https://caspercollege.cvlcollections.org/files/original/648195d9b2f3264b04004b46444ce9e9.pdf d6cf8f299cf9d59640b2576763ac5b3e PDF Text Text October 1, 2024 Casper College’s Student Voice Since 1945 The international experience at CC By Saioa San Francisco Chinook writer Saioa San Francisco/Chinook Csenge Szomszed brings her suitcase to her room in the residence hall at Casper College during the first week of classes as she begins her academic journey overseas. Blanking out in politics By Lairen Brush Chinook writer Dr. Nathan Blank, an instructor at Casper College, enriches the courses he teaches through a connection to personal experiences and fostering civil discussions in a politically driven environment. He grew up in California, attended school in Australia for his doctorate, and did research in the Philippines. With this knowledge, it is used in the context of his classes. “I think [his education] helps him present information in a well-rounded way,” Keenan Morgan, a former student at Casper College, said. This background enhances the classes that he teaches from the upper to lower levels. “I share those perspectives with students that … need to break out of our American centric viewpoint,” Blank said, “To take off our Red, white, and blue glasses and try to view things, especially international events and phenomena from a more diverse perspective.” Blank presents the information in the same tone as he does outside of it. Morgan said, “He’s the same guy, honestly. Same jokes, same dry humor.” The humor is not a lowdown, though. “I think the healthiest thing for us to do is to laugh and to make fun of ourselves, especially in America,” Blank said. “To make fun of politicians across the spectrum and, to be honest, to not take ourselves too seriously.” There are differences in how the levels of classes are taught. Lower levels are more traditional and slideshowbased, and upper classes are more discussion-based, which comes with challenges on their own. The fall semester begins at Casper College, and the calm campus in Wyoming becomes a swarm of activity as students from all over the United States and the world stream into the dorms, eager to start a new chapter in their lives. Freshman international students are among these newcomers. For many, this starts a transforming journey, academic, social, and cultural. However, their initial impression frequently includes a cultural surprise: the significant contrasts in how American and overseas students handle settling in. Csenge Szomszed, an international student from Hungary at Casper College, explained, “I was surprised when I saw Americans moving in; when I came here, I was trying to keep it simple and just bring necessary stuff like clothes and bedding.” Differences when moving into an American college coming from a European country can be very noticeable and strange at first. Some people tend to experience culture shock during the first month, and some never get used to it. “I have been living in dorms since I was 13. In Hungary, when you move into a dorm, you just bring bed sheets or pillows, but you would never think about bringing a whole fridge or microwave like I´ve seen Americans do.” Szomszed explained This disparity is typical among many overseas students. While American students generally bring a variety of goods to make their dorm rooms seem more like home, international students frequently come with only the necessities. Travel practicalities, customs regulations, and cultural conventions around minimalism frequently demand they carry less. “I would have never thought about having a TV or a couch in my room, but when I saw other Americans' rooms, I got jealous, and I started to think about decorating my room,” Szomszed said. This cultural difference is indicative of larger lifestyle preferences. In many places of the world, college life is more about function than luxury. On the other hand, American pupils value comfort, individualism, and convenience. Decorating a dorm room is a rite of passage for them, an expression of their individuality, and a means of — See Internationals Page 3 Blank said, “We’re really tearing it apart and trying to come to some conclusion on what these things mean in a real way. It’s the interactions in class where we can take all this book information and whether or not I did a slideshow and try to come up with: What does this all mean? What’s the point? ” His nature can cause students to be open to talking to him. “If I have a question about something I know I can go to him, whether it’s schoolrelated or politics-related,” Morgan said. “Or if I just want to see what he thinks about something.” Dr. Nathan Blank is passionate about his study and it shows in how he presents himself both in and out of the classroom. “Dr. Blank is Dr. Blank,” Lairen Brush/Chinook Morgan said. Casper College Political Science Instructor Nathan Blank presents about the president's expressed powers during his class. High hopes for T-bird Men's Soccer Timothy Huber Chinook Writer Photo courtesy of Zach Nagy/Casper College Public Relations Parker O'neill, freshman of Casper, Wyoming (left,) prepares to pass the ball to a teammate during the Thunderbirds' 3-1 win against Trinidad State on Sept. 7 at Murane Field. Coming off a successful 2023 season, the Casper College men's soccer team has high expectations this season and its players look to exceed those expectations. The team entered this season ranked as the 10th best team in the nation after a remarkable late-season run that gave the squad a bid in the NJCAA national tournament last season. Although the national tournament is not played until late November, that goal is very prominent to players, specifically, freshman Midfielder Parker O’Neill. According to Parker, this season, the team is looking “to try to dominate the region…and try to make it to the national tournament again” Parker, a graduate of Kelly Walsh High School, here in Casper, dedicates a large portion of his time and effort to the game of soccer. When asked the question, “What would you do if you were not playing soccer”, he had no clue how to respond saying “that’s a hard question…I don’t know, [soccer] has kind of always been there” This type of love for the game that he has had from a young age has played a significant role in the start of his college playing career. Parker put the program on notice as he jumped right in as a freshman on this historically, successful team. He has strongly impressed the coaching staff, as Assistant Coach Conner Schmidt talked about Parker’s leap from high school to college in overall competitiveness, “he looks right in place, so it’s just really comforting as a coach to see [Parker] step up to the next level and thrive” Schmidt said. Parker notched his first career goal at the collegiate level in the team’s 5th game of the season versus Truckee Meadows Community college of Reno, Nevada. Parker is not the only freshman this program needs to see succeed as 20 of the team’s 26 players are freshmen. Some of these first year players include: Goalkeeper Iori Tanaka and Midfielders Justin — See Soccer Page 3 �Page 2 October 1, 2024 CHINOOK Chinook Stance Are flipped classes better? Lairen Brush Brushing out the details College Campuses have many new and different ways of innovative learning. That may be more handson, the guidelines adhered to are vague at best and downright strange at worst, and you follow a track that interests you. No more of this is the right way and you’re wrong if you don’t do it this way. If you’re coming in for college from a high school, you may have professors with what is known as a “flipped classroom.” When it's described, it makes no sense. Homework in the class, and teaching outside of it. I even thought, “That’s not how learning works. You follow a path given to you, taught by people who know it. It's a routine with few changes between courses.” However, in the greater schemes of College, this makes sense. Homework is putting the knowledge you learn in class to work. In College, you are actively learning to get a job where the knowledge can be applied. College is a practice session. People can downgrade it all they want to a waste of money but that’s not what it is. This way of learning has many pros and cons. For pros: you can interact with classmates and the professors more. This is mainly because the courses tend to be group work to help each other. The professor walks around and clarifies the material, allowing students to ask questions from those that know it better. However, it is not the best for those of us with problems of the social variety. I am not social. In fact, I dislike interacting with people. The idea of it is anxiety-inducing to me. I much prefer the self action of lectures and homework. I also don’t tend to learn better this way as it requires me to ask questions, an action that causes way too much investment. You have to actually ask the question, show what you’ve done so far (another anxiety inducing act), and wait for the answer. All this doesn’t even include the action of if you will get the answer for the question you are looking for. Sometimes, to help with the anxiety (and some of my ADHD), I try to get to the point as fast as possible. This can include skipping words, talking to fast, ignoring irrelevant information, and skipping it if I get confused. This does not help when the professor answers the part I know, and not the part I don’t. To counteract the action of what I know is clarifying, I treat it as correcting someone. This means that I don’t want to correct someone, so I dont. My question is not answered. My confusion is not cleared and I am still stuck. I can’t fall back on fundamental knowledge I should have by week 5 and midterms and the class is significantly harder. Overall, this way of learning helps the times you know the information and not the times you don’t. It is supposed to help you learn and apply what you have learned, but it just confuses you if you don’t have the basics of information. From the President's Desk Dear Students: Welcome to Casper College! I hope your year is off to a positive start and you are settling into the rhythm of being a college student. I also hope you are meeting new people, learning new ideas, and taking advantage of all the programming we have for you at the college. There is truly something for everyone here at Casper College! While college is fun and exciting, I know it can be stressful as well. I was once a college student, and I remember having a few exams and research papers due in the same week–not to mention work and trying to have a little bit of a life and some fun. While it seems overwhelming at first, there are a few things you can do to find some balance with all your responsibilities to make it all a bit more enjoyable. One of the most effective ways to navigate this stressful time is to stay connected with your instructors. They’re not just there to grade your papers—they’re a key resource for your success. If you're feeling uncertain about how you performed on your exams or need help with upcoming material, don’t hesitate to reach out as they appreciate students who are proactive about their learning. If you're struggling, your instructors can often provide guidance, additional resources, and support. Building strong relationships with your instructors also has longterm benefits. They become your mentors, offer valuable advice, and provide recommendations if you’re looking for internships, jobs, or transferring to a four-year university. Beyond your instructors, the college offers many support services that are designed to help students succeed. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, there are resources Brandon Kosine, Interim President that can make a big difference: Tutoring Centers: Whether it's math, science, or writing, our tutoring centers offer personalized help to make challenging material more manageable. Counseling Services: If your stress feels unmanageable, or if you're dealing with personal issues that are affecting your academic performance, counseling services are there to provide emotional and mental health support. Career Services: If you're thinking about your future career, career services can help you explore job opportunities, build your resume, or prepare for job interviews. Using these resources is a smart way to stay on track and ensure you’re getting the support you need. It’s easy to get caught up in the grind of studying and working, but taking breaks and setting aside time for yourself is crucial. Research shows that taking breaks can actually improve focus and productivity. Try stepping away from your work and doing something you enjoy— whether that’s hanging out with friends, going for a walk, or simply watching a favorite show. College is about learning, but it’s also about balance. Give yourself permission to relax and have fun. This is also the time to explore your interests outside of academics. Join a club, attend campus events, or volunteer in the Casper community. These experiences can help you build friendships and make lasting memories during your college years. Many of my friends now are people I met when going to college. Finally, college is an exciting time of personal growth and discovery. While exams and deadlines are important, so is navigating and enjoying your journey. Yes, there will be stressful moments, but remember that these experiences are part of a larger process that will lead you toward your success. So, take some deep breaths, talk to your instructors, use campus resources, and make time for fun along the way. You all have such bright futures, and I can’t wait to see where your journey leads! Whether you’re a homebody or a social butterfly, our classes offer something for everyone! Spice up your evenings with our “Salsa Date Night,” or embark on epic adventures with “Discover Dungeons and Dragons.” Choose your adventure and make unforgettable memories! Questions? Contact Community Education, comm_ed@caspercollege.edu, 307-268-3401. Casper College provides equal opportunity in education and employment — caspercollege.edu/nondiscrimination. �October 1, 2024 Page 3 CHINOOK Internationals........................................ creating a home away from home. The variance in movement techniques reflects underlying cultural beliefs. Many European countries have little space in their dorms. In contrast, American consumer culture pushes students to equip themselves with all of the comforts of home, even if it means carrying a car full of possessions. Even just having a car can make a major impact on how internationals deal with their life here in America. Most people in Europe don't depend on cars to get to places. In contrast, here in America, especially in Casper, it is essential to have a car. “I never realized how much I would miss having a car until I arrived." Hedy Bechar, an international student from France at Casper College, said, “In France, I could walk or take public transport everywhere, but in America, it seems like you need a car for everything. Even going to the grocery store feels like a challenge without one." Cultural differences go beyond the relocation process. International students may meet different practices and social expectations, which influence their experience. Meal times, classroom involvement, and even informal greetings differ significantly from what they are accustomed to at home. Food is a big topic among international students. “American food is so different from what I'm used to," Bechar said, "In France, meals are smaller, fresher, and more focused on quality. Here, everything is bigger—huge portions, lots of fast food, and way more processed stuff.” Despite the hurdles, many international students view cultural differences as a learning opportunity. The variety of experiences—whether decorating a dorm room or participating in class discussions. It enriches the campus environment, encouraging mutual understanding and global knowledge. “The whole experience has been eye-opening, I’ve learned so much about American culture just by living here, and I would recommend any international students to go through this experience at least once in their lives. You grow so much as a student and individual.” Szomszed said. Colleges continue to welcome students from all over the world, and the diversity of cultures, customs, and opinions improves the campus community. Being accepting of international students will transcend cultural gaps, forge lifetime friendships, and foster a genuinely global learning environment. The process of settling in for international students may differ, but it is just as significant since they bring not just academic objectives but also a rich cultural background that contributes to the complex tapestry of college life in America. Soccer..................................................... Godbout-Garon and Roy Nozawa. They also return key pieces such as their leading scorer, Linus Musielak, who has five scores and three assists so far. The team also returns two Wyoming natives, Court Gonsalez and Trae Bennett, both from Worland, Wyoming. Coach Ben McArthur is a big advocate for hard work and how it leads to success, especially at this level of play“If you don’t show up and give your best effort, you are gonna lose.” McArthur said. This type of effort was displayed in two games this season with different outcomes. During an early September weekend, Casper played home games on back to back days, first against Utah State Eastern, where they found themselves down 3-1 after just 21 minutes of game time. They battled back from this early adversity by scoring four unanswered goals in the second half to win the game 5-3. Three of those four goals were scored over a four minute span early in the half with their final goal being scored by Justin Godbout-Garon in the 75th minute. The next day they played a grueling, tight contest against College of Southern Idaho. This defensive showdown remained scoreless and featured more red cards than it did goals. The tie, however, was broken in the 87th minute when a costly penalty by the opposing team sent sophomore leader Court Gonsalez to attempt a penalty kick, which he confidently knocked in giving Casper the 1-0 victory. Coach McArthur described both games as necessary for the players to grow and the team to become stronger as a unit. The T-Birds will play just 3 regular season games in the month of October, with only one of those being at home, before playing in the Region IX District tournament beginning on Oct. continued from page 1 continued from page 1 19th. Location is to be determined. The home finale against Gillette Community College takes place on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 3 p.m. The T-Birds head into that game with an 8-4-1 overall record and hope to improve its conference record to 4-2 during Saturday's battle against the Pronghorns who have a conference record of 1-4-1. Prior to the Region IX tourney, the Thunderbirds travel south so take on Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado on Friday, Oct. 11, then take on the Lopers in Lamar, CO on Saturday, Oct. 12, both games taking place at 3 p.m. As the T-Birds look to build momentum heading into the Region IX Tournament, they will look to take care of business in the northeastern plains of Colorado as both NJC and Lamar Community College combine for a conference record of 1-7-3. Workin' and learnin' -- Importance of student employees Ashley Hunter/Chinook Aliceson Stranberg blow dries a steer in during her shift as a student employee in the Ag Pavillion. Stranberg is an Ag Business major who participates on the livestock judging team. By Ashley Hunter Chinook Writer Working on campus helps students from all backgrounds, because of the diverse job offerings and the tasks the students are called upon to do. For most students, the college experience extends far beyond the classroom. Student employees are a vital part of the college ecosystem, contributing to its smooth operation, while gaining experience and financial independence. Aliceson Stranberg, sophomore of Newell, South Dakota studies Ag Business at Casper College. She is a work study student in the agriculture pavilion on campus. Aliceson is a busy student who is involved as a junior red angus director for the Red Angus Association and is on the Casper College livestock judging team. As a work study student, Stranberg feeds animals and helps with anything around the pavilion, and when all the work is done there is always time for homework. “It’s ag affiliated, I get to work with livestock, and get to work with people that have the same interests.” Stranberg said. She also explained that it is a comfortable environment to work in, where you can grow and learn more about the agricultural industry. In 10 years Stranberg sees herself graduating from KansasState, and wants to work along purina feeds, being a feed nutritionist. Stranberg also eyes raising her own cattle with a family in either South Dakota or Kansas in the future. With being busy, she genuinely enjoys working on campus because she is able to do the things she loves while maintaining her grades. Dr. Frank Hodnett is an Instructor and academic chair in the agriculture department. Hodnett said that having student employees is helpful to the department because he gets to use students' skills to help meet the department’s goals. By working, students learn from the experience of working, in a safe, and comfortable environment. “We couldn't do what we do in this department without the students that work for us.” Hodnett said.“I feel like it helps us be able to give good recommendations and mentorships as they start in their chosen fields.” Hodnett, also explained that the students are learning life skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives by just working on campus. Balancing two other jobs with the demands of a college life is often a new normal for students, and Bailey Whittle, a sophomore from Casper, Wyoming, is a great example of students who showcase their work ethic. Whittle studies elementary education; and works in the Continuing Education office in the Gateway Building, office 408. Whittle encourages students to work on campus because the people that you get to work with are amazing. “They are always willing to help, and they also make sure school is put before work.” Whittle said. Whittle explained that working on campus helps her stay involved on campus and has grown more as a peopleperson. Caden Bright has never been one to shy away from a challenge. From working at Jersey Mikes, to working in Sub Connection, formally known as the “Sub Shop” on campus, his path has been anything but ordinary. Caden is from Casper, Wyoming and he studied business administration at Casper College and graduated in 2022. He loved the environment on campus so he decided to work in the sub shop. Students can find Caden having fun while making your sandwich by flipping bottles or holding conversations. Caden also works with Campus Ventures on campus, a club where students practice their faith and meet every Thursday on campus. Caden explained that working on campus can be crazy but that “students are always really patient and understanding.”Bright figured that working in the sub shop would help him stay connected with students while making them sandwiches. Bright sees himself in 10 years settled down with a family in either Wyoming or Montana, working in a church or in student ministry. Working on campus seems to be beneficial for all students involved, even students like Caden Bright who have already graduated and strives to stay connected to the roots of student involvement. �Page 4 October 1, 2024 CHINOOK A college instructor's dedication to work Aliesia Berryman Chinook Writer Heath Hornecker, professor in Casper College’s Agricultural Department, father of four and a prominent member of the agricultural education community, defines his success by helping students reach goals and find success in their education and careers. There is not a lot that Hornecker hasn’t done for his students. He supports education by advocating for funds, redesigning curriculum, advising students, hosting conferences, attending conferences, supporting teachers and staff, and, his favorite, teaching. “I really like it when students are in my class,” Hornecker said, “You always hear teachers talk about that lightbulb moment, where somebody either catches on to a hard subject or they find, ‘Man, I like this. This is what I want to do.’” Hornecker himself had this lightbulb moment in the classroom of his former Casper College (CC) livestock judging coach, Kelly Burch. “He was always that person I thought back on that really pushed me to go and try to be a better person, a better teacher, and a better coach.” Hornecker said. Mr. Burch is someone he stays in contact with to this day. During the Social and Behavioral Science Seminar held on Sept. 18, Hornecker spoke to students about forming life-long relationships with their teachers and how that can benefit their future education and career endeavors. Hornecker goes beyond the classroom to make positive changes to education. He currently holds a posi- tion on the Faculty Senate where he and other members get to help with the process of electing a new president of CC. He also served when general education requirements were restructured. He previously served as the academic chair for the agricultural department for 18 years, and he used to be the livestock judging coach for CC. Hornecker has been a member of Wyoming Association of Career and Technical Education (WACTE) for 25 years. WACTE is an organization that centers around teachers and educators in Wyoming who help students be ready for their future careers. There are six divisions in WACTE: Agricultural Education, Business Education, Computer Science, Family and Consumer Science, Trades and Technology, and New and Related Services. For the academic year of 2024-2025, he is serving as President of the association. Jason Eggemeyer, construction professor at CC and member of WACTE, said, “It was exciting to see Heath nominated. I was planning on seconding it, and someone else beat me to it actually.” Eggemeyer and Hornecker started as teachers at CC a semester apart from each other, and have formed mutual respect for each other over the last 20 years. “We have a well respected ag department and judging team,” Eggemeyer said, “Heath, having been there for over 20 years, has really been the face of the department to many.” Eggemeyer said Hornecker reaches out to highschool students and families as a sort of ambassador for the CC agriculture department. “It's really good for Casper College as a whole to have Alesia Berryman/Chinook Heath Hornecker presents to students about networking and the long term benefits of building relationships during the "Surviving or Thriving" seminar hosted by the school of Social and Behavioral Sciences on Wednesday, Sept. 18. that kind of support from all of the highschools in the state with someone like Heath representing us.” Eggemeyer said. Through WACTE, Hornecker has connections with high school and college educators throughout the state. “It's not just summer conference that he sees them, he has a great relationship with all of the highschools around the state.” Eggemeyer said. One of Hornecker’s goals as president of WACTE is to help teachers find success in their jobs. “Whether that is they have a better day at work or they need more tools to help students find success.” He said. He believes WACTE allows educators and industry members to touch more stu- dents than they would see in their own classrooms. “We see a lot of teachers that are leaving the teaching profession, unfortunately. Maybe the pay isn't what it could be for them compared to if they were to go out and get a job in the industry.” Hornecker said. “But we’re short of good teachers.” Harvard Business School states: “The market for middleskills jobs—those that require more education and training than a high school diploma but less than a four-year college degree—is consistently failing to clear.” Organizations like WACTE, aim to fill this gap by providing professional development for teachers so they can better support their students, encour- aging more young people to pursue the education needed for these middle-skills jobs. Hornecker’s goals also include increasing membership of the association and creating awareness for career and technical education in the Wyoming legislature. In June of 2025, WACTE’s summer conference will be held at CC. “We’re creating more visibility, not only for our faculty to be involved, but visibility of other faculty and teachers from across the state coming to Casper College so we can highlight some of the things we as a school do well at.” Hornecker said. Hornecker and other WACTE representatives have pushed for funding for career and technical education in Wyoming. In the past, WACTE has led the charge for legislature that benefits students and teachers. “The biggest of these was a bill which changed the Hathaway Scholarship Honors curriculum to allow for Career and Technical classes to count so Wyoming students who qualify with their ACT and GPA, can also now count Career and Technical classes to meet the required curriculum to qualify.” Hornecker said. Whether it be in the legislature or summer conferences, as a teacher or a faculty member, Hornecker is dedicated to the success of not just his students, but all students in career and technical education in Wyoming. RAs aren't just the "dorm police" Maria Geis Chinook Writer There to keep things running smoothly and provide a good experience for everyone, it could be said that resident assistants (RAs) are the backbone of the Casper College Residence Hall. There is quite a list of responsibilities an RA takes on when they sign their contract. They happily provide service at the front desk to assist with questions, sort and distribute mail, complete check-ins, check-outs, roommate agreements, and a lot in between. It’s not often that students forget their ID card and lock themselves out of their room, but if, or when that time comes, RAs are there to help out. Providing help in the middle of the night is a challenge that comes with the job, although it’s explained as not being too difficult for being one of the harder tasks. “It’s really easy to roll over and go back to sleep,” Lead RA Travis Scribner explained, “But we signed the contract. We agreed that this was something we were willing to do.” So, even in the middle of the night or on the weekend, someone is always on call to help students out. While many might think that RAs are the “dorm police,” the RAs are simply just trying to help provide a good experience for everyone. “There’s the people that really like to have a good time,” Scribner said, “and we’re there to make sure that they don’t interfere with other peoples’ experience.” When talking with another resident assistant, Taylor Dye, she had a similar answer saying RAs are often made out to be bad guys who are there only to get residents in trouble. “We don’t want to get you in trouble,” Taylor Dye said. Though RAs do enforce policies to keep the halls safe and orderly, they like to focus more on providing a great experience for all of those staying. Keeping the hallways a fun environment to walk through, each hall has a different theme showcasing the interests of the RA while also catering toward something that everyone in the hallway can enjoy. However, RAs claim that it is hard to figure out a good theme that is suitable for everyone. “I try to make it fitting for everybody.” Dye said. Dye’s hallway is currently “Buckles and Banners” which reflects her personality and relates to the residents in her hall because many of them are students on the Livestock Judging team or are students from an agricultural background. Each month an event is put on by one of the RAs and usually takes place in the MultiPurpose Room of the residence hall, across from the front desk. These are great opportunities for students to get out of their room and comfort zone, make new friends, and have fun in a safe environment. The games and activities are meant to be not only social, but educational as well. Scribner mentioned how choosing an activity can be difficult, “It’s not too bad to come up with an idea, it’s just challenging to find one that can be educational and fun.” Playing Mario Kart while wearing drunk goggles was a previous hit, “It is super fun and gives insight on the dangers of drunk driving,” Scribner explained. Another hit program in back-to-back years is having emotional support and service dogs come in for students to play and hangout with. Dye says her activity taking place during the end of September is “Race Chair National Finals Rodeo.” The “rodeo” is happening in the Multi-Purpose Room. Participants will compete in multiple events, one being to race around barrels in the rolling chairs. Kylie Wheaton, a student who currently lives in the Residence Halls, thinks it’s great that RAs put on monthly events in the dorms. Wheaton explained that her friends participated in some activities and heard they are fun. The sophomore resident witnessed some of the excitement first hand, “I walked by the event room and everyone was singing Sofia The First as loud as they could,” she said. Wheaton also thinks the decorations RAs hang in the hall are cute and fun. “My favorite thing is when a new name tag shows up on my door!” She exclaimed. On top of providing lots of fun and educational events for students who live in the Residence Hall, RAs also provide customer service in many ways. Whenever an appliance like a washer, dryer, or things like air conditioning are not working, RAs are typically the first people who are notified. From there, the RAs contact other people to ensure that repairs are made or are scheduled to be made. RAs agree to wear lots of hats in their position and hope that they are not seen as just the police of the Residence Hall. Photo courtesy of Zach Nagy/Casper College Public Relations Resident Assistant Taylor Jue (right) assists a student and her family members during "MoveIn Day" at the Casper College Residence Halls on Aug. 15. Photo courtesy of Zach Nagy/Casper College Public Relations This year's RAs: (Back row left to right) Sophia Zettle, Travis Scribner, Kris Martial, Davin Ro, Dash Lloyd, Jayden Gremm (front row left to right,) Taylor Dye, Chloe Moscorro, Taylor Crook, Jazz Sparks, Brooklyn Cooley and Taylor Jue. �October 1, 2024 Page 5 CHINOOK Falling into the "Swing" of things A group of students break out into a large circle during the line dancing porion of Student Life's Night of Country Swing Dacning on Aug. 29 in the Liesinger Hall Gym. Kylie Wheaton/Chinook Kylie Wheaton/Chinook Two Casper College students end their round of swing dancing with a dip during Student Life's Night of Country Swing Dancing on Aug. 29 in the LH Gym. Kylie Wheaton/Chinook Travis Scribner and Jordan Napier (left dacers) attempt a "pretzel" and "dip" with Bryce Goodwin (right) and his dancing partner during Student Life's Night of Country Swing Dancing on Aug. 29 in the LH Gym. Colten Halverson, sophomore of Wheatland, Wyoming, spins Lola Philo, freshman of Rawlins, Wyoming around during Student Life's Night of Swing Dancing on Aug. 29 in the Liesinger Hall Gym. Kylie Wheaton/Chinook �Page 6 Pursuing a career in nursing Chris Mossman-Larson Chinook Writer The Casper College nursing program offers many opportunities for students who are looking at pursuing a career in nursing. If that is the case, it is no wonder a student would choose Casper College. Not only do students get to learn in one of the best programs in the state of Wyoming, but they learn from some of the best instructors Wyoming has to offer. Nursing faculty advisor Corrine Arross understands that setting students up for success means more than teaching them facts out of a book. “Obviously, I’m teaching the clinical aspects,” Arross said. “But I also feel like I’m supporting them as people, helping them achieve goals, without damaging themselves in the process.” For Arross, that always begins with a simple question. “What is your Why?” she often asks. In doing this, it helps students reflect on their deeper ambitions, helping them stay grounded and resilient during the toughest moments of the program. Those tough moments are what attracted October 1, 2024 CHINOOK former nursing student Paige Blonigan to the Casper College program in the first place. “I feel as though nurses heal people while doctors heal diseases,” she said. Blonigan’s ultimate goal was to thrive in those tough moments Arross readies students for, helping individuals during their worst moments, and providing them comfort and safety through their experience. This was driven by Blonigan’s own past negative interactions with nurses. Reflecting on her time at Casper College, Blonigan calls the nursing program the longest and shortest two years of her life. Her best advice for incoming students? “Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” she says. “It doesn’t make you dumb. If anything, I think it’s more of a strength.” Whether students take Blonigan’s advice to seek help or critically consider Arross’s focus on staying connected to your "why," it is clear that incoming students to the Casper College nursing program will always get essential guidance when they come through the doors. Nursing school is challenging, but with a strong Chris Mossman-Larson/Chinook support system and a clear sense of purpose, The Casper College H.E. Stuckenhoff Dept. of Nursing was granted accredidation for its success is within reach. associate nursing degree program through the spring of 2027. Phi Theta Kappa Encourages Excellence Hailey Carr Chinook Writer The Phi Theta KappaZeta Alpha Chapter at Casper College encourages students to pursue membership and participate in events like Flock and Talk and the Fall Social. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is a national honor society for junior colleges, focused on four key hallmarks: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. The Zeta Alpha Chapter at Casper College is led by advisors Jared Bowden and Chontelle Gray. The current Zeta Alpha chapter officers are Klacie Groene, president, Miranda Dickinson, vice president of service, Roman Gaddis, vice president of fellowship, Charisma Gallagher, vice president of scholarship, and Shani OsoriaAlcala, public relations officer. To become a PTK member, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and be enrolled in at least six credits during the semester they are initiated. The chapter holds an initiation ceremony each spring to welcome new members. Advisor Chontelle Gray, who is also a theatre instructor, encourages eligible students to join, "PTK really sets students up for success, with many opportunities available through it." Gray said. Once initiated, members meet monthly to plan events and activities for the year, while the officer team meets weekly to organize these plans. Zeta Alpha members contribute to campus life by volunteering, hosting campus clean-ups, and organizing events like "Flock and Talk." Flock and Talk is a forum where students discuss important topics, and the gathered feedback is presented to the college administration for potential improvements. The chapter also hosts social events like the annual Fall Social, which includes carnival games and "Minute to Win It" challenges and is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 2. PTK President Klacie Groene, is a sophomore from Torrington, Wyoming, studying Animal Science and Ag Business at Casper College. Groene plays an active role in leading meetings and planning chapter events. Groene believes that "Being in Phi Theta Kappa is a great way to get involved in the school and build leadership skills." Some membership benefits of PTK include helping students stand out in scholarship applications, college admissions, and job opportunities. PTK also provides a program that assists members in exploring future colleges and careers, offering tailored recommendations based on individual goals. Additionally, the organization provides scholarship opportunities. For Casper College students, PTK gives them a chance to excel academically, develop leadership skills and make meaningful contributions to their school. Through its values of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship, PTK helps members build a strong foundation for future success in both education and careers. With a supportive team of advisors and committed student leaders, the Zeta Alpha chapter offers numerous opportunities for personal growth, involvement, and access to valuable resources. For students seeking to enhance their college experience, PTK is a path toward achieving academic and professional goals. Hailey Carr/Chinook PTK member Hailey McKenzie (left) and Klacie Groene, club president (right) discuss plans for the honor program's activities that are scheduled for the fall. caspercollegechinook.com �October 1, 2024 Page 7 CHINOOK Join our staff this spring! Practice interviewing & writing Take photos & design Learn sales & advertising Explore social media & web development The Chinook is a one credit class titled Independent Publications. WRITING CENTER The Writing Center at Casper College is here to help our students and members of the community. Contact our faculty advisor Bri Weigel for more information brianne.weigel@caspercollege.edu Forensics team begins season on the road Kylie Wheaton Chinook Writer The Casper College forensics club is preparing for the season ahead with plenty of new members of the team. The Forensics Club, also known as speech and debate, is preparing to start its season and continue its legacy of success. This year the team is composed of 11 students: Pearl Taylor, Nina Bivens, Davin Ro, Dani Schultz, Jack Cochran, Cass Baedke, Allie Gilliatt, Ivey Goff, Sophia Casner, Corey Kennah and Stephanie Mata. Student and club president, Danielle “Dani” Schultz, is excited about the team this year. Schultz hopes to help create a welcoming environment amongst the team, and hopes speech and debate will have the same effect on others as it did her. Schultz said that speech and debate “helped me use my own voice for good” and she hopes to assist others in finding their voice. Schultz is also excited to mentor the incoming freshman this year and take them under her wing. Casper College student and newly elected team captain, Davin Ro, hopes to encourage and promote team bonding and create a safe space for the team. “I am everyone’s cheerleader” says Ro, “it definitely helps that I am able to bring some sort of energy”. Ro hopes to make the mundane and routine aspects of practice a little more enjoyable as well as level out the usual season slumps, while encouraging and pushing everyone on the team to do their best. Both Schultz and Ro have become grateful for the friendships that have been formed through being part of the forensics team, a friendship that began back in high school. Casper College communications instructor and Director of Speech and Debate Ethan Fife is also amazed at the relationships being formed by students. In fact, the community aspect of forensics is what got Fife hooked from the beginning. “We can walk into a room and you know I’m going to see these people somewhere between 4 to 7 hours every day” says Fife, “and you know you have that friend support there”. Fife hopes to encourage and support this safe environment for the team members and is happy to see these students help each other out. The team is eager to build off of the successes of last season. At the final tournament last year, the team took home a total of 15 medals, of which three Brainstorm possible paper topics Craft an essay were gold, two silver and 10 bronze. Both of those gold medals were taken home by Schultz, who hopes to have the same amount of success this year. The team began their season in late September with a competition in Twin Hall, ID at the College of Southern Idaho. In October the team will travel to Colorado College in Colorado Springs, and in November the team will compete in a virtual tournament. The forensics team is working hard and hopes to continue the successful legacy left before them, but every step they take will be together. Get feedback on a draft Gain writing strategies And so much more! Visit us in Strausner Hall, room 215 or visit the Writing Center Moodle site for additional resources and appointment scheduling! Contact: 307-268-2610 wco@caspercollege.edu caspercollegechinook.com Taking Online or Hybrid Courses? The Digital Learning Center supports your journey by helping you master essential digital tools. We ensure you have access to the resources you need for online and hybrid classes. HOW WE CAN HELP: • MyCCMoodle: Learn how to submit assignments, participate in forums, and more. Plus • Zoom Assistance: Access/navigate Zoom for remote classes and collaborations. lot m a ore! • Google Suite Support: Docs, Drive, Gmail — make the most of these tools. • Office 365 Access: Use MS Word, PowerPoint, and other essentials. • Online Tutoring Guidance: Navigate NetTutor and other resources for extra help when you need it. • Study and Work Spaces: Try out our newly furnished student room to study, relax, or use the computers and printer. • Tech and Snacks: Enjoy snacks like popcorn or ask about our VR and green screen! r You s our i cess ity! c u S r Prio Tyler Teresa Dave Katie FOR HELP OR MORE INFORMATION stop by Liesinger Hall, Room 132, or contact us at 307-268-3882, dlc@caspercollege.edu, and av@caspercollege.edu. Mike �Page 8 CHINOOK caspercollegechinook.com October 1, 2024 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Chinook Student Newspaper Online Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2019-2026 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA 08.iii.2023.01_Chinook_Digital Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Online Chinook Newspaper 2024-10 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2024-10 Description An account of the resource This is a copy of the online Chinook Newspaper from October 2024. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA_08.i.2023.01_2024-10 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF