Hi! My name is Kari Parker. I’m a junior in the University Honors College (UHC) here at OSU. A little about myself: I’m a 3rd-year undergraduate in industrial engineering originally from Portland, OR; I’ve been a student here at OSU since fall of 2010, and so far my experience with both OSU and the Honors College has been pretty fantastic. Because of the encouraging environment in the Honors College, I have also decided to pursue two minors in business and theatre. These are my creative outlets when the engineering classes begin to cloud my brain with all sorts of numbers and formulas. I’m currently just beginning my thesis journey by working with my mentor Eric Hill on writing a monologue on women in engineering. This will allow me to combine my two passions in life: engineering and theatre, but I would not have decided to pursue such diverse subjects without the passionate environment that the University Honors College provides.

There are many different words that describe the UHC, but the best one I can think of is community. The UHC is first and foremost a collaborative community made up of motivated fun people. It is a place where the creative mind is encouraged and the disciplined student finds tangible feelings of success.

                The way the UHC fosters this unique learning environment is by limiting class sizes to fewer than 25 students and by hiring only the finest professors in each department. Inside an honors classroom, you will find students who truly have an insatiable hunger to learn; likewise, you will find professors who are experts on each subject and who can create a learning environment where each student feels welcome. But actually getting into the UHC is no small feat.

The application process is highly competitive, but there are many opportunities for a prospective student to show where he or she shines. The requirements for first-year students to apply are a 3.75 GPA, an 1820 on the SAT, OR a 27 on the ACT. You only have to meet one of these minimums to apply. As a transfer student either at OSU already or transferring from a different college or university, you will need a 3.5 minimum GPA to apply. There are also two essay questions where the student gets to provide the honors college a peek into their own lives and experiences. In this section as well as in the activities section and the insight resume on the regular OSU application, the application committee really looks at the student to see how their life experiences have shaped the person they are today. As far as deadlines are concerned, the early round deadlines for students entering OSU directly from high school are November 1 and the primary round deadline is February 1.  For transfer students (either currently attending OSU or another college or university), the application deadline is March 15. Check out the UHC application page: http://www.oregonstate.info/dept/honors/you-apply

After the student has been accepted, he or she will be required to maintain above a 3.25 GPA throughout their time in the UHC. The UHC also requires their students to write a thesis before they graduate as a capstone research project of their undergraduate career. This project is a way for the students to give back to the pool of knowledge that they have been gleaning from throughout their academic career.

Another benefit of being a part of the UHC is that there are honors academic advisors who are knowledgeable about every major across the university. They are resources that guide students along during their undergrad journey and help maintain the balance of being a dual citizen with the college of their major as well as the UHC. They are truly there to serve the students.

Some of the other privileges an honors student has includes, honors study lounges (SLUGs: Students Learning Underground), unlimited printing in the SLUG spaces, an honors themed on-campus residence hall (West Hall), the GEM (which offers an apartment setting close to campus, with priority placement for UHC students with a minimum of sophomore standing), study break activities, and honors exclusive trips like camping and skiing. Overall, being a student in the UHC means having a home where you can feel free to be creative and where you’re guaranteed success.

http://www.oregonstate.info/dept/honors/

By Katy Krieger

New Orleans Greetings from a Social Psych Researcher

Many of you are wondering what exactly happens at a research conference so I am here to fill you in on all of the details! Research conferences are structured around lectures, poster sessions, and social events designed so that students and professors can meet one another and collaborate.

Usually conferences are in bigger cities with huge convention centers, and my conference (the conference for the Society of Personality and Social Psychology or SPSP 2013) was in New Orleans, Louisiana. Fortunately for us, we were there the weekend that kicked off Mardi Gras so we got to experience the city at its very peak! Conferences are a great way to meet potential graduate program advisors and present your research to a large audience (whether in lecture or poster form). I was presenting a poster this year and had the wonderful opportunity of seeking out programs I will be applying to next fall for graduate school (this is great because I won’t waste time applying to programs that aren’t for me).

Amongst the academic chaos there is also the chance to see the city you are in and experience the culture. We visited Bourbon Street, went to the famous Café du Monde for beignets, and saw live jazz music. There is a rule of thumb to not overextend your brain during the conference so it’s nice to get out and do some shopping and eat the local food. Don’t feel bad for staying out late, not exercising (trust me the walking is enough to give you blisters), and not attending EVERY single event. One of the most beneficial parts of research conferences is the connections with advisors, collaborators, and other students that you will make. Just going out to dinner and attending the social hour events provides you with more insight into research happening in your field and the kinds of grad programs out there.

And because most of you want to hear more about New Orleans then research, here’s some great insider information!

Food: You must eat beignets at Café du Monde (preferably when it’s empty at 2 AM). Don’t always go to the obvious tourist spots, their prices are high and the food is mediocre. This is something to think of every time you travel. Felipe’s Taqueria on Decatur Street is cheap, a mexi-cajun version of Chipotle, and has great hand shaken drinks. Be ready to try some voodoo and herbal inspired drinks as it is very hip down there!

Music: Every place down there has a great sound system to play club music, or you can indulge in live jazz music at the House of Blues or any place on Bourbon Street. Don’t be afraid to stop and listen to the street performers as they are incredibly talented and lively.

Shopping: Although there is a high end shopping center close to the French Quarter, feel free to indulge in the French Market and hit up touristy places like the Jazz Funeral. There are some fun chain stores to go to like Margaritaville, so stop in and get a souvenir.

Mardi Gras: The parades start at 6 usually but make 3 loops so don’t think you missed out the first time! Be ready for lots of people, loud music, and plenty of beads. Bourbon Street is the most insane thing you will ever see but it is a thing of beauty so go there during the festivities! Buy a mask to wear out, get yourself some starter beads to look blinged out, wear crazy outfits, and get into the nightlife culture that is Mardi Gras!

If all of this hasn’t convinced you to get into research then I don’t know what will! Conferences are a way to find programs and advisors and get your own research and name out into the academic field. In addition, you always get to visit a great city, meet fabulous people, and have some great experiences!

By Kendra Kintze and Angel Martinez

In life, unless you acknowledge that there is a problem, you will struggle to reach a solution. Last weekend at a retreat called Exploring White Identity (EWI), I was fortunate enough to examine the harsh realities of oppression that are woven in society, with the hope that by opening our eyes and hearts to these issues we can change them and – cliché aside – make the world a better place. Throughout this retreat, everyone explored extremely emotional aspects of their lives and their experiences with race and witnessing racism. We all tuned into the oppression that exists and I became much more aware of issues that slipped under the radar of my previous perception as a white person.

The entire experience struck a nerve because I have never actually taken time to understand that my pale, easily-sunburned skin tone has provided me with extreme privilege in American society.

There are many facets of society that cater much more to people who identify as “white” than to people of color. The EWI retreat was an experience for white people to come together and acknowledge these issues in a safe environment where emotions and thoughts can be shared without judgment. Feelings of guilt, sadness, and disgust surfaced as we looked racism in the eye as people who are innately privileged in society, but by facing these negative aspects we took the first step in making progress towards change. We were united by wanting to better ourselves and our world to make it a more loving, accepting place for all.

Something that stood out for me was a TED Talks video we watched called “The Danger of a Single Story” given by Chimamanda Adichie. As an African woman and novelist, she explains the danger of assuming someone has a single story. Making judgments about people because of one seemingly dominant characteristic eliminates the possibility of learning more about them and what should instead be the individual’s compilation of stories. We all come from extremely different backgrounds, and in the same way the phrase “Don’t judge a book by its cover” has been ingrained in our brains, we must not judge people by their skin color either (or anything else for that matter). Being human is about so much more than our physical characteristics, and it is up to us to determine how we are going to use society’s word to spread messages of acceptance and unity rather than separation and hatred.

The EWI retreat gave me hope that there are people in the world who have enormous hearts, whose compassion and care is something that can absolutely change the world. I met some astonishing people because of this opportunity, of all different ages and backgrounds, who all believe in social justice.

My fellow CLA Ambassador Angel went on the EWI retreat as well. Here is her take on the experience:

“In America we are blasted every single day, whether we take note of it or not, by the media and what they want us to internalize as their version of reality. As a result we pick up on stereotypes that can undermine, discredit, and hurt people with different ethnicities. Last weekend I was given the great opportunity to attend the Exploring White Identity (EWI) retreat. This retreat came with a two and a half day jammed pack schedule where we as a group  of 28 people who self-identified as ‘white’ came together and discussed what it really meant to be white in our society, and more importantly for me what it meant for people within our society who are not viewed as white. We unpacked the privileges that we as a ‘white’ demographic experienced and what effect it has on others.

One of the unique things about this retreat was the opportunity for us as individuals to reflect on how we personally were and currently are affected by this social construct. I myself was able to explore and discover things about myself that I had left dormant and unspoken inside for my entire life. I’ve always struggled with the fact that I have both Mexican and Native American heritage and no evidence in either knowledge or outward appearance to prove it.

This retreat helped me to be more comfortable literally in my own skin. I feel like I grew as an individual and have an even deeper appreciation for those that are in a society where they are not part of the privileged demographic.

On the last night we were encouraged to write down something to let go of and something that we want to hold on to. I would like to share what I’m holding on to. I hope that if you are someone that has ever felt the way I had felt for almost a decade can relate, and maybe even heal a little bit like I did.

I am not ‘white’

Any more than I am brown hair

I should not be ashamed or feel guilty for my skin.

Any more than I would for having hazel eyes

I am not my phenotypic traits.

I am a combination of what I think, how I feel and what I do”

By Angel Martinez

It’s great to be back in Corvallis. We’re all starting new classes, making new friends, and catching up with our social group/s. Aside from all that excitement I’m sure that we’ve all noticed the dark and gloomy weather that was here to greet us all for the start of winter term. Along with not being able to spend much time outside comfortably there is a serious issue that the winter season can bring upon some of us. Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D), also known as seasonal depression, is something that should be looked out for. Especially if it is your first time being in a colder winter climate than you’re used to.

Seasonal depression can happen to anyone even if they have never been diagnosed with clinical depression before. And If you are diagnosed with clinical depression, symptoms can actually increase during the winter.

If you are worried that you or a friend may be suffering from S.A.D these are some symptoms to look out for.

Loss of Energy, Oversleeping or Irregular Sleeping Patterns, Social Withdrawal, Depression, or Appetite Change

If you or a friend shows some of these symptoms here is some advice and resources that may help through this tough time.

First visit the CAPS center on the 5^th floor of Snell Hall. There are many resources and ideas that they offer to help get you through this tough time. They have counseling in case you want to talk to someone. Your student fees guarantee the ability to speak with a counselor.  There is also the mind spa that could help with any anxiety that you may feel, again a resource payed for by your student fees.

They also offer SAD lamp that you can rent for free. These lamps emit UV rays. One of the causes for seasonal depression is that your body is not getting enough Vitamin D through UV rays which are emitted by the sun. This is why it may also be a good idea to take Vitamin D tablets.

Next, find a friend or family member that you’re comfortable talking with. You don’t have to go through this alone, and no one should ever have to. Ask them to make you accountable. If they are aware of your situation have them make sure that you socialize and don’t become self-isolated.

School under any circumstances can be tough, and going through something like this only makes it harder. But you don’t have to hopelessly ride this out till spring time. There are a lot of people on and off campus that want to see you succeed at your fullest potential.

In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer. ~ Albert Camus

By Katy Krieger

With that disappointing loss in the Alamo Bowl it seems as though OSU sports are over until next fall when football starts back up, but, oh how wrong you are! Winter term offers some great OSU sporting events that will get you and your friends out of the house and into the stands.

Basketball: With Jared Cunningham off to the NBA there have been a lot of changes to the OSU basketball team including four new freshman players (most of who are seeing quite a bit of court time). The season is well underway and the Beavers are already 10-6. Coach Robinson is doing a great job leading us into a strong Pac-12 schedule and perhaps even a March Madness appearance. Head to Gill and check this team out!

Women’s Basketball: These OSU ladies hold their own on the court. They are currently 7-9. The next game is Civil War against U of O at 8PM on the 15^th (tomorrow night) at the Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene. But fear not, the game is televised (as are many of the OSU men’s and women’s basketball games). Lead scorers so far this season are Weisner, Bright, Gibson, Hamblin, and Martin.

Gymnastics: The home season began last Friday with the Beavs appearing at home and beating Ohio State. The team looks strong with 12 possible all around competitors and big name returners like Melanie Jones, Makayla Stambaugh, Kelsi Blalock, and Brittany Harris. The floor routines always feature great music and the uneven bars are more stressful than midterms!

Men’s and Women’s Golf: Although the season goes on hiatus in January, expect to see score updates beginning February for the two golf teams. Both the men and women will appear in a plethora of tournaments, opens, and classics but unfortunately they will be migrating to warmer courses to make OSU proud.

Baseball: The baseball season starts with some exciting tournaments in February so look for them to be on the PAC12 network and in March the action moves to Corvallis! Yelling is encouraged and for once you get to be outside when it’s nice. Why not go see baseball? Oh, did I also mention the delicious yet awful ball park food offered and the fact that like all OSU sporting events it’s FREE!

Softball: Similar to baseball, the team will open in February away from campus in a number of tournaments and will return later in March to Corvallis. These girls will no doubt be force in the PAC-12 so look forward to lots of “W’s” on the board.

Women’s Swimming: Coming off a win against Northern Arizona, the swim team will appear in a Corvallis meet January 26^th against WSU. Some early leaders to watch out for are Crystal Kibby, Ocean Trail, and Sammy Harrison.

I could go on by diving into the intramural and club team events but alas my bog would be far too long for you all to read. So, with this small (but diverse) smattering of OSU sports, I hope you can all find your inner Beaver Believer and represent the Orange and Black at your favorite sport!

By Morgan Willer

Everyone’s back on the beautiful Corvallis campus and it’s exciting to see the friends you’ve missed over break. However if the foggy rainy weather isn’t getting you down then the thought of starting a brand new term might be. It’s never fun sitting through hours of class once you are used to sitting through hours of Netflix on your comfy couch. Not to worry though, I’ve compiled some of my favorite things to do in order to get over that Post-Winter Break Slump!

Throw yourself into your New Year’s Goals!

I say goals because it’s a lot easier to achieve them if you give yourself a little room for failure and have a plan of attack. So you want to get in shape? Go purchase a fit pass or take advantage of the free facilities at Dixon. Want to have a better G.P.A. this term? Start signing up for tutors, visit the Academic Success Center in Waldo 102, purchase a planner and don’t forget to do your reading (it really does help).

Take a little time for yourself!

Find a new hobby or thing you just enjoy doing. Then throw yourself into it. Is there a really cute coffee shop by your house? Go there to study a few days a week and enjoy your favorite drink. Buy enough new songs on iTunes to make a playlist that will get you through the nasty Oregon mornings (and afternoons, and evenings). Set up a date with your friends you didn’t get to see over break, and make sure to keep the check-ins going throughout the term, especially when you get stressed.

Make a 2013 Bucket List!

It is still just the second week of the year so what better thing to do than make a bucket list of everything you want to do before we ring in 2014. Personally there are so many things I want to do before I graduate and move on from OSU, but sometimes I let the stress of school get in the way of the big picture. Make this list so it gives you something to look forward to when you’ve been spending more hours in a Valley cubicle than your own bed. Mine will include finally seeing a Beaver Baseball game!

Plan your spring break!

I know most of us are on a college student’s budget but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a great spring break, and it’s never too early to plan! Whether it’s visiting friends in another state or volunteering at home you should plan one thing that will give you a good memory to relive when you’re back at OSU.

Take an hour (or two) to just not care!

Take an hour or more to pretend that break really isn’t over. Watch episodes of your favorite show on Netflix (I’m still not caught up on Gossip Girl) or play some video games. It’s proven that you will be more productive if you give yourself some time to relax. Just don’t go overboard.

I hope all of these helped y’all a little! Good luck with this term (it’s always the hardest) and try not to get too stressed out. There is always something to look forward to.