https://caspercollege.cvlcollections.org/files/original/2549ab727d67b8be2e3369d4bb61f572.pdf 9c882234a66f4a4ba01fbb0c94816076 PDF Text Text Special Edition - May 12, 2020 Casper College’s Student Voice Since 1945 Find us online! Virtual Grad: A New Ceremony Jayla Johnson Chinook Writer Graduates all over the United States waited their whole lives to walk across the stage and receive the diploma they’ve worked so hard to earn. However, this year’s graduation will have a less traditional look to it. Due to the nationwide regulations regarding COVID19, Casper College will have a virtual graduation ceremony presented via Youtube and Facebook on May 15th. CC was one of the last community colleges in Wyoming to make a final decision about the ceremony. According to CC's Vice President for Student Services, Kim Byrd, the administration's decisionmaking process became very difficult because it came down to Governor Mark Gordon. Hoping for the chance to have a live ceremony, the CC administrators made the decision to have a virtual graduation based on Governor Gordon’s notice to stay home until April 30th; not wanting to wait for the next announcement on April 30th of whether or not a live ceremony could be possible, CC decided to host a virtual graduation. The Chinook talked with Riley Box, a CC student and President of Student Senate, about how this pandemic has affected his general life. “This process has affected me in many ways. I was looking forward to a normal ceremony, but now that this is the new normal it has allowed my family to stay home. But everyone seems pretty content with the situation kind of because they have to,” said Box. The Chinook also talked to CC student Braden Mason about how his life as a college student has been altered due to the pandemic. “As a student, online school isn’t what I signed up for, and for good reason. I have held a good GPA throughout college, and the transition to online was like pulling teeth,” said Mason. “Fortunately, I have teachers who were quick to help and listen to the problems, which dramatically changed my view of the situation. Yes, it has sucked, but it’s hard to hold a bad attitude over the situation with so many people who are willing to help.” CC administrators also reached out for help in planning the graduation ceremony. When discussing options for virtual graduation, LifeTouch, a photography company CC has worked with many times for commencement ceremonies, came to the administrators with many ideas about how to hold an online ceremony. After many considerations, CC decided to present a digital slideshow with recorded speeches. Byrd said, “When we [CC administrators] thought about how we were going to do this, right away there were several of us who thought about how there is a way to still show a picture of the student, that’s what we really wanted to do.” In partnership with LifeTouch, who offered support by creating the website for graduates to upload their picture and message, this virtual ceremony will begin with a recorded National Anthem, performed by Lauren Podjun, a Music Performance Graduate at CC. Then, the audience will see and hear recorded speeches from Riley Box, who will announce the Club of Year Award, Morryah McCurdy, the Student of the Year keynote speaker, and CC President Darren Divine. After the recorded portion, Rich Burk, a CC theatre instructor, will announce each graduate as their slide is presented. Also presented at the start of each ceremony, including this year’s, the Distinguished Alumni award and the Commitment to Excellence award. The recipients of these awards are nominated by anyone in the community and selected by the Casper College Foundation Committee. Receiving the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award is Jerry Quinlan, a Casper teacher and coach who, Byrd said, positively contributes to education, athletics, and the community. This year’s Commitment to Excellence Award recipient is Dana Van Burgh, a Casper benefactor, volunteer, educator, and CC alumni. Photo courtesy of Kim Byrd Additionally, in a typical Student Body President Riley Box addresses his virtual audience as part of the college graduation ceremony, 2020 spring commencement. Speeches were recoded to be included in the online ceremony May 15 at 3 p.m. — See GRADUATION, Page 3 CC student named “Student of the Year” Toni Kerr Chinook Writer Rebecca Schuler, NSLS Vice President Morryah McCurdy speaks on behalf of the National Society of Leadership and Success. She was awarded 'Student of the Year' by the Wyoming Association of Community College Trustees. Giving advice to her fellow peers, Morryah McCurdy says, “Do hard things, always challenge yourself, and always have a goal that you’re working towards. The goal doesn’t have to be big, they don’t have to be life changing, but they can be self-changing." In February of this year, McCurdy earned the titled “Student of the Year” by the Wyoming Association of Community College Trustees. McCurdy transitioned in and out of Casper College since graduating high school in 2007. She started our pursuing art degrees and said she “burnt out.” Then, McCurdy decided to take a break for a few years. She returned to CC in 2017 to pursue pre-occupational therapy. “I liked occupational therapy; however, I took some classes with Doug Hall, who is a communication instructor, and I was like this is kinda my jam,” said McCurdy. After switching her degree to human communication, McCurdy said she graduated after two semesters. She will now graduate in this month with her Human Communication/ Public Relations degree. McCurdy said she finds