit into various different worlds. So they have learned to effort their way of introversion so they can do the job of the actor—to bring a character to life.” Burk talked about how he too was shy and introverted and that acting helped him to get out of being shy and introverted. He never thought that he was going to be an actor. He is an actor but also a director and directs a lot of the plays that are done at the college. Burk stated, “I like directing because it's coordinating a whole group of people in one common journey, and I am acting all of the roles. And I like acting because it's all on me to do what I have to do create the character moving forward so that everybody in this group can move forward in the same journey.” Chontelle Gray, a theater instructor at CC, talked about the teamwork aspect of working in theater. She said in theater, the team works together to help create a show. According to Gray, theater is a collaborative job because not just one person can instruct and help all of the actors, the scenes, backgrounds, backdrops, setting, and all of the other things that go with acting. Multiple people work together to create it. While Burk spends much of his time directing, he is willing to work with the other instructors to help create a good show for the audience. Gray said, “You can tell that he really enjoys being a director. He has a lot of fun when he directs.” Even though Burk is a director and an instructor at the college, he still finds time to act. Last year he acted in a film, and he is currently acting in a local independent film. He got the acting part in the film “A Midsummer Night's Dream” last year because a student got sick. “I teach so I am acting every day,” Burk said of his role as a theater instructor. “I like both acting and directing.” Gray talked about how Burk comes from a diverse background that helps with theater. She said he is skilled in movement, fight choreography, scenic background, and more. Gray explained that Burk’s background is helpful when another instructor is in trouble, as Burk can offer assistance. There are also times when instructors and staff can swap positions and do the other person's job for a scene or part of the performance. Such performances require the instructor’s full attention. So, Burk said he is still more focused on teaching the students and will worry about what he will do during retirement when it comes. “I have been spending my intellectual energy and time being a Casper College faculty member, which is worthy in itself,” Burk said. Burk talked about how he does not know what he is going to do in his retirement because he will not be on a strict schedule working in an academic year. He knows that he wants to travel, maybe do some acting, directing, writing, and much more. Burk said he is interested in helping to solve problems that exist today that need to be discussed, like human inequity. Burk said he once read that stuck with him. He applies the quote to his life. It reads, “Your goal in life should be simple -do your best today, and if you wake up tomorrow, do the best you can do that day…” As he wraps up his final semester, Burk continues to teach and help students learn about drama, theater, acting, and much more. Even in retirement, Burk said he will make it a point to come support and watch the shows at CC, but he will let the new instructor do the instructing. As Burk taught throughout his career, he said he always shares a specific message with his students. He says, “Excellence can be attained by you if: One, you care more than others think is wise. Two, you risk more than others think is safe. Three, you dream more than others think is practical. Four, you expect more than others think is possible,” Burk said. Photo Courtesy of Erin Brown Richard Burk, a theater instructor at Casper College, is retiring this spring. He is focused on wrapping up his last productions at the college before considering what retirement will bring. "The Lightning Theif," set to open on April 18. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Chinook Student Newspaper Online Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2019-2026 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA 08.iii.2023.01_Chinook_Digital Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Online Chinook Newspaper 2024-03 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2024-03 Description An account of the resource This is a copy of the online Chinook Newspaper from March 2024. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA_08.i.2023.01_2024-03 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF https://caspercollege.cvlcollections.org/files/original/316be22b0b2ed54a9c1798c5c475163c.pdf f02ae75467c4bf0590ccc9e4e334c0a2 PDF Text Text April 1, 2024 Casper College’s Student Voice Since 1945 Building a dynasty Lady T-Birds make it to second round of nationals Lane Johnson Chinook Writer The Casper College Women’s Basketball Team recently completed another season where the women won both the region IX tournament and the sub-regional tournament. The team posted an overall record of 28-5. For the Lady TBirds, this season marks the seventh North subregion win in a row and added on their third region XI championship. The women earned a bid to the National Junior College Athletics Association national tournament for the fourth year in a row. Sophomore and All SubRegion Guard Logann Alvar talked about how the season started slow because only three sophomores returned to the team this year. She said it took the young team a few games to get used to playing with each other. “At the end of the year, when we had our end of season meetings, he just kind of emphasized how big of a role we were going to play,” Alvar said about last season. Alvar explained that coming into this season, she knew the coaching staff held very high expectations, and she knew that the pressure for her was higher than her freshman year. Alvar highlighted that two of the team’s five losses occurred within the first two weeks of the season. One of those losses came from Northeastern Junior College, whom the Lady TBirds beat in the Region IX championship game. Freshman teammate and guard Saioa San Francisco agreed with Alvar. After the first two losses, the team met to reflect and prepare for the rest of the season. “That meeting made us really realize that we had to be a good team like last year. They were a good team, so we had to be a good team,” San Francisco said. The Lady TBirds have not lost a game since the end of January. The Lady’s started off their tournament run looking strong with a first round win over Blinn College beating them 72-61. They went into the second round ready to face third ranked Northwest Florida State College. The Lady T-birds ultimately fell short losing 69-76. CC will look forward to next year where they hope to replicate the success they had this season and continue to play for a national championship. “I think next year, we’re going to be more prepared Photo Courtesy of Lucy Jane Crimm Pictured above (left to right) is Luca Acs, Saioa San Francisco, Andi Schissler, Arantxa Concepcion, Adama Badje, Logann Alvar, Angela Astorga, Anna Csenyi, Head Coach Dwight Gunnare competed in the second round of the NjCAA National Tournament. The team lost to Northwest Florida State after beating Blinn College in the first round. A second round appearance is the farthest the Lady T-Birds have advanced in the tournament since 2010. when the season starts,” San Francisco said. The Lady TBird’s had eleven freshmen on the roster and hope that many of them will return for their sophomore season and build on this year's success. the only options for attaining a four-year degree are attending the University of Wyoming at Casper (UW-C) or leaving Casper entirely. “If they’re going (to college) to get the in-class or humanities, they got to go down to Laramie or CSU or some other place,” David Zoby, an English professor at Casper College said. According to Nathan Blank, a political science instructor at Casper College, Wyoming students receive greater educational investment in the K-12 system than the average American. Wyoming makes greater investments in education than many surrounding states. For K-12 students, music programs, after-school activities, and innovative technology are seen throughout schools to enrich learning. These in-state investments are different when in comparison to higher education. While high schools get iPads and Chromebooks, Casper College gets an empty UW-C building. Many are worried about the rate at which people are leaving Wyoming to attend college and find work. According to the Economically Needed Diversity Options for Wyoming Initiative, 60% of those in the 18-24 year-old range are leaving Wyoming. “It’s all about providing opportunities for students -preparing a workforce that’s educated in useful fields. That will help grow our economy,” Blank said, “And hopefully allow us to retain that investment.” A study from the Brookings Institute found that the quality of colleges greatly affects the size of these benefits. According to the study, highvalue-added four-year colleges contribute $265,000 more per student to local economies. This contribution is less for high-value-added two-year colleges at $184,000. “There’s examples all over the United States of these places where a university or a college stimulates the economy, gets people to move there, and gives students a place to stay and practice what they learned,” Zoby said. As a small town compared to the rest of the United States, Casper could stand to benefit from the economics brought forth by more four-year degree offerings, whether through UW-C or Casper College directly. In 2019, Axios studied the economic benefits of having four-year colleges in small towns. The study found that such towns as Boulder, Colo., Ann Arbor, Mich., South Bend, Ind., and other small towns benefited greatly from a four-year college. However, there has been reluctance to make a second four-year institution in Wyoming. For one, there are the costs to convert one to another. Converting Casper College does not involve just doubling the years. According to Brent Pickett, the dean of UW-C, making CC a four-year institution involves a massive shift with the hiring of new professors and making sure there are enough classrooms and students. Two years ago, the UW-C phased out the English program due to insufficient students. “But in the end, we just didn’t have enough students in English as a major to make it viable at UW-Casper,” Pickett said. “So we had to pull the plug on (the program).” Population is another important factor. Wyoming has a total of about 500,000 residents. Stretching resources may not seem worth it to some Two-year degrees or four-year degrees? Lairen Brush/Chinook Brent Pickett, the dean of the University of Wyoming at Casper, is standing with a Plaque of Donald E. Chapin, an attorney that worked with both Casper College and the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees. Lairen Brush Chinook Writer Keenan Morgan Tyler Cooper Contributors In 2019, the state of Wyoming authorized community colleges within the state to offer four-year degrees, specifically a Bachelor of Applied Science degree. This authorization applied to Casper College, yet the school still does not have a four-year degree offering. For students attending college in Casper, — See Degrees, Page 3 What did Casper College students do for spring break? Bernadette Pieper Chinook Writer Casper College’s spring break went from March 9-16, and students and faculty took a week off. Students mostly either went home, escaped on a vacation, or stayed at the college. Students could relax and recharge, adventure to different locations in the U.S., or even explore another country. Spring break is a big event for most colleges in the United States. Spring break typically happens between mid-March to the end of March. Spring break overall is a mental decompression so students can relax before finals. Spring break also helps professors catch up on grading and get ready for the last part of the semester and also time to relax and recharge, according to Dr. Messina & Associates article “Why is Spring Break Important?” In an ASL 1020 class with seven students, one student went to Florida, four stayed in Casper, and two went home to their families outside of Casper. Students in this class reported that they hung out with family and friends, worked, adventured, snowboarded, and relaxed. Some said they completed homework while others avoided any school related tasks and enjoyed their time away from college. A student in the ASL class, Zoie Bonczkowski said, “I like spring break was earlier in the month. It felt like a long semester and by having that break it was enjoyable. I like how we did not have spring break with the high school students.” Meanwhile, student athletes on the basketball teams stayed at the college because they had games and practices. Both men's and women's basketball teams played games for the NJCAA tournament during the week of spring break. Additionally, some students did not leave campus due to not wanting to go home or avoiding travel. Other students stayed at the college due to club or activity obligations and some said they just wanted to stay at the college and hang out around Casper. Julie Seidell, student said, “I really enjoyed breakt to breathe and relax. I stayed here in Casper and hung out with friends, worked, and went snowboarding a lot.” CC’s spring break at the end did have some weather that made some students question if they were able to get back to Casper for the week of school after break.There were some sporadic snowstorms and thunderstorms across the United States. Talking with a few students that went home that live in the western part of Wyoming there was a snowstorm that came through and roads were closed, but they were able to make — See Spring break Page 3 �Page 2 April 1, 2024 CHINOOK Divine's Intervention: Chinook Stance Using the calendar as our guide, Spring has arrived! While the term “Spring” in Wyoming may have a somewhat different flavor than in other places around the country; nonetheless, days are getting longer, temperatures are warming up, and the annual rite of March Madness is upon us. All of these events ultimately lead me to ponder the concept of “Spring Fever.” Traditionally, the term has been used to describe a yearning to spend more time outdoors enjoying longer days and more temperate weather, while eschewing our responsibilities. Although Spring Fever is usually referenced in a negative light, I am going to lobby for a more nuanced evaluation. Don’t give up, keep pushing Bernadette Pieper Blurbs with Bernadette As spring break ended a few weeks ago and spring weather is starting to make its way to Casper, I feel the itch to avoid doing my homework or not wanting to go to classes. I’m definitely feeling that spring fever. But I know there are less than eight weeks left until this spring semester is done and this semester will be over before we know it. It is crazy how fast this semester went. I know I’m not the only student who feels like this -- after talking with some classmates and friends who are feeling the same way, I know we just have to keep pushing and not give up. I need to stay on top of my homework, go to class, and go to the extracurricular activities that I am involved in. They say that the second half of the semester is harder and more work is done, and I don’t disagree with that. Teachers are adding more assignments, tests, and quizzes, the material is getting harder, and classes are diving in with deeper information, but students just do not want to do it. Spring fever is strong. Malcolm X once said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” The quote by Malcolm X helps to keep me going and not give up. It does have a good message that the education that we gain today will help us in the future. We have to keep taking one day at a time and one class at a time. We cannot be stressing ourselves out and overwhelming ourselves because it is not going to help us to succeed and get anything done for our classes or for our personal lives. Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” This quote by Mandela is true -- we are itching for the semester to be over and want to have a summer break. We are thinking that it is going to be impossible to get to that day at the end of the semester, but it will be here before we know it. If you are struggling with any class, assignment, or learning some material, don’t be afraid to ask questions in class or set up a time to go get help from your teacher. If you are afraid to talk with your teacher, there are resources to help out on campus like the STEM lab, Writing Center, tutoring in the dorms, and the library. The nice thing is that they want to help students clarify course concepts, provide an extra set of eyes on a paper, or help students understand the information better. Keep pushing through because there are less than two months left of this semester and summer will be here. Don’t give up in your classes. If you are in need of help, don’t hesitate to reach out. “If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.” Nora Roberts. “ Study after study has shown in most aspects of life, balance is the key to a healthy and sustainable equilibrium. Time management is one of the biggest tasks that students struggle with in college. After moving away from home and finally living life on your own, it can be hard to get into a routine and get your priorities straight. Oftentimes, I found myself pushing school aside and focusing on spending time with my friends, letting my grades slip and my memories grow. I get it, you’re only in college once, and those memories are important, but don’t forget the real reason you’re here: to get a degree. If you go about your time properly, you can still maintain grades and make those life-long memories and friendships. The most beneficial skill I learned during my freshman year of college was to visually plan out your schedule. I use Google Calendar to color-code my classes, assignments, extracurricular activities, and personal plans. My roommate uses an agenda and color codes her assignments week by week. There are many organization methods, but as long as your method makes sense to you, then do what works best for you and your organization. Explore social media & web development The Chinook is a one credit class titled Independent Publications. Contact our faculty advisor Bri Weigel for more information brianne.weigel@caspercollege.edu Another huge aspect effecting time management is distractions. Distractions nowadays are found everywhere, the biggest one being your phone. I always try to put my phone in a different room or turn it on Do Not Disturb to avoid the temptation of looking at it constantly. It also helps me maintain my focus; once I am in the mindset of getting things done, I find it harder to fall into distractions. Having a set routine plays a huge role in time management. If your schedule follows a close routine, it's much easier to stick to that same routine and get your homework done. People who don’t get up at the same time, have a sporadic daily schedule and no set routine are more likely to forget tasks and assignments that need done. The most important role in managing your time properly is not waiting until the last minute to do everything. Work on homework for a few hours each day, and then call it quits and enjoy your social life. If you do a little bit each day, you will find yourself having more time to relax and enjoy what college is all about -- making Faythe Fowler Have faith in Faythe friends and making memories. It took me a while to figure out what worked best for my schedule, but once you get to know yourself a bit better, you are able to take control of your schedule and ensure everything is completed on time. And you’ll still saving time to live your life and experience college to its fullest. The importance of stories in life Practice interviewing & writing Learn sales & advertising — Dr. Darren Divine, Ph.D., Casper College President Time management in college Join our staff this fall! Take photos & design Shirking responsibilities is almost never a positive path forward, but perhaps it is the “shirking” part of this concept we need to explore. Study after study has shown in most aspects of life, balance is the key to a healthy and sustainable equilibrium. Whether we are referencing foods we eat, investment strategies for our finances, or any one of the myriad daily habits we indulge in, moderation and balance is the key. So…. while I am not offering free license to set caution to the wind and indulge in Spring fever on a full-time basis, I am reminding us all a balanced approach to life is the proven path to success. Geoff Cooper Mid Level Geoff It is widely accepted that animals operate based on instinct—a set of innate behaviors that require no learning or practice. This simplicity exempts creatures in the animal kingdom from many human experiences such as anxiety and indecision. For instance, birds migrate south without year-long deliberation. They are not burdened with pondering grand ambitions or future aspirations; their focus lies primarily on daily survival. While we may feel that way sometimes, human beings aren’t quite so blessed with simplicity. We dream of the future and work towards our aspirations, and this requires a level of flexibility that isn’t always conducive to an instinctual response. Given that, we’ve learned to store our collective knowledge and wisdom within stories. These narratives can provide a foundation for how to live and a guiding light in darker times. They can also instill a sense of hope -- hope that even at their worst, our lives can improve if we overcome the obstacles in our way. Now, to be clear, none of us will enter a labyrinth to confront a minotaur, defend Helm’s Deep against an army of orcs, or join forces with gods and heroes to defeat Thanos. However, the relatability of these stories does not stem from their circumstances but from the underlying metaphors they represent. The monsters we confront symbolize our inner struggles, making the hero’s journey a compelling narrative of self-discovery—a journey inherent to every individual. So, what motivates us to confront these internal foes? What propels us on this adventure? Undoubtedly, it is the characters within these stories. Their personalities, emotions, and responses to challenges become a source of inspiration during difficult times. Whether these characters are real or imaginary, they serve as beacons that guide us toward perseverance and integrity, even when faced with easier alternatives. Moreover, they provide a sense of stability and reassurance in a world fraught with uncertainty. This is exactly why heroes are often portrayed as paragons of human virtue. Icons like Captain America and Superman represent ideals to strive for, acknowledging that perfection may be unattainable—and that's okay. Being a good person and leading a meaningful life doesn't require monumental feats like destroying a Death Star or defeating the Galactic Empire. Though, if you do want to live a fulfilling life, don’t take any notes from more recent iterations of Luke Skywalker. Even if you technically do the right thing in the end, it’s pretty uncool to abandon everyone you care about in favor of dying alone. Ultimately, the true value of stories lies not just in their entertainment but in their ability to shape our perspectives, influence our actions, and enrich our lives with meaning and purpose. They remind us that we can make an impact through our choices and the values we uphold. This is the importance of stories. �April 1, 2024 Page 3 CHINOOK Degrees.................................................. citizens, especially with other states as an example. “And I hear that Montana has three four-year institutions, and all three feel starved,” Pickett said. If Casper College became a four-year institution, the degrees offered have to be viable to the state’s job market. Otherwise, the investment would not be worth it to Wyoming’s economy or give an incentive for people to stay. Another argument in Spring break............ support of allowing more four-year degree offerings to students in Casper is that the University of Wyoming has a monopoly on higher education continued from page 1 due to its dominance over the state’s four-year offerings. “I can’t get past how monopolies are never good. Having more choices, keeping kids in the state, providing opportunities to keep them in the state, to me, are really good objectives, and so I can’t shake that,” Blank said. continued from page 1 it back that Sunday before classes started on Monday. A few students who went to the eastern part of the U.S. had some flights delayed due to bad thunderstorm. Kassadee Lym, student, said, “I live in the Southwest part of Wyoming and there was a snow storm that came through, but I was able to get back on Sunday. I did question if I was going to make it back or not.” There were some clubs and organizations that had students go on some other related trips for their club or organization. CC Student Life did have around twenty students go to Moab, Utah for a three-day trip to adventure and hike Moab. “I really enjoyed the trip to Moab. It was at the beginning of spring break. We went hiking and it was a straight up hill hike that we went on one of the days,” said Katelyn Boespflug, a student at CC. Across the CC campus students did various activities for spring break. Spring break Submitted Photo provided time for most stu- A group of Casper College dents across campus to relax, Students that went to Moab, recharge, and mentally decom- Utah for spring break. press. Many students enjoyed their time off with little to no homework. Now it is back to hitting the books for the students at CC. After spring break CC has eight weeks left of the 2024 spring semester. Rodeoing with buddies Geoff Cooper Chinook Writer Talon Elshere, originally from Hereford, S.D., is a dedicated rodeo athlete specializing in bronc riding, team roping, and steer wrestling. His passion for rodeo led him to Casper College, where he joined the school’s rodeo team. For Elshere, rodeo is more than just a competition— it's about camaraderie and enjoying the sport with his buddies. "Money comes second when you're having fun with the boys," Elshere said. "And you’d rather get beat by your buddy than some other guy." Despite ranking third in the Central Rocky Mountain region, Elshere remains grounded and aware of the risks involved in rodeo. “There’s a chance of getting hurt, but you’ve got to pay the price to win the game," he said. This risk, according to Elshere, can be mitigated provided you stay fit. This doesn’t necessarily require hours in the gym. For Elshere, it’s more like working on the family ranch and breaking colts. Elshere credits Sandy Forbes, the assistant rodeo coach for CC, with his decision to join the team. After a couple of semesters in Texas, he sought out Wyoming cowboys. “They’ll tell you when you messed up and praise you when you do good,” Elshere said. Beyond competition, rodeo is about entertaining the crowd and showcasing skills developed through hard work. Elshere said he represents Casper College with pride, embodying the spirit of a cowboy dedicated to his sport and appreciative of the bonds formed along the way. Elshere's journey at Casper College reflects the essence of rodeo—a combination of skill, camaraderie, and passion for the sport. Photo Courtesy of Chuck Miner Talon Elshere, a member of the Casper College Rodeo Team, is pictured competing in bronc riding. He transferred to Casper College from a school in Texas, and he is ranked third in the Central Rocky Mountain Region. Taking online or hybrid courses? Students: We make sure you are able to access online learning resources needed to learn in your classes. We will also help you learn to utilize the digital tools available to you for all your classwork. Examples of items we can help with: 1. MyCCMoodle — including how to submit assignments, participate in forums, etc. 2. ZOOM – help you learn to access and use Zoom for your remote course meetings and collaborations 3. Google Suite — Google Docs, Drive, GMail, etc. 4. Accessing Office 365 .- such as MS Word and PowerPoint 5. Online tutoring — How and where to get extra help as you need it, using NetTutor. Plus a lot more! Contact us. Don’t wait! Get your Questions answered now. Teresa Pat Mike Tyler For help or more information stop by Liesinger Hall, room 132 or contact us at 307-268-3882, dlc@caspercollege.edu, and av@caspercollege.edu. Dave Camille �Page 4 April 1, 2024 CHINOOK Student engagement for campus events lacking Aliesia Berryman Chinook Writer Avy Overstreet Contributer Casper College event planners are having a difficult time reaching out to and engaging with students in a world where students communicate chiefly through social media and who are more likely to be a commuter student. Resident Hall coordinator, Elizabeth Dobson, said, 32% of traditional-aged students and 16% of all full-time students live on campus. CC hosts many events on campus aimed to engage students socially and to give them an opportunity to relax from the stresses of school. On Thursday, Feb. 29, Student Life Coordinator, Devin Fulton, hosted a silent disco in the T-bird nest. The event featured flashing lights, snacks, refreshments, and light up foam noodles. Rae Mann, a museum studies major from North Carolina, attended the disco and tore up the floor dancing. They took the floor multiple times during a dance-off one of the Djs started. “I have always loved dancing, but doing so in public was not always seen as a good thing,” Mann said, referring to their high school experiences. “Nobody is judging anyone here. I found a home in Casper.” When asked to rate the silent disco event five other students gave it an eight out of ten or higher. Emily Martinez, a nursing student, even gave it an eleven. Katlynn Gardener, a graphic design major from Washington, worked for eight hours before attending the disco and still said she had fun. She too rated the event, “How could it not be an 8 if you get baja blast?” she asked us and she took a sip of her mountain dew beverage. After the event, Fulton shared that around fifty students attended the event at any one time. Of other events hosted on Thursdays, Fulton said, the most popular events are bingo and casino nights. Yet, there are some events that bring in as little as five people. Out of approximately four-thousand students that’s less than 0.02%. Foundation member and Associate Director of Development and Alumni Engagement, Ann Dalton, and her co-worker Rachel Macy are the main protagonists for CC’s homecoming games. Case Western Reserve University says, homecoming in college is seen as something that brings students and alumni together and is typically characterized with a homecoming court, dance, and games. While Dalton and Macy attract many alumni to the games, they admit they struggle to engage current students. Dalton and Fulton agreed that attracting commuters, who make-up the majority of CC students, to events is difficult. “When I get home, I don’t want to come back to campus and brave the Wyoming wind.” Fulton said. Macy said, on top of not wanting to leave after coming home from a long day, getting the word out to students is a different endeavor than just five years ago. The Foundation and Alumni Association sends emails and text messages but the association found that students unsubscribe from the services because they receive too many messages. Fulton also does various things in order to get the word out about events. CC students get an email from him at the beginning of every week detailing what is going on each day. He is also exploring using a new app called Band, which is free for use. “The challenge is trying to reach students where they are,” Macy said. According to recent studies, phone and social media usage increased due to the COVID19 pandemic. Dalton said the foundation posts ads around campus, as well as on Facebook to spread information about events and news, but there is a chance the majority of students at CC get most of their information from Instagram instead. In January, Pew Research Center reported that while 67% of people aged 18-29 use Facebook and 78% of them use Instagram. In 2021, PRC also reported that more than eightin-ten Americans get news from digital devices. The COVID-19 pandemic forced people to communicate mostly through the internet rather than in person. This trend is still prevalent five years after the start of the pandemic. The Mckinsey Health Institute found last April that the generation which spends the most time on social media is Gen Z. Mckinsey also says, “While social media and tech consistently have positive impacts across all age cohorts, the negative impact increases substantially for younger ages.” Event and extracurricular activity participation could potentially help with this problem. In 2019 Ohio State University’s Center for the Study of Student Life found “that college student involvement is positively related to academic performance, cognitive development, well-being, leadership and multicultural awareness.” Involvement in extracurricular activities and events can be an important part of the college experience, but quickchanging technology means that CC event planners need to adapt accordingly to engage their student body. Aliesia Berryman/Chinook Kylie Wheaton at the silent disco. She is a student-worker for Devin Fulton in the Student Life Office. Aliesia Berryman/Chinook Rae Mann tore up the floor at the silent disco. They are a museum studies major who enjoys dancing. 34th Annual Wellness Conference April 4 and 5 at Casper College Gateway Building Thursday, April 4 is FREE to students, faculty, and staff and will feature a special screening of the PBS documentary “Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness” from 6-8 p.m. This award winning film is inspired by Casper College alumni Kee Dunning and the work she has done in her community around mental health awareness and advocacy. The screening will be followed by a panel Q&A discussion with Kee and other individuals featured in the film. Casper College Counseling Services believes in the importance of offering professionals, students and interested community members opportunities to learn about a variety of topics related to both physical and mental health. �April 1, 2024 Page 5 CHINOOK BOX OFFICE open April 1st 307-268-2500 April 18-20, 25-26 pm 7:30 April 20 & 27 pm 2:00 ON THE MCMURRY MAINSTAGE PURCHASE TICKETS AT caspercollegearts.cc REGISTER FOR Theatre & Dance courses for the Fall scan for info about scan for info about ALL are welcome to register for courses in Theatre & Dance T H E AT R E MAY 6 Musical Theatre & Acting Showcase on the McMurry mainstage 7:00pm showcases are D A N C E MAY 8-9 Student Dance Showcase in the Scifers Dance Studio 7:30pm FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC �Page 6 April 1, 2024 CHINOOK Renovations delayed for LH and T-Bird gyms Saioa San Francisco Arilla Chinook Writer Peter Moss Contributor At Casper College, history reverberates through the corridors of Liesinger Hall and the Swede Erickson Thunderbird Gym. These structures are more than just brick and mortar – they are a legacy of learning, athleticism, and community. Casper College is delaying the renovation plans for Liesinger Hall and the Swede Erickson Thunderbird Gym. The institution musty have other prioritize other projects es before they looking into thehose buildings. The two structures serve as the backdrop for countless memories and shape the experiences of students and faculty Photo Courtesy of Edwin Gonzalez alike. However, the call for The men's basketball team warmed up for a game in the Thunderbird Gym earlier this year. renovation underscores the The college built the gym in 1968, and it's undergone several renovations, yet there is much need to adapt to the demands to improve as of 2024. of the present while preserving the essence of the past. Modernization brings with it the promise of enhanced facilities, improved functionality, and increased safety standards. Yet, it also presents a formidable financial challenge that requires careful navigation amidst competing priorities. The administration building of Liesinger Hall was built in 1954 costing $800,000. Consequently, the Fitness Center was built in 1955 using the remaining money, and the college hasn’t remodeled the structure since then. Allen Sanchez, building structures foreman at CC said, “It was a good investment for a gym at that time.” He added that after 70 years, “It definitely should be remodeled. It is a very old gym.” This building holds a special place in the hearts of many. However, Liesinger Hall is one of the oldest buildings on campus and needs revitalization. Brighter classrooms, state-of-the-art labs, and accessible technology are not mere luxuries but essential components of a 21st-century learning environment. Yet, as the college yearns for these improvements, the institution is also acutely aware of the financial and space constraints. Corey Peacock, dean of students at CC said, “We know the LH building and gym needs attention.” According to Peacock, there is a three-to-five-year plan to repair and upgrade buildings at CC, but the plan needs to be approved through state legislation and needs funding. Peacock added, “The LH building and gym didn´t make it into the college 5-year plan priorities.” Liesinger Hall is a very large building that houses several departments, many faculty members, and busy classrooms. According to Peacock, a plan to remodel the LH gym and building would take over two years to complete. Peacock said, “During that time, we would have to reassign space for all faculty members in other buildings, and that, is very unlikely to happen.” Similarly, the T-Bird Gymnasium, once a beacon of athletic excellence, now grapples with the weight of deferred maintenance and outdated facilities. For athletes, coaches, and fans alike, the gym represents more than just a venue for sporting events—it embodies a legacy of teamwork, perseverance, and triumph. The building has been in place since 1968 with several remodeling projects since then. Sanchez said, “Although a lot has changed, there are a lot of things here that could be improved. And I know it has been talked about to make an expansion and improvement of the gym.” The Athletic council and the athletic department have been advocating for the expansion of the T-bird gym. Sanchez said, “An expansion could be good, but it would cost a lot of money.” Money has a process to get into the college and it needs an approval plan to be used. Peacock said, “The equipment is easier to repair than the actual gym but an actual project for the T-Brid gym would take many years to get approved and to be done.” In addition to Liesinger Hall and the T-Bird gym, other many facilities need improvement and expansion. Peacock mentioned one in particular. “We are looking into upgrading the soccer field,” he said. Many buildings and sports facilities on campus need assistance. While the college is considering the upgrades, the projects need time and money to even be approved. By prioritizing strategic investments, leveraging external partnerships, and harnessing the creativity and ingenuity of our community, we can ensure that our campus continues to thrive for generations to come. Photo Courtesy of Western History Center The photo to the left is from the Western History Center's 1997 archives. The women's volleyball team appears to be listening to their coach while sitting in the Liesinger Hall gym. Is a college degree worth it? Some question the value, others benefit from higher ed Kyrah Hoppa Chinook Contributor Jean Scott Contributor Going straight to college after graduating high school, not going to college, or even going back to college -- Is it worth it? The age-old debate continues. According to a 2022 article by Katherine Schaeffer, a research analyst at Pew Research Center, “In February 2020, just before the COVID-19 outbreak began in the U.S., only 1.9% of college graduates ages 25 and older were unemployed… By June 2020, after the pandemic hit, 6.8% of college grads, 10.8% of workers with some college, and 12.2% of high school grads were unemployed.” Eric Valdez, the public relations art director at Casper College, is a college grad who is using his degree. Valdez earned an associates of arts degree from CC and later went on to get his bachelors of fine arts in Ohio. A job found Valdez once he moved back to Casper, as his friend referred him to an ad and design agency. After many freelance jobs in between, he then worked at Wyoming Medical Center for about 18 years as a fulltime designer for advertising and marketing. He is currently employed at CC. With advances in technology and AI, fear and unknown increase within people who are seeking a degree in art. AI is creating the question of what jobs it could possibly take over for humans. Valdez, being an artist before design using computers and AI, recommends his degree to future college students. “You still need that human connection to the artwork in order for it to be real and for people to kind of sense that mindset and sense of emotion,” Valdez said. Valdez also explained how it is cheaper for artists, especially digital artists, because the need to buy physical paints, brushes, pencils, etc. is down. All you really need is to pay for a couple of programs and you get all of the colors and design aids that come along with it. Some may seem skeptical about getting a degree, and they aren't alone. A 2021 article written by Jennifer McDermott, an author featured in popular news companies such as Forbes, USA Today, Huffington Post, stated, “53.2 million Americans aren’t sure their college degree was worth the money.” On the other side of things, there are plenty of college graduates who are not using their degree. Anna Miller is a scholarship coordinator at CC, and she is not using her degree. Miller earned her business administration degree at CC before later pursuing her bachelor's degree in business administration at the University of Wyoming at Casper. One of the requirements for a scholarship coordinator is to have a bachelor's degree, but it doesn't matter the degree’s specialty. In some parts of her job, she is using the knowledge learned from that specific degree in her daily tasks, but she said she does not use all of her coursework. “Really, the only thing out of the business admin degree I'm probably not using is like, market analysis, or creating a business or running a business. But everything else – network(ing), problem solving -- I'm doing on a daily basis,” Miller explained. However, when it came to recommending her degree to students, Miller seemed a little hesitant. Although she uses the knowledge she gained in college during her day to day, she feels there are more beneficial degrees. She said, “But I may also say the leadership and organization one would be maybe a little more beneficial. Because I think you probably would gain more from that in this current position.” Miller said she believes experience means just as much if not more than a degree. She said that skills learned means just as much as “a piece of paper” and having the skill to be able to do the job is sufficient enough. “I kind of feel like when you put a degree limitation on a position, you may not get the best applicants that are out there because they may have the experience, they just may not have gone to school through the process to get that degree,” Miller stated. The same 2021 article written by McDermott said, “It’s little wonder that such a high percentage of those with degrees think their college wasn’t worth the money, given the 28.2% (14.5 million) of them who are unable to find a job within their field of study.” Pursuing a degree in college costs a lot of money, so understanding the outcomes of all the investment and time is very important. Knowing exactly what one is able to do with the degree and the opportunities available without the degree could save money and time. �April 1, 2024 Page 7 CHINOOK Student loans: Helpful but with a catch? Anthony Sturt Chinook Writer Brett Lane Contributor Students at Casper College use their student loans to cover their education expenses, and to facilitate more focus on studies and home life. According to the Department of Education’s student aid page, student loans can be borrowed from the federal government or a private lender such as a bank or credit union. According to the Federal Student Aid Handbook, the money may be used for expenses such as tuition, books, room and board, dependent care, and more. The extra funds provided by student loans can make it easier to complete college without being overburdened by living expenses. Ashley Callender, a social work major at Casper College, suggested that her loans allowed her more freedom to focus on family and academic achievement. Callender said, “Well they've allowed me to be able to focus on school and be at home with my kids. So it's covered my bills and given me the opportunity to be able to focus on school and home life without having to work so hard.” Additionally, Callender stated that she found her student loan necessary for her Casper College attendance. According the the Federal Student Aid website, federal loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized student loans do not accrue interest while the student is in school, while unsubsidized loans do. Veronica Mojica, who is a double major in social work and addiction studies at Casper College, shared current and past experience with student loans. “In the past, like in 19992000, I didn't pay them back like I was supposed to, so years down the road I didn't get a tax return back for a few years because the government – the IRS – took their money back. So that kind of sucked, but it also taught me how I needed to learn how to be responsible,” said Mojica. Struggling to pay off student loans is not a unique phenomenon. A 2022 CNBC survey found that 81% of adults with student loans say they’ve had to delay one or more key life milestones because of their debt. Some of these milestones included having children, paying off other debts, buying a home, and saving for retirement. According to Education Data Initiative, the outstanding federal loan balance is $1.602 trillion, and the average debt balance is $37,088 per person. With an interest rate of 5.5%, that balance would accrue $5.59 in daily interest, and $167.70 over 30 days. According to Education Data Initiative, the total student loan debt in Wyoming is $1.7 billion, and the average debt balance is $31,250 per person. Wyoming’s average debt is lower than the national average. According to Article 7, Section 16 of the Wyoming State Constitution, “This provision states that the University will be equally open to students of both sexes, irrespective of race or color and tuition will be nearly free as possible.” Wyoming is the only state to mandates that college be as cheap as possible, which contributes to the state’s student debt being lower than the national average. Jessica Padilla, a social work major at Casper College, went to school for accounting 10 years ago, but did not complete her degree because of unforeseen circumstances. She needed six credits to graduate. After leaving college 10 years ago, Padilla defaulted on her student loans. When she decided to return to school, she needed to take out more student loans to attend Casper College. Padilla Said, “I was actually in default and that Fresh Start Program let me just start school immediately where– when I was in default last time I had to make 10 on-time payments before I could even get regular financial aid or student loans and so that program helped me get into school faster.” The Fresh Start Program, also known as the Fresh Start Initiative, is an IRS program that helps taxpayers resolve Anthony Sturt/Chinook Pictured above is Jessical Padilla, a social work major at Casper College. Padilla borrowed student loans to return to school after dropping out 10 years ago. debt. According to the website, the program is available to people who owe $10,000 or more. They can settle a debt for less than is owed, pause payments and collection actions, arrange an installment plan, and waive or reduce penalty fees. Despite having struggled with debt in the past, Padilla expressed a positive, but cautious view of -student loans. “I think that it's really good that they have that (student loans) available for students, and I think it's almost too easy to get the loans. So I do pay attention like what I'm accumulating because it is going to add up by the time I get my degree,” said Padilla. Mojica said that she thought a live representative should be there to walk prospective borrowers through all of the details of student loans. She described applying for and receiving her student loans online. “If I had a way to do it, I'd get somebody to do like a – even if it's just an hour in one of these rooms, to give you a one-on-one on what you're signing up for,” said Mojica. Callender also suggested changes, but her solution focused on American education as a whole. “I think that, in an ideal world, education would be free. In my heart, I feel like every person has a right to an education, and it would be nice for people to be able to go to school and not have to have the worry of the financial part of it,” said Callender, “Could I change that? Not necessarily, but -- yeah, if I had it my way, that’s how it would be.” caspercollegechinook.com Judging Contest at CC Photo Courtesy of Gabriella Trenda Casper College student Emily Taylor shows a pig at Casper College’s recent ag contents. Faythe Fowler Chinook Writer The Casper College Livestock Judging Contest, hosted on Saturday, March 23, strives to be the premiere contest in this region to benefit 4H and Future Farmers of America students. Students come from all over the state to enter the contest to prepare for upcoming state and national-level contests. Heath Hornecker, a faculty in CC’s Agricultural Department, strives to put on a well-organized, high-quality contest. “We hold the contest every year to provide a practice for all of the FFA and 4H teams who are training throughout Wyoming and the region,” said Hornecker. Hornecker explained that various people provide the cattle, and the college already purchased the pigs and lambs used for the contest. With so many students participating in this contest, organization is key. Between ensuring the participants are where they need to be and scoring cards accurately and efficiently, a lot goes into the behind-the-scenes of the contest. The tabulation room is one of the most critical components of the contest. Anne Wood, also a faculty member in the college’s ag department, runs the behind-thescenes tabulations. To ensure the integrity of the contest, students are not allowed in the scoring room, and cards are scored as soon as possible. Results and awards are presented shortly after, for all age divisions competing. The Torington-Lingle FFA advisor Jason Groene brings his team to this contest every year. “It’s tradition,” said Groene. “It’s a quality contest when we come. The guys always make sure it’s a really good experience for the kids, and it's probably one of the most complete contests this time of year that we can get some practice before we head to state convention.” The Wyoming State FFA Judging Contest is held on April 11, and the CC contest serves as a good practice. On top of the adult's help with the CC contest, Hornecker and Wood both agreed that this contest is student-run and led, and the CC ag students put in so much effort to ensure the event runs seamlessly. Hornecker said the students get up early and stay late so that everything is where it should be, papers are correct, animals are healthy, and the pavilion is clean. “I think it’s amazing how all of our students at CC pull together in the agriculture department to make sure we put on one of the most well-attended and well-organized events,” said Wood. This contest is a great event hosted by the CC Ag Department, and it shows the hard work and dedication of the Ag students at CC. The event also showcases what the CC Ag Department offers and ultimately serves as one of the most effective recruitment opportunities available. Hornecker said, “It’s a benefit to us because then we bring a lot of students onto campus, and we get to showcase and highlight a lot of our students and facilities and our programs, which we hope turns into a good recruiting tool.” � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Chinook Student Newspaper Online Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2019-2026 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA 08.iii.2023.01_Chinook_Digital Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Online Chinook Newspaper 2024-04 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2024-04 Description An account of the resource This is a copy of the online Chinook Newspaper from April 2024. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA_08.i.2023.01_2024-04 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF https://caspercollege.cvlcollections.org/files/original/84acb632434873190629ee0b2ec1eb36.pdf ca55b55f6f2b6b89efef60ef920a4db1 PDF Text Text May 1, 2024 Casper College’s Student Voice Since 1945 Next year's student senate electees By Lane Johnson Chinook writter Photo Courtesy of Zach Nagy This year's senate included thirteen members: (Back row left to right) Natalie Schults, Jonathan Nachbar, Katelyn Boespflug, Keenan Morgan, Amy Mackay, Bernadette Pieper, Kassadee Lym (Front row left to right) Taylee Siemens, Jacie Coupens, Shani Osorio-Alcala, Gabrielle McVay, Caitlin Grenfell, Taylor Dye Money across CC sports By Faythe Fowler Chinook writter As a whole, athletics programs at Casper College receive a budget from various sources to divide and decide what happens with the money. There is an overall budget for each sport that is created by financial services, depending on various factors that affect the budget. “The college gives us two budgets,” said Ben McArthur, the men's head soccer coach at CC. “There's a scholarship budget, which goes towards scholar-shipping players… and then there’s an operations budget, which pays for gear, hotels, food, travel, referees, things like that.” From that budget, Linda Toohey and Paul Marble collaborate and approve budget items for each sport. They must keep things equitable between men’s and women's sports but understand that there will be budgeting differences between all sports. “One team may just have more of an expense than another,” said Toohey. “But we try to keep it as close as we can.” Brooke Downs, the director of financial services at CC, provided the 2023-2024 academic year budgets for each sport. These budgets include coach salaries. For example, the rodeo team received $318,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year. Jhett Johnson, the head rodeo coach at CC, said the budget mostly goes towards animal leases and feed, as well as travel and rooms. Volleyball, however, received $156,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year. Every spring Casper College hosts an election for new student senate members. Each school at the college gets two representatives with a total of five schools according to Student Life Coordinator Devin Fulton. The schools include: Business and Industry, Fine arts and Humanities, Health Science, Science, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The senate positions are voted on by students, including the student body president. The president position is open to anyone currently on the senate that is returning next fall, and if nobody runs, the position is then open to the campus, according to Fulton. “We’ll have our officer election meeting on our final meeting of the semester on May 1,” Fulton said. The senate officers such as, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and the public relations coordinator are voted on internally to give each school a fair chance to be represented. The internal process is the reason that students don’t also vote for vice president in the main election, according to Fulton. Katelyn Boespflug ran unopposed this spring and was elected as president. Boespflug’s role includes listening to student complaints and suggestions, as well as providing a voice for the student body at upper level committee meetings. “My biggest goal as president is to be more in touch with clubs,” Boespflug said. Boespflug plans on going to more club meetings and feels that the clubs do a pretty good job already. She wants to help out with internal club activities, as well as offer a listening ear because it is something that she wants clubs to be aware of. Soon to be vice president Shani Osori-Alcala agreed and hopes that she can help the student body feel more included in the goings of campus. “I always just want to make the room more open to talk freely,” Osori-Alcala said. Osori-Alcala wants people to feel more lively and wants to make sure that the senate is a fun place where everyone can be comfortable with each other and voice their opinions freely. There is another election that happens in the fall semester. Fulton said the student senate holds elections for new freshman students to fill positions that may have been emptied over the summer. This is due to various factors, including the number of coaches and the number of teams. Volleyball is a smaller team – consisting of only 15 players – and only a women's team, with two coaches. Rodeo has a women's team with 11 athletes with one coach, and a men's team of 30 athletes with two coaches. The sheer size difference in the teams can explain the $162,000 difference between the sports. Other sports funding is adjusted for team size and their need for types of equipment. According to Downs, all budgets include coaches' salaries; men's basketball receives $223,000, women's basketball receives $228,000, men's soccer receives $207,000, and — See Sports Page 3 Faythe Fowler/Chinook Picture to the right are two members at the financial aid staff at Casper College. The financial aid office is located in the third floor of the Gateway Building. Onto a new chapter of life Bernadette Pieper Chinook Writer Bernadette Pieper/Chinook At the ASL potluck last month, Gail Schenfisch interprets what a student is saying about giving her a present and congratulating her on retirement. The closing of a chapter of life for Gail Schenfisch, an American Sign Language instructor and interpreter, is around the corner. She started her teaching career at Casper College 28 years ago where she built the existing ASL program. In 2017, Schenfisch made ASL an established degree at CC. She will retire at the end of the spring semester. While she said she is sad to go, she is ready for a new chapter in her life. “I kind of call it my graduation because I am graduating into a different genre of life,” Schenfisch said. Schenfisch started her career teaching ASL for the School of the Deaf in Casper. She taught there for eleven years, and then she took time to raise her kids. She then started to teach at the college as an adjunct teacher until she became a full-time instructor. “I am most proud of establishing a two-year degree in ASL studies that offers four levels of ASL. And we are the only institution in the state of Wyoming that offers four levels of ASL at the college level,” said Schenfisch. She is very thankful for the college and all of the support the institution provided her to help with the ASL program and what the program does for students and the deaf community in Casper. “We have a lot of special events that are big capstones for the students, like the Deaf Fest in the Fall. This helps expose students to ASL poetry and literature. Sign Fest evolved with one presenter and local community member eight years ago. And this year we have developed to the point of having a deaf educator. With the help of BOCES, we have brought in a deaf artist. The last four years we have had deaf artists who are nationally known,” said Schenfisch. As she steps away from the classroom, she will not be missing out on the action of signing because she will still interpret. She interprets for the State of Wyoming. Schenfisch said that while she does travel around the state for interpreting, but also stays busy in the Casper community serving the deaf. She also said she will stay available for for signing activities at the college or in the community. She also wants to take time to travel, be with family, learn to speak French and grow in her new passion for oil painting. “About six years ago, I took an art class and really found the passion for oil painting. I took that class because I wondered what I was going to do in my retirement,” Schenfisch said. Besides finding a passion for oil painting she has also found a passion to travel. She said she has traveled to five of the seven continents with Antarctica and Australia left, but wants to visit all seven within her life. Schenfisch said she’s already hit all 50 states. She said plans to spend more time traveling with her family and some close friends. She is very proud of all of the establishments and accomplishments that she has done for the ASL program, the students, and the college. Schenfisch said she is going to miss the classroom, but she will not be far from the college or doing what she loves the most -- signing traveling, and oil painting. She is ready to begin her new chapter of life. �Page 2 May 1, 2024 CHINOOK Chinook Stance Standing Up Against Violence Aliesia Berryman Alie's Quests for Happiness After the distressing and tragic events that took place at the Eastridge Mall in Casper on April 7 many Casperites are in shock. The community collectively grieves the loss of a fourteen-year-old boy. From what I’ve seen, the tragedy made all of us reflect on our city, our schools, and ourselves. As young people in America, it is essential to be aware of and fight against violence. In a press conference with the City of Casper, Natrona County, and the Natrona County School District, Vice Mayor Lisa Engebretson called for people to speak up. I doubt there are very many of us who haven’t seen something on social media, in the streets, or at school that called for possible action on our part. Whether or not we took action could have meant life or death for those involved. Often in these situations, you may find yourself saying: “It's not my business.” or “Someone else can deal with it.” Or perhaps you are scared of doing the wrong thing and being ridiculed. I personally like to believe that the world is full of people who are braver and more resilient than me. It may be easier to think this way but even if there are some people who are willing to say something, there are never enough. I have heard stories of people who were in the right place at the right time and managed to save a life. Each and every one of us are capable of doing that: of standing up for people whose voices aren’t heard. Our silence empowers wrongdoers and contributes to a culture of indifference. One night, I was inside my apartment when I started hearing shouting on my street. A group of highschool students were in the street—a very busy street I might add— arguing with each other. Cars were coming from both directions. Drivers stopped their cars and honked and yelled at the kids. The grown adults driving in the cars did nothing. They were more annoyed about not being able to keep moving than anything else. Unsure of what to do, I did something probably many of us would have done—I called my mom and asked her what I should do. We decided that I would call the non-emergency number. I did so, and a police officer showed up in minutes. The kids were broken up and the street was cleared. Divine's Intervention After witnessing demonstrations and conflict on college campuses over the past couple of weeks, I decided it might be timely to revisit a topic I first addressed back in 2022. The American educational reformer and President of Antioch College, Horace Mann, once said, “Do not think of knocking out another person's brains because he differs in opinion from you. It would be as rational to knock yourself on the head because you differ “ from yourself ten years ago.” Conflict has always been a part of the human race, and will never be eliminated. Whether we are referencing all-out armed conflict, demonstrations stemming from armed conflict such as the current Israeli actions against Hamas, or even a simple disagreement between two individuals about what political candidate to support; conflict is inevitable. Thus the pragmatic question is not will you be involved in conflict, but how will you respond to conflict when it arises. A proactive approach to dealing with conflict is awareness of the possibility, and consequently having avoidance or coping strategies at the ready. Whether the issue at hand is where to go to dinner, how to raise children, what to do about crime rates, or how to deal with unwanted neighbors, the possibility of conflict, at some level, is always present. Ignoring the reality of potential conflict, while perhaps While my situation did not escalate into violence, I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t spoken up. Did I save someone’s life that day? Did I prevent a terrible accident? I will probably never know. But if I hadn’t done something- and the situation had escalated, I would have felt guilty. As we mourn the loss of a young life and grapple with the unsettling realities of our society, let us not succumb to the temptation of passivity. Instead, let us rise to the occasion, emboldened by the belief that each of us has the power to effect change. Together, let us break the chains of silence and pave the way for a future where justice and compassion prevail. Take care of yourself and each other this summer! an attractive strategy for the short-term, is very likely a poor strategy for the longer term. Please understand I am not suggesting you should go through life expecting conflict to arise around every turn. I am; however, suggesting maintaining a mindset that conflict could arise at any level of our lives, ensures you will not be taken completely off-guard, and thus will be prepared to meet the challenges as presented. A proactive approach to dealing with conflict is awareness of the possibility, and consequently having avoidance or coping strategies at the ready. — Dr. Darren Divine Ph.D., Casper College President caspercollegechinook.com Taking online or hybrid courses? Students: We make sure you are able to access online learning resources needed to learn in your classes. We will also help you learn to utilize the digital tools available to you for all your classwork. Examples of items we can help with: 1. MyCCMoodle — including how to submit assignments, participate in forums, etc. 2. ZOOM – help you learn to access and use Zoom for your remote course meetings and collaborations 3. Google Suite — Google Docs, Drive, GMail, etc. 4. Accessing Office 365 .- such as MS Word and PowerPoint 5. Online tutoring — How and where to get extra help as you need it, using NetTutor. Plus a lot more! Contact us. Don’t wait! Get your Questions answered now. Teresa Pat Mike Tyler For help or more information stop by Liesinger Hall, room 132 or contact us at 307-268-3882, dlc@caspercollege.edu, and av@caspercollege.edu. Dave Camille �May 1, 2024 Page 3 CHINOOK Sports...................................................... women's soccer receives $223,500. The athletic director receives $342,00 and all athletic trainers receive $104,000. “Our ratio of men to women on campus is approximately 60% women to 40% men,” said Toohey. According to Marble and Toohey, budgets depend on how long certain coaches have been at CC and equity between men's and women's teams. They evaluate and agree upon a budget that is fair for all sports. There is also additional fundraising to help support the athletic program. The athletic department as a whole fundraises, as well as individual sports. “[The] golf outing. That’s our big one,” said Marble. “Each sport does fundraising to help their cause and help the department in various forms.” Johnson said that the rodeo team hosts a rodeo school over the summer continued from page 1 that brings in revenue for their team. The kids get help, as well as the athletes that learn from teaching, according to Johnson. “We run a soccer camp, and we sell concessions during state basketball,” said McArthur. “Those are our two big fundraisers.” Money earned from fundraising goes to additional perks, such as additional equipment, gear, or team clothes, said Marble. The money dedicated towards sports at CC is carefully revised and ensures that each sport has the funds needed to succeed on and off the field. The life lessons learned in theater production By Geoff Cooper Chinook Writer Richard Burk, a longstanding figure in Casper College's theater department, directs his final production with "Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief." The production ran from April 18-20 and April 25-27 at Casper College. His departure marks not just an end to his career but also the continuation of the profound life lessons he instilled in his students. "Theater requires ownership at every level," Burk said. "Everything you do, you must be completely responsible for. That is the life lesson of theater." Burk isn’t just interested in imparting a lesson to his students. He also hopes that the audience will glean some key insights from the story they’re presenting. “I think it’s a story of Percy Jackson figuring out who he is,” Burk said. “There’s a lot about kids being left on their own or abandoned, but they’re not victims. They’re empowered to figure it out and grow into their best selves.” The star of the show, Wyatt Buhler, is interested in Percy for similar reasons. “What drew me to Percy’s character is that he’s questioning who he is,” Buhler said. “Since starting college, I’ve also struggled with whether I’d like to continue theater or stick with my physical therapy program.” The selection of "Percy Jackson" stemmed from its widespread adaptation by reputable theaters nationwide, a choice Burk said he embraced after hearing the music and reading the script. However, adapting a play with fantastical elements presents unique challenges. “You can’t exactly blow a hole in the Gateway Arch on stage,” Burk said. The story also flows relatively quickly from scene to scene and from location to location. The plot requires a degree of flexibility from the set designer, Shontelle Grey. “Since things aren’t always what they seem in the world of Percy Jackson, we were able to use dynamic scene elements that represented different things,” said Grey. The trolley-like design of these elements allows for them to be moved around frequently, whether the scene requires a bus to explode or an attic to house a spooky character. The portrayal of monsters in a fantasy adaptation was another creative challenge embraced by the costume department, led by Daryl Wagner. “This was a lot of fun because of the monsters,” Wagner said. “We really got to go over the top with a few things.” Burk’s influence on each moving part of this production is evident. As his tenure at Casper College concludes with "Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief," the production serves as a testament to his dedication to theater education Geoff Cooper/Chinook and the enduring impact of storytelling in the Wyatt Buhler is pictured above. Buhler portrayed Percy Jackson in "Percy Jackson and the theatrical realm. Lightning Thief," a production that ran at Casper College last month. It’s not retirement but a new adventure Submitted Photo Dr. Darren Divine is pictured speaking at the 2022 Casper College commencement ceremony. Divine is retiring from his role as president of the college in June. By Bernadette Pieper Chinook Writer After serving as President of Casper College for nine years, Dr. Darren Divine is stepping into a new chapter of life. He will slowly leave his position after graduation in May and is set to turn over the position to the new president by June. “I don’t like the word retirement. The challenge of retire- ment is what does it mean,” said Divine. He said he’s thought about retiring for several years now and everything just lined up that this year was the time to retire. In his retirement, Divine said he plans to travel, volunteer, complete his six months worth of work around his house, spend more time with his wife, working on his hobbies, and he wants to come back for college events. He plans to stay in Casper for retirement. Looking back on the past nine years as president of the college, Divine said he really enjoyed his role. He spoke of what he sees as his biggest accomplishment. “In this case, I would define accomplishment as anything that helped students succeed and achieve their goals,” Divine said. In addition to the overall emphasis on student success, Divine highlighted another accomplishment that sticks out to him. Divine talked about how he is most proud of getting a graduation speaker that is a student and not someone famous like it was before he came to Casper. “I just don’t agree with that, and I think graduation should be all about the students. I changed the model where we have the contest. The contest is where the student can write the essay and audition to become a speaker at graduation. I abso- lutely think that it is the way it should be. Graduation should be all about the students,” Divine said. Along with accomplishments, there are also always challenges that one must overcome. Divine said there was a time when the whole state saw a big downturn creating a financial burden that affected the college. He said he had to “tighten its belt” and figure out a way to overcome. Another challenge Divine spoke about overcoming came when the college purchased the ranch campus and rodeo practice arena. He said this was a challenge for him because he stepped in when it was just purchased, so he… and got the situation all figured out of what was needed, what all needed to be fixed, what elese was needed to have the campus function correctly and smoothly and any other financial things to go with the campus. “It's all about the students and people getting that next goal in life. Why wouldn’t you want to go out and celebrate student success from music, (to) graphic arts, athletics, forensics, or livestock judging,” said Divine. “I plan to attend events that are done by students of the college during retirement.” Divine said one of the things he will miss in retirement is representing the college and the students of the college. Representing the students is a very meaningful thing to Divine. Anything that dealt with students he was there for. Also just representing the college and being the face of the college meant a lot to him. He was always at student events representing the students and the college. Making sure that students succeed and achieve their goals meant that he is doing his job. One thing Divine said he won’t miss is the constant cyber-attacks on the college. “Having to worry about the attacks, not physical attacks constantly, but cyber-attacks -- cyber security. It is neverending. I would say it is getting more constant,” said Divine. Divine has done a lot of within his nine years of being president from accomplishments, helping students to succeed, students to achieve their goals, and overcome many challenges. He is looking forward to what retirement is and what it will have in store for him. �Page 4 May 1, 2024 CHINOOK Letting passion influence your future plans Photo Courtesy of Skye Watts Zoë Von Gunten sits with a Walt Whitman book given to her by her brother Maxwell. Aliesia Berryman Chinook Writer From the moment one can hold a conversation, a common question is: What do you want to be when you grow up? Upon entering junior year of high school the pressure surmounts and wrong decisions can cost time and significant amounts of money. There are many approaches to figuring this out for oneself: one might go for a career that is financially advantageous while another might want a career that allows them to stay at home with kids. Yet another option is to go for a career that requires traveling the world. Whatever route one takes, the one thing that promotes the most lifetime happiness is finding a career that involves passion, yet figuring out what it is one loves doing can be half of the journey. The pressures of family and society can prevent one from doing the things they love and ultimately push them down a career path that leads to misery. Zoë Von Gunten is someone who pushed past those pressures and is now studying English at Casper College with plans to make a career doing what she loves. Von Gunten is most often in Strausner Hall where she attends several classes. She is often recognized by her colorful and eccentric clothing. If not at school, Von Gunten can likely be found working at the Bourgeois Pig, a popular downtown cafe. Von Gunten planned on studying music when in high school. “I used to think I wanted to be a music major. I played saxophone, and my entire family on my mom’s side, they’re all musicians. And of course my brother played saxophone, so in my brain I was like – I’m going to do what you do,” Von Gunten said. “That wasn’t really where my heart truly lied.” She said the transition was difficult. “I literally had to break up with music and be like, I’m gonna go flirt with English now.” “What you thought was beautiful may actually be harmful.” Studying English presents its challenges. The University of Wyoming at Casper used to offer an English bachelor's degree and no longer does due to lack of demand. Even getting an English degree at CC requires some hoop jumping due to only a few classes being offered per semester. Barriers exist outside of college as well. The financial outlook for most English majors is dreary. Rena Goldman at Business Insider rated the degree path as one of the twelve worst for career potential. It took a very supportive teacher to show Von Gunten the joys of reading and writing. Von Gunten said her support came from her high school senior year AP language arts teacher Jamie Tipps. She said Tipps introduced her to the world of literature, particularly short stories and poetry. “She really fostered my love of English and she encouraged me to be very creative where I couldn’t find this creativity in music,” Von Gunten said, “As creative as music is, I found I was more expansive in literature.” Of Tipps she said, “She was really the person who grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the water and said, you will be fine.” Von Gunten described her high school experience as being very stifled. She said, “There were not a lot of teachers there who truly wanted to invest their time into what I was interested in.” Tipps fostered in Von Gunten more than just a love for literature and writing, she also introduced her to the world of editing. Von Gunten is a tutor in the Writing Center at CC, and she is also a literary editor for Expressions magazine. She decided that her goal in life is to become an editor. Tipps put together a “case book” of her students’ writings, and the creation of this collection is ultimately what steered Von Gunten into the desire for editing. This, she believes, is her one true path. She said, “I think in there too, that also made me kind of realize that I think I want to be an editor because we would do peer editing and my peers would come up to me and be like: Hey, um, you’re really good at this. Can you help me edit this?... This is something I truly enjoy and I felt like I truly found what I wanted to do and what I really was meant to do.” Von Gunten is already planning for the future. “I want to edit for a publishing company and edit books, which first and foremost, I may end up working with authors I’ve read and that I love and being able to read their manuscripts and be helping with it? Like, what a freaking cool thing to do. To help someone put out a book that may change the world. That’s so cool.” “And on top of that too. I would say very sly of me, but my loophole idea too is as a creative writer. If I work for a publishing company, it may give me more of an in to be like, ‘Hey guys, I have a manuscript. Do you want to read it maybe?’” A creative writing passion is one that lots of people carry but only an elite few make a living from. Von Gunten said, “You either make it or you don’t. You have to get lucky. For years, some authors will be putting out books and they’ll be great but they’ll never be known. Some of the best books we’ve ever had, the classics, some of those authors were just totally shunned from society. Later, once they’re dead, you know and have no money to their name and know one knows them, they’re like ‘Wow, this book is life-changing.’” Von Gunten believes that everyone should read, and that you don’t have to be an English major to fall in love with books. “Something that really peeves me, is people being like, ‘Well I’m an engineering major. I don’t need to write,’” Von Gunten said. She added, “You do. I wish people understood that writing is such an integral part of our lives. It Love Across Borders is a literal written account of history while also being the thing that shows people what you’re about.” Von Gunten understands the difficulty in understanding and appreciating literature. She subscribes to the idea of some people leaning more towards math and logic while others, like her, lean more towards creativity. Yet she wishes to emphasize the purpose behind literature and working with someone on a piece of their writing. “We need to understand that there are gray areas and there is beauty in not knowing. And if you can learn to understand that it’s okay to not know everything, I think that just opens up so much more possibility.” she said. Von Gunten found that those who love creativity will gravitate towards each other. “We’re all just a bunch of weirdos, and we all just want to write some silly little stories.” she said. In studying writing and literature, Von Gunten found the confidence to be herself. When comparing herself to others she no longer looked at herself negatively. Instead, she looked at herself as someone who could reach greatness. She said, “It’s okay that I’m not being the best.” She said she is formulating a story in her mind that she hopes to write and get published someday. It is a story about getting over grief. “I finally feel like I found a concept that’s really fun that I’m super excited to actually pursue,” Von Gunten said. She said she hopes to find herself somewhere in the Pacific Northwest editing her “little heart out with my little kitties around me… Hopefully at least. If that doesn’t work out I’m probably gonna just go running screaming into the woods and vanish.” A Colombian teacher's journey to the American west Saioa San Francisco Arilla Chinook Writer In a heartwarming story of cross-cultural connection, a Colombian woman found love and a new home in the heart of America's Wild West. Nohora Groce a Spanish teacher at CC was born in Colombia, Bogotá. She was married for two years in Colombia until she became a widow. She didn't find another person to be able to share her life with. Groce said, “Things were changing in Colombia at that time. Women were gaining strength and independence, and men were terrified.” She added, “It was very difficult for me to be able to date someone else. I couldn´t see myself dating again.” She worked in international commerce for 11 years with people from all over the world, especially people from Sweden. She said she thought she was going to end up marrying someone from Europe. Some of her friends talked to her about a dating app to meet people from other countries. “The app was very well structured -- it did a study and evaluated your personality,” she said. “The people from the app then are the ones who make the match for you.” A month passed before she could have any contact with the one who would be her future husband, Mark. As soon as they were in contact, he wanted to ask her how well she spoke English. The first time they had a proper conversation, they talked for two hours. She went on a business trip to Europe and during that time she decided she wanted to go visit him in the United States. Groce said, “I decided I wanted to see him because I was seeing couples and babies everywhere and I truly wanted to form a family.” Six months went by and he insisted on meeting her. Groce planned to go to Miami States in December. She spent several days with her nephew before finally visiting him. During that time, she found something in him she could have never found in her home country “It was beautiful. I felt like I was in love with him without knowing him,” Groce explains. She spent 10 days in Wyoming before going back to Colombia. Groce said, “I went back to Colombia because that was how it was planned, but my head was here, in Casper.” During that time apart, she tried to convince him to go to Colombia, as he didn´t have work in Casper. He didn´t know Spanish and was very scared of moving to another country. She told him to learn Spanish and find a job in Clombia as she was willing to move to America for him too. Groce added, “Here in Colombia we are very… how do I explain it? We dive into the water, (and) we never stop.” She thought everyone was going to have the same mentality, but he didn´t. So, she started thinking about moving to the United States. “I had no desire to run away from Colombia -- I had my job, my apartment, and everything was good. But something was missing. I was missing someone to share that life with,” Groce explained. They talked about her spending a couple of months in Casper, and so she did during the summer to see if she would be willing to move to Casper with him. Groce said, “I had a very stressful life back in Colombia. Wyoming gave me peace -- I liked that peace.” Groce must manage her stress. At age 27, she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a syndrome that causes pain in different parts of the body. Stress is one of the things that causes the most pain with that kind of syndrome. With jobs as stressful as Groce’s, she thought that by moving to Wyoming, her health would improve. She then resigned from her job and sold her apartment along with everything she had beside her bed. Groce explained, “The hardest part was saying goodbye to my mom. I had a very strong connection with her being the youngest and only girl in the siblings.” She finally moved to the United States in December of 2006. They started their life together and a year later, in 2008, they got married. Soon after, Sofia, their oldest daughter was born. Sofia, Nohora´s daughter is now 15 years old. She knows Spanish and English and has traveled to visit her family back in Colombia. Sofia said, “I am very grateful for my roots, I think knowing two languages from a young age has helped me in a lot of ways.” Being a multicultural child and knowing two languages can be very beneficial to the development of children. Sofia explained, “I want to go back to Colombia. I’d like to be able to understand both languages, Spanish and English because it allows me to communicate with more people” Groce's story isn't just about crossing borders for love. It's a testament to human strength and the magic of taking risks. Leaving everything familiar behind to embrace the unknown takes bravery, but Groce did just that. And in Wyoming, she didn't just find love; she found a piece of herself she never knew was missing. Submitted Photo Nohora Groce, a Spanish instructor at Casper College, shared her story with the Chinook. Groce moved to Wyoming from Columbia to start a live with her husband, Mark. Submitted Photo Groce and her family are pictured here. Her daughter, Sophia, spoke about her experience as a multicultural child. �May 1, 2024 Page 5 CHINOOK CC students perform "The Lightning Thief" Geoff Cooper/Chinook Pictured above is Abigail Ehrlich rehearsing sword fighting choreography with student Savannah Kiggans. Casper College's production of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.” ran April 18-20 and April 25-27 on the McMurry Mainstage. Geoff Cooper/Chinook In the photo above is student Abigail Ehrlich as Annabeth Chase, the daughter of Athena. Shown above is Nathan Skoglund as Ares, the Greek god of war. Geoff Cooper/Chinook Geoff Cooper/Chinook Pictured above Cameron Allender fends off two Camp Half Blood attackers. Geoff Cooper/Chinook To the left Richard Burk directs rehearsals with Wyatt Buhler and Nathan Skoglund. Burk also directed the entire production and will be retiring after the spring semester. �Page 6 May 1, 2024 CHINOOK Spring soccer update Lane Johnson Chinook Writer The Casper College Men and Women’ Soccer Teams have completed the spring season and look forward to competing for the national title again in the fall. For the freshman, the spring season is an opportunity to improve and gain more experience playing at the college level. For the sophomores the season provides a final few games to show why they should be able to continue at a higher level. Both the CC Men’s and Women’s Soccer Teams were scheduled to play five games this spring but two were canceled. Lewis Gordan and Cole Venable are both sophomores for the men's soccer team. They agreed that the fall season is the one that matters, and they are now just looking to prepare the freshman for the next fall as they transition aways from Casper College. “We try not to have a different outlook on the spring season,” Venable said. Venable talked about how they need to keep a good attitude for the freshman so that they can continue to get better and continue the success they found last fall. The men were the first CC team to appear in the national tournament, according to Venable and Gordan. “It’s good practice for the freshman and obviously for those (sophomores) who are still trying to find schools -- it's good,” Gordon said. Emmy Finlinson and Kaylinn Gallup are both freshmen for the Lady TBird’s. They have similar thoughts about the spring season. They agreed that they see it more of an offseason practice time to get better and prepare for the fall season. The women did not make the national tournament in the fall but are optimistic about next year. “We’re constantly practicing with nothing to work towards right now,” Finlinson said. She said she wishes the spring season included more competition, as she feels that the team is focused and working hard every day. She believes that at higher divisions the spring season is much more serious. Yet she feels that CC does as much as it can to maintain a highly competitive environment during the spring. “It’s not really a full season. It feels like it’s just preparatory for the next season -- just kind of having fun together while it lasts,” Gallup said. The spring season is more of an offseason Photo Courtesy of Edwin Gonzalez with a few games, and both the men and women’s teams are excited for the upcoming Goalkeeper Hugo Amo, a sophomore from Spain, defends the goal in a September game against Western Nebraska Community College. fall season. Libby Winchell: CC’s first women’s rodeo coach Faythe Fowler Chinook Writer The women’s rodeo team added a new member to their roster this year; a women’s coach. Hired just this year, Libby Winchell is the first Women’s Rodeo Coach at Casper College. Winchell is originally from Scottsbluff, Neb., where she grew up surrounded by the rodeo lifestyle. “My mom rodeoed,” Winchell said. “I have an older sister, and she was rodeoing before I was.” Winchell continued her rodeo journey in college by goat tying, breakaway roping, and running barrels for Eastern Wyoming College before transferring to Tarleton State University. Winchell found success in the arena from the of her collegiate career. “I made the college finals my first year,” said Winchell. “I was a 6.5 in the first round… and like a 7.5 my second round.” After her graduation from Tarleton State in May of 2023, she wanted to continue her rodeo career and didn’t plan on coaching at CC. “My kind of game plan was just to go rodeo,” Winchell said. “Then, a phone call changed everything, you could say.” Spanning over just a few weeks, Winchell received calls from various CC staff members, offering her a position as the new women’s rodeo coach. “Sandy Bob (Forbes) called me and inquired if I would be interested,” Winchell said. “And Jhett (Johnson) called too. Then I got a call from Paul (Marble), the athletic director… and I was here two days later, interviewed, and got the job.” Since her hire at CC, coaching the women proved successful. Winchell said she enjoys her time here, enjoys her team, and thinks the school and facilities are great. “The opportunities are endless if they want to come to school here,” said Winchell. “They get to rope and practice every day. A lot of other schools don’t get to do that.” Waci Thomson, a freshman from Alberta, Canada, runs barrels, breakaway ropes, and ties goats for the women’s team. “She pushes us to do our best,” said Thomson. “She’s good with a rope, so she can see something and help.” Winchell offers her help every day and is there for her team. Thomson said she helps with horses, setting up and running practice, roping swing techniques, and anything else she can. She wants to see her team improve and succeed more than anything. As well as coaching the women's team, Winchell also offers her help to the men’s team. “She usually helps the calf ropers a lot, knowing what calf horses should and shouldn’t do, she's there to help,” said Hayes Hammond, a team roper and calf roper on the men’s team. Winchell, as well as the other rodeo coaches, are there for the benefit of the athletes. “All of the coaches here, they don’t teach, so our coaching is our full-time gig,” said Winchell. “So we're here as much as we can be, and if kids do need anything, we're only a phone call away.” Winchell strives to bring personal improvement to her athletes and truly wants to see them succeed in all areas of their personal, school, and rodeo careers. “She overall has helped me and the girls a ton, inside and out of the arena,” said Thomson. Photo Courtesy of 4 Bar C Photography Libby Winchell, CC's first Women's Rodeo Coach, is pictured here breakaway roping. Winchell's athletes spoke about how she's good with a rope and pushes them to be their best. Artist, cat whisperer, and partner Lairen Brush Chinook Writer Walking around Casper College, students, staff, and faculty may be able to identify origami birds surrounding the halls, hidden on bookshelves, or hanging out under a computer monitor. They could depict a crime scene surrounded by onlookers or isolated all alone. These cranes originate from Nadine Francisco, an art major at Casper College. Francisco grew up in Casper after their grandma gained custody of them from their biological mother. Francisco considers this grandma to be their mom and refers to her as such. While growing up, their mom supported them and their creativity, especially when Francisco wanted to help make cranes for an event without any previous experience. Origami is not a natural talent for Francisco. “I learned how to make cranes when The Nicolaysen did the 1001 cranes,” Francisco said. “There were only four participants. I was one of the four.” The only reason they participated in the event was because they had nothing else going on at the time. “I’m a little kid that wants to help,” Francisco said, “I’m bored.” However, this one-time event participation continued to grow with time. “In high school, I would make cranes and hide them,” Francisco said. “I didn’t do this proportions of it. I did like one or two, maybe, and hid them around and people liked them.” “That’s how they express themselves,” Francisco’s partner, Haden Schell, said. “It’s definitely one of their ways to cope with their depressive episodes.” Mental health can lead to non-productivity and isolation. Francisco uses crane making and hiding to keep busy and to keep from falling deeper into depression. However, this is not the only reason they continue to make cranes. Francisco stated that they struggle with many things, including having autistic traits and ADHD. As a result, classroom settings are difficult for them and they utilize many aids to assist themselves, such as making and hiding the cranes. “I am unable to do full-time as a student because I get too overwhelmed. Then I do poorly in classes,” Francisco said. Cranes are used as a fidget accommodation in classes for Francisco. This accommodation is for an ADHD diagnosis. Sometimes keeping your hands busy helps to focus on listening. They then place them around campus. Francisco also gains support from real life animals. Francisco and Schell own two cats: Husk and Grums. Husk is a cat the couple got mid-COVID to help Nadine. “We were just going through the list of names, and we hit one, and he just perked right up,” Haden said. They originally wanted to name the cat Alastair; however, the cat had a different idea. “We call her the cat whisper because everywhere we go, we’ve got a little cat following us!” Schell said. “She can be very romantic,” Schell said, “Definitely the sweetest person I’ve ever met.” She uses her art skill in many ways, not just for the cranes. Schell and Francisco have been going to the Comic-Con here in Casper for a while now. Francisco has made many of the costumes they wear. The costumes don’t always stay together, but progress is still being made. “[Schell’s] stayed together longer than mine,” Francisco said “My mask kept breaking, but the fabric was fine. It was the first costume I’ve ever made.” Francisco plans to wrap up her art degree within the next two years. She plans to sell her art as a business venture, but progress is progress. “I don’t know how to do it, so I’m learning slowly,” Francisco said. She does have hopes for the future and this journey with her art. “Once I’m done with college, I’ll hopefully try making myself better as an artist,” Francisco said. Lairen Brush/Chinook Pictured above is Nadine Francisco (left) and their partner Haden Schell. Francisco makes origami birds and places them around campus for all to enjoy. Submitted Photo Shown to the left is a flock of Francisco's birds. caspercollegechinook.com �May 1, 2024 Page 7 CHINOOK Martha Vargas A story of relocation, acclimation, separation, reunion Anthony Sturt/Chinook Pictured above is Martha Vargas, an emplyee at the Tobin Dining facility at Casper College since 2022. Anthony Sturt Chinook Writer Martha Vargas, a grill cook at the Tobin Dining Hall at Casper College, fulfilled the roles of wife, mother, pastor, and employee since arriving to Casper in 2001. Vargas overcame the dif- ficulties of immigration from Mexico, engaged as a leader of her church, and worked to raise her daughters to adulthood. Vargas also overcame the departure of her husband when immigration officials ordered him return to Mexico for one year, and then prevented him from returning for 13 years. According to Vargas, she was born in Villa Aldama Tamaulipas, Mexico. She moved to Casper with her husband and two daughters, while her adult son remained in Mexico. Vargas said that the family came to Casper because her brother-in-law already lived here. Vargas described her first winter in Casper as ‘very bad.’ “(There was) a lot of snow, and we didn’t pray for this because we didn’t know (there would be) a lot of snow,” said Vargas. Vargas said that the family had never experienced a cold winter before arriving in Casper. They didn’t own suitable clothes for the weather, and the freezing temperatures caused the pipes in their home to burst, leaving them temporarily without water. Vargas said that her brotherin-law helped the family overcome the difficulties of the family’s first winter in Casper. Vargas said that her brotherin-law already lived in Casper for ‘a long time’ when they arrived. The family also struggled with the language barrier when they arrived in Casper. Vargas estimated that there were only three families in town who spoke Spanish at the time, and in most places she went, she could not talk to anyone. Vargas’ daughter, Sara Mena-Vargas, said that her mother stayed home to take care of the children when the family lived in Mexico, and she entered the labor force upon arrival in Casper. According to Vargas, she first worked at the Hometown Buffet for three years, then One Hour Martinizing for 16 years before starting at Casper College nearly three years ago. Vargas said that she and her husband both served as pastors at the Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal church in Casper. Vargas’ husband led the church until 2010, and then she took over the role when her husband was no longer able. Vargas then fulfilled the role until 2022. According to Vargas, immigration officials determined that her husband needed to return to Mexico for one year in 2010, so he had to vacate his role as pastor of the church. She said that every time the return date drew near, the time officials required him to stay in Mexico increased. Initially, the timeframe changed from one year to three years and then increased to 10 years. Vargas said that when the 10-year mark approached, the closure of Immigration offices due to the COVID-19 pandemic further delayed her husband’s return. Vargas’ husband returned in July of 2023. Mena-Vargas described her father’s departure as a deportation, but Vargas clarified that her husband cooperated with immigration officials and returned to Mexico when he was ordered to do so. Mena-Vargas said that she was 14 when her father returned to Mexico. Her older sister had already left the family home by that point, so she and her mother shared the caspercollegechinook.com house from that point on. Mena-Vargas said that the 43 years of her parents’ relationship includes the 13 years that they were separated. “I think it was difficult because she had to become a single mom to me and take care of me, and figure out all the bills, and figure out all the car rides. She had to be the one to teach me to drive when my dad taught everyone else to drive,” said Mena-Vargas. Mena-Vargas said that she and her mother fought about various issues in the weeks following her father’s departure. She attributed these clashes to the stress brought on by her father’s absence. “But I think it made our family stronger because we all had to just rely on each other, but it also was super hard on my mom because suddenly everything was on her,” said Mena-Vargas. Vargas said that she served as a chaplain from 2019 to 2022. As a chaplain, Vargas attended events such as queinceaneras, funerals, and graduations as a representative of the church. Vargas also helped new families find housing, food, and anything else that they needed. “Yeah, when they were sick, we can help apply for the doctor, for the medicine, for the different parts of help for something. We help in this and we talk with them to help them stay calm,” said Vargas. �Page 8 2nd Annual De-Stress Fest Lane Johnson/Chinook Casper College hosted its second annual De-Stress Fest earlier this spring. De-Stress Fest featured booths and activities for students to enjoy, as well as a keynote presentation on stress from University of Denver Ethics Professor Corey Ciocchetti. May 1, 2024 CHINOOK Join our staff this fall! Practice interviewing & writing Take photos & design Learn sales & advertising Explore social media & web development The Chinook is a one credit class titled Independent Publications. Contact our faculty advisor Bri Weigel for more information brianne.weigel@caspercollege.edu � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Chinook Student Newspaper Online Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2019-2026 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA 08.iii.2023.01_Chinook_Digital Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Online Chinook Newspaper 2024-05 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2024-05 Description An account of the resource This is a copy of the online Chinook Newspaper from May 2024. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA_08.i.2023.01_2024-05 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF https://caspercollege.cvlcollections.org/files/original/648195d9b2f3264b04004b46444ce9e9.pdf d6cf8f299cf9d59640b2576763ac5b3e PDF Text Text October 1, 2024 Casper College’s Student Voice Since 1945 The international experience at CC By Saioa San Francisco Chinook writer Saioa San Francisco/Chinook Csenge Szomszed brings her suitcase to her room in the residence hall at Casper College during the first week of classes as she begins her academic journey overseas. Blanking out in politics By Lairen Brush Chinook writer Dr. Nathan Blank, an instructor at Casper College, enriches the courses he teaches through a connection to personal experiences and fostering civil discussions in a politically driven environment. He grew up in California, attended school in Australia for his doctorate, and did research in the Philippines. With this knowledge, it is used in the context of his classes. “I think [his education] helps him present information in a well-rounded way,” Keenan Morgan, a former student at Casper College, said. This background enhances the classes that he teaches from the upper to lower levels. “I share those perspectives with students that … need to break out of our American centric viewpoint,” Blank said, “To take off our Red, white, and blue glasses and try to view things, especially international events and phenomena from a more diverse perspective.” Blank presents the information in the same tone as he does outside of it. Morgan said, “He’s the same guy, honestly. Same jokes, same dry humor.” The humor is not a lowdown, though. “I think the healthiest thing for us to do is to laugh and to make fun of ourselves, especially in America,” Blank said. “To make fun of politicians across the spectrum and, to be honest, to not take ourselves too seriously.” There are differences in how the levels of classes are taught. Lower levels are more traditional and slideshowbased, and upper classes are more discussion-based, which comes with challenges on their own. The fall semester begins at Casper College, and the calm campus in Wyoming becomes a swarm of activity as students from all over the United States and the world stream into the dorms, eager to start a new chapter in their lives. Freshman international students are among these newcomers. For many, this starts a transforming journey, academic, social, and cultural. However, their initial impression frequently includes a cultural surprise: the significant contrasts in how American and overseas students handle settling in. Csenge Szomszed, an international student from Hungary at Casper College, explained, “I was surprised when I saw Americans moving in; when I came here, I was trying to keep it simple and just bring necessary stuff like clothes and bedding.” Differences when moving into an American college coming from a European country can be very noticeable and strange at first. Some people tend to experience culture shock during the first month, and some never get used to it. “I have been living in dorms since I was 13. In Hungary, when you move into a dorm, you just bring bed sheets or pillows, but you would never think about bringing a whole fridge or microwave like I´ve seen Americans do.” Szomszed explained This disparity is typical among many overseas students. While American students generally bring a variety of goods to make their dorm rooms seem more like home, international students frequently come with only the necessities. Travel practicalities, customs regulations, and cultural conventions around minimalism frequently demand they carry less. “I would have never thought about having a TV or a couch in my room, but when I saw other Americans' rooms, I got jealous, and I started to think about decorating my room,” Szomszed said. This cultural difference is indicative of larger lifestyle preferences. In many places of the world, college life is more about function than luxury. On the other hand, American pupils value comfort, individualism, and convenience. Decorating a dorm room is a rite of passage for them, an expression of their individuality, and a means of — See Internationals Page 3 Blank said, “We’re really tearing it apart and trying to come to some conclusion on what these things mean in a real way. It’s the interactions in class where we can take all this book information and whether or not I did a slideshow and try to come up with: What does this all mean? What’s the point? ” His nature can cause students to be open to talking to him. “If I have a question about something I know I can go to him, whether it’s schoolrelated or politics-related,” Morgan said. “Or if I just want to see what he thinks about something.” Dr. Nathan Blank is passionate about his study and it shows in how he presents himself both in and out of the classroom. “Dr. Blank is Dr. Blank,” Lairen Brush/Chinook Morgan said. Casper College Political Science Instructor Nathan Blank presents about the president's expressed powers during his class. High hopes for T-bird Men's Soccer Timothy Huber Chinook Writer Photo courtesy of Zach Nagy/Casper College Public Relations Parker O'neill, freshman of Casper, Wyoming (left,) prepares to pass the ball to a teammate during the Thunderbirds' 3-1 win against Trinidad State on Sept. 7 at Murane Field. Coming off a successful 2023 season, the Casper College men's soccer team has high expectations this season and its players look to exceed those expectations. The team entered this season ranked as the 10th best team in the nation after a remarkable late-season run that gave the squad a bid in the NJCAA national tournament last season. Although the national tournament is not played until late November, that goal is very prominent to players, specifically, freshman Midfielder Parker O’Neill. According to Parker, this season, the team is looking “to try to dominate the region…and try to make it to the national tournament again” Parker, a graduate of Kelly Walsh High School, here in Casper, dedicates a large portion of his time and effort to the game of soccer. When asked the question, “What would you do if you were not playing soccer”, he had no clue how to respond saying “that’s a hard question…I don’t know, [soccer] has kind of always been there” This type of love for the game that he has had from a young age has played a significant role in the start of his college playing career. Parker put the program on notice as he jumped right in as a freshman on this historically, successful team. He has strongly impressed the coaching staff, as Assistant Coach Conner Schmidt talked about Parker’s leap from high school to college in overall competitiveness, “he looks right in place, so it’s just really comforting as a coach to see [Parker] step up to the next level and thrive” Schmidt said. Parker notched his first career goal at the collegiate level in the team’s 5th game of the season versus Truckee Meadows Community college of Reno, Nevada. Parker is not the only freshman this program needs to see succeed as 20 of the team’s 26 players are freshmen. Some of these first year players include: Goalkeeper Iori Tanaka and Midfielders Justin — See Soccer Page 3 �Page 2 October 1, 2024 CHINOOK Chinook Stance Are flipped classes better? Lairen Brush Brushing out the details College Campuses have many new and different ways of innovative learning. That may be more handson, the guidelines adhered to are vague at best and downright strange at worst, and you follow a track that interests you. No more of this is the right way and you’re wrong if you don’t do it this way. If you’re coming in for college from a high school, you may have professors with what is known as a “flipped classroom.” When it's described, it makes no sense. Homework in the class, and teaching outside of it. I even thought, “That’s not how learning works. You follow a path given to you, taught by people who know it. It's a routine with few changes between courses.” However, in the greater schemes of College, this makes sense. Homework is putting the knowledge you learn in class to work. In College, you are actively learning to get a job where the knowledge can be applied. College is a practice session. People can downgrade it all they want to a waste of money but that’s not what it is. This way of learning has many pros and cons. For pros: you can interact with classmates and the professors more. This is mainly because the courses tend to be group work to help each other. The professor walks around and clarifies the material, allowing students to ask questions from those that know it better. However, it is not the best for those of us with problems of the social variety. I am not social. In fact, I dislike interacting with people. The idea of it is anxiety-inducing to me. I much prefer the self action of lectures and homework. I also don’t tend to learn better this way as it requires me to ask questions, an action that causes way too much investment. You have to actually ask the question, show what you’ve done so far (another anxiety inducing act), and wait for the answer. All this doesn’t even include the action of if you will get the answer for the question you are looking for. Sometimes, to help with the anxiety (and some of my ADHD), I try to get to the point as fast as possible. This can include skipping words, talking to fast, ignoring irrelevant information, and skipping it if I get confused. This does not help when the professor answers the part I know, and not the part I don’t. To counteract the action of what I know is clarifying, I treat it as correcting someone. This means that I don’t want to correct someone, so I dont. My question is not answered. My confusion is not cleared and I am still stuck. I can’t fall back on fundamental knowledge I should have by week 5 and midterms and the class is significantly harder. Overall, this way of learning helps the times you know the information and not the times you don’t. It is supposed to help you learn and apply what you have learned, but it just confuses you if you don’t have the basics of information. From the President's Desk Dear Students: Welcome to Casper College! I hope your year is off to a positive start and you are settling into the rhythm of being a college student. I also hope you are meeting new people, learning new ideas, and taking advantage of all the programming we have for you at the college. There is truly something for everyone here at Casper College! While college is fun and exciting, I know it can be stressful as well. I was once a college student, and I remember having a few exams and research papers due in the same week–not to mention work and trying to have a little bit of a life and some fun. While it seems overwhelming at first, there are a few things you can do to find some balance with all your responsibilities to make it all a bit more enjoyable. One of the most effective ways to navigate this stressful time is to stay connected with your instructors. They’re not just there to grade your papers—they’re a key resource for your success. If you're feeling uncertain about how you performed on your exams or need help with upcoming material, don’t hesitate to reach out as they appreciate students who are proactive about their learning. If you're struggling, your instructors can often provide guidance, additional resources, and support. Building strong relationships with your instructors also has longterm benefits. They become your mentors, offer valuable advice, and provide recommendations if you’re looking for internships, jobs, or transferring to a four-year university. Beyond your instructors, the college offers many support services that are designed to help students succeed. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, there are resources Brandon Kosine, Interim President that can make a big difference: Tutoring Centers: Whether it's math, science, or writing, our tutoring centers offer personalized help to make challenging material more manageable. Counseling Services: If your stress feels unmanageable, or if you're dealing with personal issues that are affecting your academic performance, counseling services are there to provide emotional and mental health support. Career Services: If you're thinking about your future career, career services can help you explore job opportunities, build your resume, or prepare for job interviews. Using these resources is a smart way to stay on track and ensure you’re getting the support you need. It’s easy to get caught up in the grind of studying and working, but taking breaks and setting aside time for yourself is crucial. Research shows that taking breaks can actually improve focus and productivity. Try stepping away from your work and doing something you enjoy— whether that’s hanging out with friends, going for a walk, or simply watching a favorite show. College is about learning, but it’s also about balance. Give yourself permission to relax and have fun. This is also the time to explore your interests outside of academics. Join a club, attend campus events, or volunteer in the Casper community. These experiences can help you build friendships and make lasting memories during your college years. Many of my friends now are people I met when going to college. Finally, college is an exciting time of personal growth and discovery. While exams and deadlines are important, so is navigating and enjoying your journey. Yes, there will be stressful moments, but remember that these experiences are part of a larger process that will lead you toward your success. So, take some deep breaths, talk to your instructors, use campus resources, and make time for fun along the way. You all have such bright futures, and I can’t wait to see where your journey leads! Whether you’re a homebody or a social butterfly, our classes offer something for everyone! Spice up your evenings with our “Salsa Date Night,” or embark on epic adventures with “Discover Dungeons and Dragons.” Choose your adventure and make unforgettable memories! Questions? Contact Community Education, comm_ed@caspercollege.edu, 307-268-3401. Casper College provides equal opportunity in education and employment — caspercollege.edu/nondiscrimination. �October 1, 2024 Page 3 CHINOOK Internationals........................................ creating a home away from home. The variance in movement techniques reflects underlying cultural beliefs. Many European countries have little space in their dorms. In contrast, American consumer culture pushes students to equip themselves with all of the comforts of home, even if it means carrying a car full of possessions. Even just having a car can make a major impact on how internationals deal with their life here in America. Most people in Europe don't depend on cars to get to places. In contrast, here in America, especially in Casper, it is essential to have a car. “I never realized how much I would miss having a car until I arrived." Hedy Bechar, an international student from France at Casper College, said, “In France, I could walk or take public transport everywhere, but in America, it seems like you need a car for everything. Even going to the grocery store feels like a challenge without one." Cultural differences go beyond the relocation process. International students may meet different practices and social expectations, which influence their experience. Meal times, classroom involvement, and even informal greetings differ significantly from what they are accustomed to at home. Food is a big topic among international students. “American food is so different from what I'm used to," Bechar said, "In France, meals are smaller, fresher, and more focused on quality. Here, everything is bigger—huge portions, lots of fast food, and way more processed stuff.” Despite the hurdles, many international students view cultural differences as a learning opportunity. The variety of experiences—whether decorating a dorm room or participating in class discussions. It enriches the campus environment, encouraging mutual understanding and global knowledge. “The whole experience has been eye-opening, I’ve learned so much about American culture just by living here, and I would recommend any international students to go through this experience at least once in their lives. You grow so much as a student and individual.” Szomszed said. Colleges continue to welcome students from all over the world, and the diversity of cultures, customs, and opinions improves the campus community. Being accepting of international students will transcend cultural gaps, forge lifetime friendships, and foster a genuinely global learning environment. The process of settling in for international students may differ, but it is just as significant since they bring not just academic objectives but also a rich cultural background that contributes to the complex tapestry of college life in America. Soccer..................................................... Godbout-Garon and Roy Nozawa. They also return key pieces such as their leading scorer, Linus Musielak, who has five scores and three assists so far. The team also returns two Wyoming natives, Court Gonsalez and Trae Bennett, both from Worland, Wyoming. Coach Ben McArthur is a big advocate for hard work and how it leads to success, especially at this level of play“If you don’t show up and give your best effort, you are gonna lose.” McArthur said. This type of effort was displayed in two games this season with different outcomes. During an early September weekend, Casper played home games on back to back days, first against Utah State Eastern, where they found themselves down 3-1 after just 21 minutes of game time. They battled back from this early adversity by scoring four unanswered goals in the second half to win the game 5-3. Three of those four goals were scored over a four minute span early in the half with their final goal being scored by Justin Godbout-Garon in the 75th minute. The next day they played a grueling, tight contest against College of Southern Idaho. This defensive showdown remained scoreless and featured more red cards than it did goals. The tie, however, was broken in the 87th minute when a costly penalty by the opposing team sent sophomore leader Court Gonsalez to attempt a penalty kick, which he confidently knocked in giving Casper the 1-0 victory. Coach McArthur described both games as necessary for the players to grow and the team to become stronger as a unit. The T-Birds will play just 3 regular season games in the month of October, with only one of those being at home, before playing in the Region IX District tournament beginning on Oct. continued from page 1 continued from page 1 19th. Location is to be determined. The home finale against Gillette Community College takes place on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 3 p.m. The T-Birds head into that game with an 8-4-1 overall record and hope to improve its conference record to 4-2 during Saturday's battle against the Pronghorns who have a conference record of 1-4-1. Prior to the Region IX tourney, the Thunderbirds travel south so take on Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado on Friday, Oct. 11, then take on the Lopers in Lamar, CO on Saturday, Oct. 12, both games taking place at 3 p.m. As the T-Birds look to build momentum heading into the Region IX Tournament, they will look to take care of business in the northeastern plains of Colorado as both NJC and Lamar Community College combine for a conference record of 1-7-3. Workin' and learnin' -- Importance of student employees Ashley Hunter/Chinook Aliceson Stranberg blow dries a steer in during her shift as a student employee in the Ag Pavillion. Stranberg is an Ag Business major who participates on the livestock judging team. By Ashley Hunter Chinook Writer Working on campus helps students from all backgrounds, because of the diverse job offerings and the tasks the students are called upon to do. For most students, the college experience extends far beyond the classroom. Student employees are a vital part of the college ecosystem, contributing to its smooth operation, while gaining experience and financial independence. Aliceson Stranberg, sophomore of Newell, South Dakota studies Ag Business at Casper College. She is a work study student in the agriculture pavilion on campus. Aliceson is a busy student who is involved as a junior red angus director for the Red Angus Association and is on the Casper College livestock judging team. As a work study student, Stranberg feeds animals and helps with anything around the pavilion, and when all the work is done there is always time for homework. “It’s ag affiliated, I get to work with livestock, and get to work with people that have the same interests.” Stranberg said. She also explained that it is a comfortable environment to work in, where you can grow and learn more about the agricultural industry. In 10 years Stranberg sees herself graduating from KansasState, and wants to work along purina feeds, being a feed nutritionist. Stranberg also eyes raising her own cattle with a family in either South Dakota or Kansas in the future. With being busy, she genuinely enjoys working on campus because she is able to do the things she loves while maintaining her grades. Dr. Frank Hodnett is an Instructor and academic chair in the agriculture department. Hodnett said that having student employees is helpful to the department because he gets to use students' skills to help meet the department’s goals. By working, students learn from the experience of working, in a safe, and comfortable environment. “We couldn't do what we do in this department without the students that work for us.” Hodnett said.“I feel like it helps us be able to give good recommendations and mentorships as they start in their chosen fields.” Hodnett, also explained that the students are learning life skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives by just working on campus. Balancing two other jobs with the demands of a college life is often a new normal for students, and Bailey Whittle, a sophomore from Casper, Wyoming, is a great example of students who showcase their work ethic. Whittle studies elementary education; and works in the Continuing Education office in the Gateway Building, office 408. Whittle encourages students to work on campus because the people that you get to work with are amazing. “They are always willing to help, and they also make sure school is put before work.” Whittle said. Whittle explained that working on campus helps her stay involved on campus and has grown more as a peopleperson. Caden Bright has never been one to shy away from a challenge. From working at Jersey Mikes, to working in Sub Connection, formally known as the “Sub Shop” on campus, his path has been anything but ordinary. Caden is from Casper, Wyoming and he studied business administration at Casper College and graduated in 2022. He loved the environment on campus so he decided to work in the sub shop. Students can find Caden having fun while making your sandwich by flipping bottles or holding conversations. Caden also works with Campus Ventures on campus, a club where students practice their faith and meet every Thursday on campus. Caden explained that working on campus can be crazy but that “students are always really patient and understanding.”Bright figured that working in the sub shop would help him stay connected with students while making them sandwiches. Bright sees himself in 10 years settled down with a family in either Wyoming or Montana, working in a church or in student ministry. Working on campus seems to be beneficial for all students involved, even students like Caden Bright who have already graduated and strives to stay connected to the roots of student involvement. �Page 4 October 1, 2024 CHINOOK A college instructor's dedication to work Aliesia Berryman Chinook Writer Heath Hornecker, professor in Casper College’s Agricultural Department, father of four and a prominent member of the agricultural education community, defines his success by helping students reach goals and find success in their education and careers. There is not a lot that Hornecker hasn’t done for his students. He supports education by advocating for funds, redesigning curriculum, advising students, hosting conferences, attending conferences, supporting teachers and staff, and, his favorite, teaching. “I really like it when students are in my class,” Hornecker said, “You always hear teachers talk about that lightbulb moment, where somebody either catches on to a hard subject or they find, ‘Man, I like this. This is what I want to do.’” Hornecker himself had this lightbulb moment in the classroom of his former Casper College (CC) livestock judging coach, Kelly Burch. “He was always that person I thought back on that really pushed me to go and try to be a better person, a better teacher, and a better coach.” Hornecker said. Mr. Burch is someone he stays in contact with to this day. During the Social and Behavioral Science Seminar held on Sept. 18, Hornecker spoke to students about forming life-long relationships with their teachers and how that can benefit their future education and career endeavors. Hornecker goes beyond the classroom to make positive changes to education. He currently holds a posi- tion on the Faculty Senate where he and other members get to help with the process of electing a new president of CC. He also served when general education requirements were restructured. He previously served as the academic chair for the agricultural department for 18 years, and he used to be the livestock judging coach for CC. Hornecker has been a member of Wyoming Association of Career and Technical Education (WACTE) for 25 years. WACTE is an organization that centers around teachers and educators in Wyoming who help students be ready for their future careers. There are six divisions in WACTE: Agricultural Education, Business Education, Computer Science, Family and Consumer Science, Trades and Technology, and New and Related Services. For the academic year of 2024-2025, he is serving as President of the association. Jason Eggemeyer, construction professor at CC and member of WACTE, said, “It was exciting to see Heath nominated. I was planning on seconding it, and someone else beat me to it actually.” Eggemeyer and Hornecker started as teachers at CC a semester apart from each other, and have formed mutual respect for each other over the last 20 years. “We have a well respected ag department and judging team,” Eggemeyer said, “Heath, having been there for over 20 years, has really been the face of the department to many.” Eggemeyer said Hornecker reaches out to highschool students and families as a sort of ambassador for the CC agriculture department. “It's really good for Casper College as a whole to have Alesia Berryman/Chinook Heath Hornecker presents to students about networking and the long term benefits of building relationships during the "Surviving or Thriving" seminar hosted by the school of Social and Behavioral Sciences on Wednesday, Sept. 18. that kind of support from all of the highschools in the state with someone like Heath representing us.” Eggemeyer said. Through WACTE, Hornecker has connections with high school and college educators throughout the state. “It's not just summer conference that he sees them, he has a great relationship with all of the highschools around the state.” Eggemeyer said. One of Hornecker’s goals as president of WACTE is to help teachers find success in their jobs. “Whether that is they have a better day at work or they need more tools to help students find success.” He said. He believes WACTE allows educators and industry members to touch more stu- dents than they would see in their own classrooms. “We see a lot of teachers that are leaving the teaching profession, unfortunately. Maybe the pay isn't what it could be for them compared to if they were to go out and get a job in the industry.” Hornecker said. “But we’re short of good teachers.” Harvard Business School states: “The market for middleskills jobs—those that require more education and training than a high school diploma but less than a four-year college degree—is consistently failing to clear.” Organizations like WACTE, aim to fill this gap by providing professional development for teachers so they can better support their students, encour- aging more young people to pursue the education needed for these middle-skills jobs. Hornecker’s goals also include increasing membership of the association and creating awareness for career and technical education in the Wyoming legislature. In June of 2025, WACTE’s summer conference will be held at CC. “We’re creating more visibility, not only for our faculty to be involved, but visibility of other faculty and teachers from across the state coming to Casper College so we can highlight some of the things we as a school do well at.” Hornecker said. Hornecker and other WACTE representatives have pushed for funding for career and technical education in Wyoming. In the past, WACTE has led the charge for legislature that benefits students and teachers. “The biggest of these was a bill which changed the Hathaway Scholarship Honors curriculum to allow for Career and Technical classes to count so Wyoming students who qualify with their ACT and GPA, can also now count Career and Technical classes to meet the required curriculum to qualify.” Hornecker said. Whether it be in the legislature or summer conferences, as a teacher or a faculty member, Hornecker is dedicated to the success of not just his students, but all students in career and technical education in Wyoming. RAs aren't just the "dorm police" Maria Geis Chinook Writer There to keep things running smoothly and provide a good experience for everyone, it could be said that resident assistants (RAs) are the backbone of the Casper College Residence Hall. There is quite a list of responsibilities an RA takes on when they sign their contract. They happily provide service at the front desk to assist with questions, sort and distribute mail, complete check-ins, check-outs, roommate agreements, and a lot in between. It’s not often that students forget their ID card and lock themselves out of their room, but if, or when that time comes, RAs are there to help out. Providing help in the middle of the night is a challenge that comes with the job, although it’s explained as not being too difficult for being one of the harder tasks. “It’s really easy to roll over and go back to sleep,” Lead RA Travis Scribner explained, “But we signed the contract. We agreed that this was something we were willing to do.” So, even in the middle of the night or on the weekend, someone is always on call to help students out. While many might think that RAs are the “dorm police,” the RAs are simply just trying to help provide a good experience for everyone. “There’s the people that really like to have a good time,” Scribner said, “and we’re there to make sure that they don’t interfere with other peoples’ experience.” When talking with another resident assistant, Taylor Dye, she had a similar answer saying RAs are often made out to be bad guys who are there only to get residents in trouble. “We don’t want to get you in trouble,” Taylor Dye said. Though RAs do enforce policies to keep the halls safe and orderly, they like to focus more on providing a great experience for all of those staying. Keeping the hallways a fun environment to walk through, each hall has a different theme showcasing the interests of the RA while also catering toward something that everyone in the hallway can enjoy. However, RAs claim that it is hard to figure out a good theme that is suitable for everyone. “I try to make it fitting for everybody.” Dye said. Dye’s hallway is currently “Buckles and Banners” which reflects her personality and relates to the residents in her hall because many of them are students on the Livestock Judging team or are students from an agricultural background. Each month an event is put on by one of the RAs and usually takes place in the MultiPurpose Room of the residence hall, across from the front desk. These are great opportunities for students to get out of their room and comfort zone, make new friends, and have fun in a safe environment. The games and activities are meant to be not only social, but educational as well. Scribner mentioned how choosing an activity can be difficult, “It’s not too bad to come up with an idea, it’s just challenging to find one that can be educational and fun.” Playing Mario Kart while wearing drunk goggles was a previous hit, “It is super fun and gives insight on the dangers of drunk driving,” Scribner explained. Another hit program in back-to-back years is having emotional support and service dogs come in for students to play and hangout with. Dye says her activity taking place during the end of September is “Race Chair National Finals Rodeo.” The “rodeo” is happening in the Multi-Purpose Room. Participants will compete in multiple events, one being to race around barrels in the rolling chairs. Kylie Wheaton, a student who currently lives in the Residence Halls, thinks it’s great that RAs put on monthly events in the dorms. Wheaton explained that her friends participated in some activities and heard they are fun. The sophomore resident witnessed some of the excitement first hand, “I walked by the event room and everyone was singing Sofia The First as loud as they could,” she said. Wheaton also thinks the decorations RAs hang in the hall are cute and fun. “My favorite thing is when a new name tag shows up on my door!” She exclaimed. On top of providing lots of fun and educational events for students who live in the Residence Hall, RAs also provide customer service in many ways. Whenever an appliance like a washer, dryer, or things like air conditioning are not working, RAs are typically the first people who are notified. From there, the RAs contact other people to ensure that repairs are made or are scheduled to be made. RAs agree to wear lots of hats in their position and hope that they are not seen as just the police of the Residence Hall. Photo courtesy of Zach Nagy/Casper College Public Relations Resident Assistant Taylor Jue (right) assists a student and her family members during "MoveIn Day" at the Casper College Residence Halls on Aug. 15. Photo courtesy of Zach Nagy/Casper College Public Relations This year's RAs: (Back row left to right) Sophia Zettle, Travis Scribner, Kris Martial, Davin Ro, Dash Lloyd, Jayden Gremm (front row left to right,) Taylor Dye, Chloe Moscorro, Taylor Crook, Jazz Sparks, Brooklyn Cooley and Taylor Jue. �October 1, 2024 Page 5 CHINOOK Falling into the "Swing" of things A group of students break out into a large circle during the line dancing porion of Student Life's Night of Country Swing Dacning on Aug. 29 in the Liesinger Hall Gym. Kylie Wheaton/Chinook Kylie Wheaton/Chinook Two Casper College students end their round of swing dancing with a dip during Student Life's Night of Country Swing Dancing on Aug. 29 in the LH Gym. Kylie Wheaton/Chinook Travis Scribner and Jordan Napier (left dacers) attempt a "pretzel" and "dip" with Bryce Goodwin (right) and his dancing partner during Student Life's Night of Country Swing Dancing on Aug. 29 in the LH Gym. Colten Halverson, sophomore of Wheatland, Wyoming, spins Lola Philo, freshman of Rawlins, Wyoming around during Student Life's Night of Swing Dancing on Aug. 29 in the Liesinger Hall Gym. Kylie Wheaton/Chinook �Page 6 Pursuing a career in nursing Chris Mossman-Larson Chinook Writer The Casper College nursing program offers many opportunities for students who are looking at pursuing a career in nursing. If that is the case, it is no wonder a student would choose Casper College. Not only do students get to learn in one of the best programs in the state of Wyoming, but they learn from some of the best instructors Wyoming has to offer. Nursing faculty advisor Corrine Arross understands that setting students up for success means more than teaching them facts out of a book. “Obviously, I’m teaching the clinical aspects,” Arross said. “But I also feel like I’m supporting them as people, helping them achieve goals, without damaging themselves in the process.” For Arross, that always begins with a simple question. “What is your Why?” she often asks. In doing this, it helps students reflect on their deeper ambitions, helping them stay grounded and resilient during the toughest moments of the program. Those tough moments are what attracted October 1, 2024 CHINOOK former nursing student Paige Blonigan to the Casper College program in the first place. “I feel as though nurses heal people while doctors heal diseases,” she said. Blonigan’s ultimate goal was to thrive in those tough moments Arross readies students for, helping individuals during their worst moments, and providing them comfort and safety through their experience. This was driven by Blonigan’s own past negative interactions with nurses. Reflecting on her time at Casper College, Blonigan calls the nursing program the longest and shortest two years of her life. Her best advice for incoming students? “Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” she says. “It doesn’t make you dumb. If anything, I think it’s more of a strength.” Whether students take Blonigan’s advice to seek help or critically consider Arross’s focus on staying connected to your "why," it is clear that incoming students to the Casper College nursing program will always get essential guidance when they come through the doors. Nursing school is challenging, but with a strong Chris Mossman-Larson/Chinook support system and a clear sense of purpose, The Casper College H.E. Stuckenhoff Dept. of Nursing was granted accredidation for its success is within reach. associate nursing degree program through the spring of 2027. Phi Theta Kappa Encourages Excellence Hailey Carr Chinook Writer The Phi Theta KappaZeta Alpha Chapter at Casper College encourages students to pursue membership and participate in events like Flock and Talk and the Fall Social. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is a national honor society for junior colleges, focused on four key hallmarks: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. The Zeta Alpha Chapter at Casper College is led by advisors Jared Bowden and Chontelle Gray. The current Zeta Alpha chapter officers are Klacie Groene, president, Miranda Dickinson, vice president of service, Roman Gaddis, vice president of fellowship, Charisma Gallagher, vice president of scholarship, and Shani OsoriaAlcala, public relations officer. To become a PTK member, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and be enrolled in at least six credits during the semester they are initiated. The chapter holds an initiation ceremony each spring to welcome new members. Advisor Chontelle Gray, who is also a theatre instructor, encourages eligible students to join, "PTK really sets students up for success, with many opportunities available through it." Gray said. Once initiated, members meet monthly to plan events and activities for the year, while the officer team meets weekly to organize these plans. Zeta Alpha members contribute to campus life by volunteering, hosting campus clean-ups, and organizing events like "Flock and Talk." Flock and Talk is a forum where students discuss important topics, and the gathered feedback is presented to the college administration for potential improvements. The chapter also hosts social events like the annual Fall Social, which includes carnival games and "Minute to Win It" challenges and is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 2. PTK President Klacie Groene, is a sophomore from Torrington, Wyoming, studying Animal Science and Ag Business at Casper College. Groene plays an active role in leading meetings and planning chapter events. Groene believes that "Being in Phi Theta Kappa is a great way to get involved in the school and build leadership skills." Some membership benefits of PTK include helping students stand out in scholarship applications, college admissions, and job opportunities. PTK also provides a program that assists members in exploring future colleges and careers, offering tailored recommendations based on individual goals. Additionally, the organization provides scholarship opportunities. For Casper College students, PTK gives them a chance to excel academically, develop leadership skills and make meaningful contributions to their school. Through its values of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship, PTK helps members build a strong foundation for future success in both education and careers. With a supportive team of advisors and committed student leaders, the Zeta Alpha chapter offers numerous opportunities for personal growth, involvement, and access to valuable resources. For students seeking to enhance their college experience, PTK is a path toward achieving academic and professional goals. Hailey Carr/Chinook PTK member Hailey McKenzie (left) and Klacie Groene, club president (right) discuss plans for the honor program's activities that are scheduled for the fall. caspercollegechinook.com �October 1, 2024 Page 7 CHINOOK Join our staff this spring! Practice interviewing & writing Take photos & design Learn sales & advertising Explore social media & web development The Chinook is a one credit class titled Independent Publications. WRITING CENTER The Writing Center at Casper College is here to help our students and members of the community. Contact our faculty advisor Bri Weigel for more information brianne.weigel@caspercollege.edu Forensics team begins season on the road Kylie Wheaton Chinook Writer The Casper College forensics club is preparing for the season ahead with plenty of new members of the team. The Forensics Club, also known as speech and debate, is preparing to start its season and continue its legacy of success. This year the team is composed of 11 students: Pearl Taylor, Nina Bivens, Davin Ro, Dani Schultz, Jack Cochran, Cass Baedke, Allie Gilliatt, Ivey Goff, Sophia Casner, Corey Kennah and Stephanie Mata. Student and club president, Danielle “Dani” Schultz, is excited about the team this year. Schultz hopes to help create a welcoming environment amongst the team, and hopes speech and debate will have the same effect on others as it did her. Schultz said that speech and debate “helped me use my own voice for good” and she hopes to assist others in finding their voice. Schultz is also excited to mentor the incoming freshman this year and take them under her wing. Casper College student and newly elected team captain, Davin Ro, hopes to encourage and promote team bonding and create a safe space for the team. “I am everyone’s cheerleader” says Ro, “it definitely helps that I am able to bring some sort of energy”. Ro hopes to make the mundane and routine aspects of practice a little more enjoyable as well as level out the usual season slumps, while encouraging and pushing everyone on the team to do their best. Both Schultz and Ro have become grateful for the friendships that have been formed through being part of the forensics team, a friendship that began back in high school. Casper College communications instructor and Director of Speech and Debate Ethan Fife is also amazed at the relationships being formed by students. In fact, the community aspect of forensics is what got Fife hooked from the beginning. “We can walk into a room and you know I’m going to see these people somewhere between 4 to 7 hours every day” says Fife, “and you know you have that friend support there”. Fife hopes to encourage and support this safe environment for the team members and is happy to see these students help each other out. The team is eager to build off of the successes of last season. At the final tournament last year, the team took home a total of 15 medals, of which three Brainstorm possible paper topics Craft an essay were gold, two silver and 10 bronze. Both of those gold medals were taken home by Schultz, who hopes to have the same amount of success this year. The team began their season in late September with a competition in Twin Hall, ID at the College of Southern Idaho. In October the team will travel to Colorado College in Colorado Springs, and in November the team will compete in a virtual tournament. The forensics team is working hard and hopes to continue the successful legacy left before them, but every step they take will be together. Get feedback on a draft Gain writing strategies And so much more! Visit us in Strausner Hall, room 215 or visit the Writing Center Moodle site for additional resources and appointment scheduling! Contact: 307-268-2610 wco@caspercollege.edu caspercollegechinook.com Taking Online or Hybrid Courses? The Digital Learning Center supports your journey by helping you master essential digital tools. We ensure you have access to the resources you need for online and hybrid classes. HOW WE CAN HELP: • MyCCMoodle: Learn how to submit assignments, participate in forums, and more. Plus • Zoom Assistance: Access/navigate Zoom for remote classes and collaborations. lot m a ore! • Google Suite Support: Docs, Drive, Gmail — make the most of these tools. • Office 365 Access: Use MS Word, PowerPoint, and other essentials. • Online Tutoring Guidance: Navigate NetTutor and other resources for extra help when you need it. • Study and Work Spaces: Try out our newly furnished student room to study, relax, or use the computers and printer. • Tech and Snacks: Enjoy snacks like popcorn or ask about our VR and green screen! r You s our i cess ity! c u S r Prio Tyler Teresa Dave Katie FOR HELP OR MORE INFORMATION stop by Liesinger Hall, Room 132, or contact us at 307-268-3882, dlc@caspercollege.edu, and av@caspercollege.edu. Mike �Page 8 CHINOOK caspercollegechinook.com October 1, 2024 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Chinook Student Newspaper Online Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2019-2026 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA 08.iii.2023.01_Chinook_Digital Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Online Chinook Newspaper 2024-10 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2024-10 Description An account of the resource This is a copy of the online Chinook Newspaper from October 2024. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA_08.i.2023.01_2024-10 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF