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