herself in awe of even being able to compete with the other nominees for the award. McCurdy was nominated for her involvement with student activities and her story of overcoming addiction. Mental health during Covid-19 Toni Kerr Chinook Writer Mental health is a major cause of concern for most people during the Covid-19 pandemic. At a time with so much uncertainty, it’s hard to ignore the major health impacts such changes can have on college students everywhere. According to Joanne Theobald, the Director of Counseling at the Casper College Campus Wellness Center, college students everywhere must prioritize self-care and their mental health during this time. “We as human beings often have a hard time adapting to change, and we are all experiencing grief from having our "normal" life and habits taken away. But for college students, they have the additional pressure of adapting to online classes in the middle of the semester, possibly having to move out of residence halls, or only eat meals as "grab and go," and even losing the opportunity for a face to face graduation ceremony,” said Theobald. While Theobald believes that many students adjusted well, she still wants to make sure all students know about the resources available to them during this time. Mental health counseling services for all students (CC, UW/C, etc.) remain available through telehealth via computer or phone. You can contact Joanne Theobald at joannetheobald@caspercollege.edu to find out how to make appointments and/or speak with a counselor. You may also email Joanne with questions about telehealth and counseling. If you have already been seeing a CC counselor, you can contact that counselor directly. The mental health counseling services staff will be using Zoom Meetings technology, and the service remains free, confidential, and professional, according to Theobald. Theobald also provides a detailed list on what she believes students should be doing during this time to stay safe and healthy. • Acknowledge and validate that this is a disruption to both your personal and your academic life. Whether this crisis is causing major issues or more just inconveniences, it’s important to admit it: this is tough! Allow yourself to turn toward and feel your feelings from time to time: Yes, it is hard. We will get through it, and likely be stronger people after this crisis. • Know your on-campus resources and utilize them. You are receiving lots of emails and announcements about this. Go to https://www.caspercollege.edu/corona- — See MENTAL HEALTH, Page 3 “In between my first time in college and before I came back I just partied really hard and ended up turning into a pretty bad alcoholic towards the end,” said McCurdy. “Being a nontraditional student has given me a different outlook on school. Now I understand why I’m here -- I’m here for me now.” McCurdy joined the National Society of Leadership and Success in the fall of 2018, her second semester back at CC. “I became the president and from there it really changed my outlook on school…I think I was definitely trying to be in a leadership role. The NSLS really helped me kinda better manage my time--kinda gave me a better reason to do some of the stuff I was doing,” says McCurdy. According to McCurdy, CC provided a positive experience and helped her to get where she is today. “The teachers are always willing to help. I haven’t had a teacher yet that I haven’t been happy with,” stated McCurdy. McCurdy plans to continue finishing her education through the University of Wyoming while also working her “dream job.” According to McCurdy, she plans to be a forever student. “I’ve gotten the slack that I’m going to be a forever student. But honestly everyone should be a forever student. You’re never done learning, and you’ve never learned enough,” said McCurdy. SCROLL TO SEE... Divine's Intervention CC business major opens online boutique Chinook Stance Faculty feature: Casper College's Kerri Mahlum (page 2) (page 2) (page 5) (page 6) Schenfisch helps Dance performance amidst pandemic (page 6) (page 4) �Page 2 Special Edition - May 12, 2020 CHINOOK Divine's Intervention: Chinook Stance -- We did it! -- Maddey Strayer Watch what happens Well folks, we made it. From Old Town Road becoming the number one hit single of 2019, to (spoilers) the tragic death of Tony Stark. From the newest Animal Crossing game, and most recently to COVID-19, the 2019-2020 academic school year is finally over and done with. Some of us graduated, while others merely dipped our toes into the college pool. Some of us binged Tiger King, while others spent countless nights studying for exams and writing papers. Regardless of where you stand, we’ve all reached the end of a chapter in our lives. But we all found some way to make do and get through. It’s been a long and tough year, and there certainly are moments where we doubted that we’d ever see the day where we could relax and laugh about it. But we made it. Despite what we may have thought, we actually made it. Which can only mean one thing. The days are longer, the nights are shorter, the sun is shining, and the snow is FINALLY finished. Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out” blasts on what seems like every radio station around town. It’s the beginning of summer. With no more assignment deadlines, we’re free to sleep until noon and bask in the glorious rays of sun to soak up the vitamin D we’ve all been missing out on since basically last September. Crickets and cicadas chirp in the warm night air, and we sip tart, ice cold, freshly squeezed lemonade on the porch. We visit noisy playgrounds and swing sets and our hands get sticky from eating our quickly melting ice cream at the park. With no snow clouds, we’re free to go stargazing and have picnic lunches and watch the flowers growing in the garden. A chance for the world to slow down it’s manic mind and just take a moment to look up and find shapes in the clouds. Which, honestly, is something I’m sure everyone could use right now. So sit back, relax, enjoy a cold drink in the shade of a big tree, and take a deep breath. Of course, there’s still more to come. But for right now, we did it. Leaving Wyoming: Exploring new territory My senior year has had quite the turn events. With the world in a quarantined setback, I’ve found it hard to look on the bright side and see life outside of this “bubble.” Trying ever so hard to stay optimistic, I, along with many others, am planning out the future, which for me means leaving Wyoming in August. It’s hard to believe, what with COVID-19 as our main focus, that I am leaving the town, and state I've grown up in and loved for 17 years. Although small, Wyoming is such a unique and beautiful place to live and even be associated with. Personally, I’ve travelled many places outside of Wyoming and I’ve seen how slightly, or massively, different the world is, but I’ve never lived outside of the state. That said, I’ve recently been calling Wyoming “the Wyoming bubble” because it feels like a completely different world where, to me, everyone has been everywhere in the state, everyone knows each other, and we’re all kind of a big Wyoming family. I know it’s a bit dramatic, but that’s how I feel as a Wyomingite. As a high school athlete and student, I’ve had the chance to meet many incredible people who became lifelong friends. While I’m stuck at home dwelling in the, I guess are now memories, I constantly think about all the people who I saw for the last time without knowing, and all the things I did eight weeks ago not knowing that they were my last. Now, I’m leaving the people who shaped me, my childhood, and my experiences as an adolescent to expand my education and inch closer to my future goals. Just this week, I began the process of searching for dorm halls and a roommate, which of course is now an online cycle. Browsing through, I “ What would you like to see in the future, and most importantly, what do you need to start putting in place to make those things happen? — Darren Divine, Ph.D., Casper College President The Future….is as yet unwritten. Whether we are referencing what will happen in the fall months with the Coronavirus outbreak, or we are referencing where your path through life will take you, it all falls within the same conceptual framework. Many people believe in some form of predestination, fate, or other ideas used to describe a process where portions of the future are known or are at least highly predictable. While I certainly do not intend, nor want to, disavow anyone of those notions, I would like to suggest that as a regular course in your lives, you take time to periodically and earnestly think about the future. What would you like to see in the future, and more importantly, what do you need to start putting in place to make those things happen? Just as important, or perhaps even more importantly, take time to examine what you think your future might hold, and evaluate whether or not those notions are realistic. Now, some people reading this article have already jumped to the conclusion that I am saying some of your expectations are unrealistic. They are correct, that is exactly what I am saying; however, perhaps not in the direction they probably would have predicted. Let’s use the Coronavirus for just a moment and talk about this fall. Will social distancing be mandated for months, if not years to come? Will businesses be forced to close again this fall? The list of questions, and corresponding predictions, is endless, but, at least from my perspective, the ultimate answer is very simple. We cannot predict the correct answer to any of these questions with any significant degree of assuredness. In short, we cannot predict the future. Sure, many people are spending a lot of time trying to convince you that their vision of the future is correct, or at least is the most likely to occur. They might be right, and they might be wrong. I recently read an article about predictions made about the U.S. Stock market. This study looked at all the predictions made about the stock market over a defined period of time, and found that 80% of said predictions did not come to pass. My point here is simple; please do not believe, consciously or subconsciously, that the future is known simply because someone, or many someone’s, have told you so. Please do not let a string of random suggestions by people slowly and insistently weave their way into a belief on your part that the future, your future, is somehow already known, especially when those sugges- tions pertain to limitations and hindrances on your future. I believe that social media and mass communication are at the same time both transformational benefits to society, as well as areas of significant risk. Now, more than any period before in the history of civilization, each of us has an almost limitless amount of information at our fingertips; that would be the transformational benefit. At the same time each of us has, if we choose, the ability to disperse through social media any belief or thought we want to share. I can declare an opinion for anyone to read, and thus my opinion can potentially propagate the entire globe, regardless of the validity of my statements; that is the significant risk. My overall point here is that the amount of information each of us is deluged with every minute of every day is almost incalculable, and will only increase as time progresses. You need to hone your skills in wading through all of that information, and deciding what is useful, and what is not, and not allowing all the other information to creep in and begin to form opinions and narratives in your mind about the present, and the future. The future is as yet unwritten. Now go be its author… Who wins? Students or student-athletes? Jayla Johnson High school is no musical was excited realizing I’ll be meeting people from all over the country, but also I was grasping the idea that I’ll be leaving the friends from my hometown. Leaving the “Wyoming bubble” will be difficult, for me at least, but I have to be optimistic and remember that this is a huge step in the right direction for my future. Also, it’s not like Casper is going anywhere, it’s only a plane ride or long drive away. In this day and age, we’ll all be able to stay connected with smartphones and social media. Fortunately we’re in the times of technology and not the times of telegrams! Although it was a long journey to decide what I was going to do next year, I knew I needed and, in fact, wanted to leave the state. Keeping this desire in mind, I have been focusing on making the most out of the last moments I have with my friends here, which has proven difficult ever since quarantine was issued. Now, I Join our the Chinook staff this fall! Take Independent Publications for a minimum of one credit. considered many options, but after looking into each one I finally decided. Next year I’ll be attending Arizona State University as Sun Devil and I couldn’t be more excited, but in the back of my mind I wonder what life outside of Wyoming will be like. It’ll be much hotter, much busier, and much more momentous. I can’t help but imagine how I’ll react and, most importantly, adapt to life outside the “Wyoming bubble” Although I’m missing out on a normal senior year and a normal graduation ceremony, I continue to prepare for next year and remember there is much more in store after this pandemic. As I sit in my house, being bored and missing the times when the stores were open, I continue to think of my next step in life that will lead me out of Wyoming and have me exploring a new state. Growing up in a small town was an experience, but leaving for a big city will be an even bigger one. Interview Write Take photos Design Sell advertising Contact faculty advisor Bri Brasher brianne.brasher@caspercollege.edu Jo Jeremic Life of a student-athlete Before coming to the United States I didn’t know that the “war” between groups of students portrayed in High School Musical was a real thing. It was just a movie to me. But after spending two years here in Casper, I’ve realized that people in American schools like hanging out with the ones similar to them, and that everyone should find the group that they belong to. So I found mine. If you’ve never played sports in high school then you probably don’t know much about student-athletes. But, what I know for sure, is that they’re probably not your favorite group of people in college. Yeah, there is reasons for that. They are always in groups, only wear sweats to school, they’re really loud and don’t pay attention in class. So when you’re put in the group with student athletes, they usually don’t do anything to help. They just act like they’re better than regular students but still get full scholarships and worry about nothing. Trust me, I know, because I’m one of them. And, yeah, very often, those things happen. But, on the other side, there are many things that people think of us before they’ve even met us, only because we play sports. So I’ll try to give some insight into how a student-athlete’s life is different compared to a regular student in order to try and break some of the stereotypes surrounding the athletes. A day in a life of a student athlete (a normal, non-quarantine day) is filled with many different things that all basically have the potential to distract from schoolwork. From waking up at 5:30 a.m. on school days to do your weight lifting workouts followed by missing a whole day of classes during season because of the away games on a Tuesday afternoon -- to running to classes sweaty and stinky right after your practice and trying to stop yourself from panting when you run into the class late when the teacher is already speaking -- Yes, this actually happens very often. On the other hand, I’m pretty sure that athletes are some of the hardest-working students in colleges. Maybe most of the athletes don’t have the best grades, but those are usually the ones that do the best on court and practice hard every day because they’re devoted to their sport. There’s also the athletes who are mostly using their talent in sports to get a scholarship, but they’re still going to practices, doing workouts everyday and missing classes because of the games, all while managing to complete their work and maintain their GPA. Whichever way you decide to look at it, it’s clear that being a student-athlete takes a lot of sacrifice and commitment. However, having a lot of art and communication classes (that athletes usually don’t take) and having non-athlete friends, I learned that regular students who don’t play sports don’t get as many scholarships, so they’re more likely to spend their time after classes working. This also doesn’t leave them much free time to do school work. At the end of the day, college isn’t easy for anyone and maybe we should all try to give each other a chance to really get to know the other side before we judge and think that someone has it easier than us. Just like in High School Musical: “We’re all in this together!” �Special Edition - May 12, 2020 Page 3 CHINOOK GRADUATION............................................................................. continued from page 1 there are mandatory speeches by the board of trustees, the academic Vice President, and Byrd herself. According to Byrd, these speeches are necessary in order to confer the degrees. Each speaker will record a speech, and then all will be edited together prior to May 15th to be shown during the online ceremony. In the past few years, Paul Marquard, a physics instructor at CC, has closed the ceremony by leading out the stage party and by playing the bagpipes in his Keltic attire. This tradition will continue for this year’s ceremony closing but Marquard will play the bagpipes by the Heyoka statue on the CC campus. “We’re trying to keep it as normal as we possibly can. The only main difference is that we will be watching it on YouTube instead of live in an audience,” Byrd mentioned. The biggest change we will see that’s in a typical live ceremony is the handing of the diploma. In the past, students would walk across the stage, receive their diploma cover, shake the Board of Trustees and the President’s hand, and then get their picture taken; however, because it’s virtual this year, each student will receive their diploma, diploma cover, and free tassel from CC faculty in the mail without walking across the stage. “The one thing I will miss the most is the cheering as someone walks across the stage. For me, there are just some students that we do get to know really well and it's just such an accomplishment, so not being able to see them, especially afterwards, and congratulate them, we’re all going to miss that part of it,” Byrd told Chinook. When asked his initial reaction to the virtual graduation announcement, Mason said, “At first, the whole thing came as a bit of a shock and disappointment; however, it is still a chance to be recognized even during an unfortunate situation.” Mason’s reaction, however, slowly changed as he put this unexpected situation into four different perspectives: first, he said, no matter his frustration, he couldn’t blame the school and state for cancelling the ceremony for the safety of friends and family; second, CC offered the opportunity to walk in a live ceremony next May; third, Mason said he has a lot of respect for CC’s commitment, creativity, and swift action to honor their graduates in some way; fourth, Mason realized that this year’s commencement ceremony will be remembered in history. “Standing out of the crowd as students who were handed an unfortunate set of circumstances and were able to work through them is how I would like to remember my college graduation,” Mason said. “Call me crazy but at least it’ll make for a good story! As an added benefit, some of my family couldn’t make it due to their age/mobility but now they can watch the graduation online.” For Box, however, his feelings changed from “a little bummed out” to disappointed. He said, “To me, my feelings have changed because even though it is still a special moment, I think the ‘specialness’ of it has been lost in the chaos.” Nonetheless, Box still hopes to make the most of the virtual graduation ceremony with his peers. “My hope is that a lot of graduates actually do this. I know it is harder on them [because it is virtual] but it's also easier to [prepare for] it now. I think we need participation more than anything. I personally am looking forward to it. I think it will be interesting to see how big of a change it is,” said Box. Byrd, hoping to make this year’s ceremony special, urges students, family members, and the CC community to participate in this virtual graduation. “For so many people, especially for a community college, we have many students that are non-traditional age students that have to overcome a lot of barriers to earn this,” said Byrd. “So to actually accomplish this is just so meaningful. I want them to be able to show this to their children or to their loved ones, just say, ‘I did it.’” Mason had a similar comment when addressing the importance of a commencement ceremony. “I would like to remind anyone who is feeling negative about an online commencement that some have had to sacrifice more than others to get to commencement, and it is a chance to be honored as a collective even if it isn’t what was expected just 8 weeks ago. It may not be ideal, but it is still an opportunity that doesn’t present itself often,” said Mason. “On that note, I would like to thank all of the teachers and staff who have worked equally as hard to put the online commencement together in combination with having put in the extra effort to get students to graduation.” Tune in May 15th at 3 p.m. to CC’s Facebook page or YouTube channel to watch the 2020 Casper College virtual graduation ceremony. Photos courtesy of Kim Byrd Above, Paul Marquard, Eric Willcox, Matt Mitchell play bagpipes as part of the 2020 graduation ceremony. Left, Eric Unruh, Dean of Fine Arts and Humanities plays piano for graduation. He composed all of the music for the ceremony. MENTAL HEALTH.................................................................... continued from page 1 virus/ to locate the resources you need. Also, the Casper community also has lots of resources, including food banks and organizations that provide financial assistance. Go to https://wy211.communityos.org/ to locate services you need. • Maintain some sort of structure in your life. Create a new routine, including set times to study and do homework. Set boundaries with those around you, if necessary. You should also maintain a regular sleep schedule as well as mealtimes. • Make an extra effort toward selfcare, including exercise (outdoor, preferably, to get a daily dose of Vitamin D) and other activities you enjoy, ones you know are good for your health. • Stay socially connected, and focus time with family and friends using the phone and video more, in place of text or social media. This will help satisfy the very human need for face to face contact, and decrease the negative impact of social distancing. Get creative by watching shows or playing games together remotely. • Remind yourself that while COVID19 may be with us for a while, your academic semester is quickly drawing to a close. We are in finals week, so focus the very best you can; you are almost done! Student or Instructor Turn your online struggles into answers by calling us. Students: Instructors: 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. We can help make online course development easier for you as well as assist in making knowledge acquisition more efficient, effective, and appealing for your students through the best teaching practices and use of technologies. Top five examples of items we can help with: 1. How to use Moodle — including how to submit assignments, participate in forums, etc. 2. Use Google Suite — Google Docs, Drive, GMail, etc. 3. Accessing Office 365 . 4. Online tutoring — How and where to get extra help as you need it. 5. Moodle technical issues — except password changes, we don’t do that. Don’t wait! Get your questions answered now. An example of items we can help with: • Technologies that support learning objectives and classroom productivity like GoogleSuite, ProctorU, Zoom, Yuja, and other various Moodle activities and resources. • Providing a sounding board for ways to improve courses. • Sharing examples of instructional strategies used in other courses and programs. • Providing help in developing teaching strategies Plus a lot for online classes. more! • Providing a student perspective. Contact us. Teresa Pat Mike For help or more information contact us at 307-268-3882, dlc@caspercollege.edu, and av@caspercollege.edu. Donnie Dave Camille �Page 4 Special Edition - May 12, 2020 CHINOOK Schenfisch helps amidst pandemic Jo Jeremic Chinook Writer Photo courtesy of Gail Schenfisch Gail Schenfisch, a sign language instructor, visits with young children recently in Casper. Schenfisch also helps interpret local news for the deaf community. Gail Schenfisch is an American sign language instructor at Casper College. Besides working as a teacher at the college, she works as an interpreter on the local news. Especially now, during the outbreak of the Coronavirus, Schenfisch is actively helping the deaf community stay informed on the government's most recent decisions and latest stories on the news. The availability of information to deaf people is low in general, but during a pandemic like this, it’s really important for everyone to be able to learn how to protect themselves and stay safe. “There are not a lot of interpreters in Wyoming and there are not a lot of deaf people either, but even if you have only one deaf person in the community, that one person needs the interpreter. I love doing it because I get to meet so many new people and learn new things about our community,” said Schenfisch. Schenfisch continues teaching in Casper after more than 20 years, and she said she loves her job and the students here. As of last year, Casper started offering American Sign Language as a major. Schenfisch said that in the past year and a half six students graduated with the degree, which makes her very proud. “The best part about teaching is knowing that sign language, like any other language, expands people’s diversity and opens people up to seeing that we’re not just American or just German... I think that with sign language, I help people see that we’re all different, but we are also all the same,” said Schenfisch. Schenfisch recalled moving to Southern Calif. during her junior year in high school where she started to gain an interest in sign language. She said she did not like it there, so she focused a lot on learning the language, and she even took some courses at a nearby community college. “I took sign language, but I never had a plan to be an interpreter or to teach deaf kids, both of which I do now,” explained Schenfisch. Now, Schenfisch is a certified interpreter and a translator, as well as a sign language instructor at CC. Schenfisch is known by her students here at Casper as a good teacher that’s always willing to help and easy to approach. “She is very personable and understanding. She is the one that first made me consider making interpreting my career, and now I’m going to a university to finish my degree in interpreting,” said Bentley McCullouugh, one of Schenfisch’s students at CC. Oral Presentation and Communication Center • Taming presentation apprehension and anxiety. • Confidence and style. • Using organization to create a laser specific message. • Using language effectively. Schedule an online appointment today: Email: OPACC@caspercollege.edu OR Phone: 307-268-2648 We hope you have a fun-filled summer We will be accepting any unused Voluntary Meal Plans as well as T-Bucks in the fall of 2020 due to the circumstances that led to the campus closing. Feel free to give us a call at (307) 268-2126 or (307) 268-2748 with any questions regarding your meal plan. Cashiers at our dining locations will also be able to let you know about your balance in the fall. We also want to thank the students that stayed on campus for following our guidelines. �Special Edition - May 12, 2020 CHINOOK Page 5 CC business major opens online boutique Toni Kerr Chinook Writer While full-time college students typically maintain busy schedules with full-time classes and part-time jobs, Mackenzie Kern, a sophomore at Casper College, decided she also wanted to start her dream career. In November of 2019, Kern decided to open up her online boutique, Loveleigh. The shop offers a wide selection of clothing and accessories based on Kern’s own personal style. “I was at one of the downtown farmers markets where all the businesses come and put up popup shops, and I was like, I can totally do this. And I got my business license five days later,” said Kern. According to Kern, there’s something for everyone in her shop. “I have so many styles available on the website. I feel like it’s very diverse. I have something for everyone on every occasion, which is huge for me,” Kern said. As stated on the Loveleigh website, Kern selects the items, wraps them, packages them, and ships them out herself. Kern emphasizes the importance of girl power, female entrepreneurship, and small businesses. Kern spent her teen years doing pageantry, which allowed her to travel around the nation. Despite having visited several other places, she chose to pursue her college education and start her boutique in her hometown. “I really wanna change the game when it comes to fashion in Wyoming,” says Kern. “I just wanna bring styles to people's doorstep in Wyoming so they don’t have to order from these big corporations in California, and Atlanta. I want to be the hotspot in Wyoming for fashion and just current trends.” Kern continued, “If I’m going to do something, I want it to have meaning behind it, and I wanna show people that it can be done from Wyoming. At the end of the day I love that I’m from Wyoming, and I wouldn’t want to represent any other state.” Kern not only wants people to simply shop at her boutique, she wants girls to feel empowered and confident after shopping at her boutique. “I want to be more than just a boutique. I don’t just wanna bring girls clothes -- I want them (my customers) to feel confident, and I want them to feel like they’re a part of something more when they wear something from my company. Inspiration and motivation is something that I'm very, very passionate about…with everything I do I try to add that to the table,” said Kern. You can find Loveigh on instagram at ShopLoveleigh, on Facebook at Loveleigh Clothing, and at the website shoploveleigh.com. Photo courtesy of Erik Carbajal Kern stated her goal is to do pop-up shops this Casper College student Mackenzie Kern models the UW Gameday Crop in Yellow for around the state this summer. her boutique, Loveleigh. A book review for author Allan D. Hunter Maddey Strayer Chinook Writer Generqueer; A Story From a Different Closet is a memoir of author Allan D. Hunter’s journey to finding himself. He details working around the challenges of gender identity and finding the right label to stick to himself. The story follows Derek, a young boy growing up in the 1970s who finds himself constantly switching back and forth between trying to accept himself and trying to be accepted by those around him. He desperately wants to fit in, but how can someone fit into a crowd when they can’t even fit into their own skin? Genderqueer is a fantastically emotional coming of age journey unlike anything else. Derek’s experience is different. Finding himself unable to identify as anything rigid, Derek finds the label “queer” a suitable fit. Genderqueer does contain mentions of sexual intercourse, violence and bullying, as well as in ]-depth talk of sexuality. However, this does not take away from the heart of the story itself. Every mention is intentional, and each is polished and professionally written. The book is strongest in its factor of emotional immer- sion. Not a moment is dull, and the whole book is a wild, emotional rollercoaster. The story is more than engaging, as what Derek experiences is new and seems almost unheard of-especially in the 1970s. The plot is paced extremely well to make for an overall amazing read. From his early school life to lecturing a room full of college students in his adulthood, the story is easy to follow and feels as though you are along for the ride in Derek’s wild life. You find yourself asking the same questions that Derek does and are fully satisfied with each answer along the way. Girlfriends, virginity quests, “boys being boys,” breakups, questions, answers, a trip to the psychiatric ward, and more. This coming of age story is enticing from the very beginning. “During seventh grade, I spent more and more time looking at girls and eagerly waiting for the chance to have a girlfriend again. I was surely going to be favored by the girls as their interest in boys and boyfriends increased. After all, I’d always liked girls and shared their values and respected them as colleagues, whereas most boys were abrasive loud unimaginative clods who had never liked girls before and had not paid them much attention aside from expressing their contempt for them. Then our family moved from Valdosta, Georgia, to Los Alamos, New Mexico, and that’s where I started eighth grade. And once again, everything changed” (Hunter). Overall, Generqueer: A Story From A Different Closet is a beautiful, emotional, immersive experience, and the book is definitely worth a read. As a reader, you ask yourself questions both about Derek and about yourself. The book's profound plot and mesmerizing storytelling are beautifully written and are sure to draw readers in from the very first page. https://www.caspercollege.edu/chinook/ Some Good News Due to COVID-19, this year’s CC film festival is a broadcast dedicated to good news! Watch the segment on YouTube Help us spread Some Good News this finals week! �Page 6 Special Edition - May 12, 2020 CHINOOK Faculty feature: Casper College's Kerri Mahlum Maddey Strayer Chinook Writer The house is warm. The oven is on. A 1940s record crackles from the living room. Four little dogs yip from the backyard. The scent of freshly baked bread wafts through the door. A chipper “Hellooooo!” is heard from the kitchen -- and there she is. Kerri Mahlum is chair of the Education Department and an early childhood education instructor at Casper College. She attended CC before moving to Lincoln, Neb. to teach kindergarten. But something just couldn’t keep her away from Casper, the place she never ceased to call home. She started teaching full time at CC in 2001, and she sees no end in the near future. Mahlum emphasized her pas- sion for teaching. “I truly, truly have the best of both worlds. I get to teach and advise college students where I can show my full unfiltered sense of humor and still get a laugh out of it from them, but at the same time I still get to work with Play-Doh and put together puzzles and get paid to play with children,” said Kerri with a smile. Teaching is her passion, and it always has been. But how does an extraverted woman with an adoration for children handle working from home? At home, Kerri lives with her family, which includes her two daughters, Morgan and Maddison, her husband, Trevor, and their four dogs. She can be found in the backyard nestled in her “mom cave playhouse,” filled with fairy lights, comfy cushions, and just close enough to the in house office to generate a wifi connection strong enough for ZOOM calls and emails. She spends an “inordinately large” amount of time playing her favorite mobile game, Candy Crush—so much so that she’s lost count of what level she’s achieved in the game. She cooks and cleans, and she bakes the best bread I have ever tasted. “I’m not a very good baker because you have to measure, and that requires you to be precise, which isn’t my jam. But I’m learning! It’s not that I love to cook, it’s just that I love to EAT! And I can’t get the food I like elsewhere, so I do it myself,” she laughed. The Mahlum house is a busy one. With Kerri and Trevor hard at work, the dogs chasing each other around and eating things they probably shouldn’t, and Maddison and Morgan completing their final projects, not a moment CC performance Photos courtesy of Zach Engberg Casper College Dance and Theatre majors performed an improvisational dance inspired by world renowned artist Neltje at the Nicolaysen Art Museum on Wednesday, March 4th. The dancers interpreted Neltje's paintings then transferred her dynamic canvas energy through their own body energy and embodied interpretation. Neltje's artwork invites movement possibilities through the vast array of action her paintings reveal. The dancers shifted, glided, reached, and stretched throughout the main gallery all while being surrounded by Neltje's vibrant paintings. This performance was free and open to the public. From top left: Joshua Greene; Sharice Roberson and Tessa Marie Gabardine; Adriel Martinez. From top right: Vivica Stewart; HannahClaire Sutton and Rachel Dooley. is dull. And Mahlum said it’s always been that way. She recalls a fond memory in which Morgan, her oldest daughter who was three years old at the time, ran face first into the patio screen door, busted right through the thin fabric, and almost toppled over the edge of the railing. “If you know Morgan, she’s the exact opposite of that now. She’s the most non-energetic person in the world, and she’s always been that way, except for this one time! We always wonder ‘what the hell would have caused you to run THROUGH the door instead of just opening it?’” laughed Mahlum. “I’m lucky to have a family I love and enjoy being around, especially right now with everything going on. I can’t imagine how tough it is for the people out there who don’t have that luxury.” Kerri loves her family through and through and mentions, even the dogs when they have a naughty streak. With the newest addition to the family, a tiny black pug named Anubis, skittering joyfully around the house, there is promise of many more fun and exciting Mahlum adventures ahead. Between working full-time, cooking for the family, learning to bake precisely, and keeping the energetic dogs entertained, Kerri rarely deals with boredom. A dull moment in the Mahlum household is rare, and with everyone staying home silence is no option-- even nearing the end of the semester. She’ll continue to cook and clean, check in virtually on her students who she considers nothing less than friends, and of course, playing Candy Crush in hopes of finally reaching the final level. � 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 2020-05 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <div class="element-text five columns omega"> <p><span><a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a></span></p> </div> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2020-05 Description An account of the resource This is a copy of the online Chinook Newspaper from May 2020. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; iamge 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_2020-05 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF