Breanna Balleby

In case you didn’t already know, Oregon State University’s University Honors College (UHC) is currently accepting applications! There is an opportunity for you to apply if you are a prospective student (currently in high school), a current student (currently at OSU), or a prospective transfer student (currently at a different institution but planning to transfer to OSU). The UHC accepts applications on a yearly basis—so this is your chance.

As a College of Liberal Arts student, I am so glad to have been a part of the UHC these past four years. Oregon State and the College of Liberal Arts already offer so many great opportunities, and the UHC helps enhance and multiply your chances to enrich your studies at OSU. Whether you are looking for additional research opportunities and experience; smaller, interactive, and discussion-based courses; or a community of like-minded high-achieving students…you can find it all in the UHC!

In my experience as a UHC student, I have taken intriguing courses (typically capped between 12-20 students) that have counted towards my bacc core, majors, minors, and general elective requirements. I’ve lived in the Honors Living-Learning Community (currently West Hall). Recently, I completed and defended my undergraduate Honors/International Degree thesis with the support of my mentor and committee members. The UHC has also supported me in my study abroad endeavors to Angers, France (Summer 2013) and London, England (Summer 2014 – a program specifically designed for College of Liberal Arts students!). Finally, but certainly not least, I have become a part of the UHC community and have met so many wonderful peers, professors, and professional staff during my time at OSU.

If you’re ready to start your own UHC story, be sure to check out the application timeline and apply for Fall 2015. If you are a current OSU or transfer student, be sure to apply prior to March 15th and plan on hearing back from the UHC around April 30th. If you are a first-year applicant, the final deadline is quickly approaching so get your application in by February 1st and decisions will be made by March 31st. Remember, no matter what kind of applicant you are, you need to respond to the UHC Application Essay Question—so don’t delay in getting started!

Still not sure if the UHC is right for you? I encourage you to explore their website and even better…plan a visit! To learn more about the UHC and/or the application process, you can also check out their Application FAQ page or contact the UHC directly by calling 541-737-6400 or emailing honors.college@oregonstate.edu. You could even email a UHC Student Ambassador, such as myself, to learn more about the UHC from a student’s perspective. Best of luck and keep up the good work!

Holly Briggs

Coffee, the college student’s water. I’m not a person who has to have coffee to function… unless it is finals week. When finals week rolls around the coffee cups invade my desk, and pyramids could be built from them.

When I am on campus with a couple minutes to spare, I love to drop by the Java Stop in the MU. The barristas are always fun to chat with and the couches are unbelievably comfortable. The raspberry lattes from the Java Stop give Starbucks a run for their money – and this coming from a Seattelite! Besides the coffee they have delicious apples and peanut butter, as well as bagels that can be catered to your liking.

My favorite part of a coffee shop, besides the bagels and beverages, is the culture. It always feels like everyone is extremely supportive and welcoming. Around Corvallis there are coffee shops that have open mic nights when students can express their poems, music, and short stories. Many CLA classes will even offer extra credit for attending these readings! Look into these readings on and around campus to find one that you would enjoy. The College of Liberal Arts often brings authors to OSU and gives them the opportunity to read and sign books.

Check out the CLA website to find out more about the readings for this term! The author of Wild just came through. Also, drop by Java stop and have a delicious cup of joe, hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

by Jon Bosworth
Walking to class on any given day I can’t help but notice that I’m surrounded by one thing: opportunity. When you’re in high school considering where to go to college, many schools boast that they provide you with opportunities to better your future. While this is undoubtedly true at an institution such as Oregon State, it is not the type of opportunity I’m talking about. I’m talking about the type of opportunity that inspires generations of humans and brings people together. Among the thousands of students at OSU, there is opportunity to shape the world through serving and helping others.

There are days when I wake up and spend far too much time complaining about my situation. Whether it’s grumbling about all of the reading I have to do, making a fuss over the food at the dining hall, or even wishing I didn’t have to attend so many meetings, I do this far too often. I must remember today there are millions of children wondering if they’ll have food on the table. I must remember tonight there are hundreds of thousands of Americans without a home. I must remember tomorrow many communities will be in worse shape than they were today. And most of all I must remember how lucky I am.

Chances are if you’re reading this you’re pretty lucky too. Regardless of the state of our lives I believe, and Oregon State University believes, in the importance of service. Next Monday, January 19th, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day of remembrance and celebration of one of the greatest leaders our country has ever seen. Dr. King stressed themes of peace, love, and service, saying that “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” As part of United We Serve—the President’s national community service initiative—we are called to participate in a day of service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Here at Oregon State University, we take this call very seriously and all students are encouraged to take a few hours out of their day to help improve their community. Whether this means serving a meal, cleaning up a park, or merely spending time with someone in need, there are endless opportunities in Corvallis to serve. As with previous years, the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) has put together many service activities at various times. On Saturday January 17 the city will join together to “strengthen communities, empower individuals, and bridge barriers.” By signing up you are provided a light breakfast and lunch as well as an experience to remember. To sign up through the Center for Civic Engagement please visit: sli.oregonstate.edu/mlk and pick a project that best suits you.

Whether you sign up to serve on Saturday or any other day, it’s crucial that you engage with your community. Through my time at Oregon State I’ve seen a union of students, faculty, and community members come together for a common cause in bettering the world around them. The MLK Day of Service is another opportunity to do just that: improve the world one volunteer at a time.

by Kenzie Ross

The potty, the pit-stop, the palace of the porcelain throne. They generally serve the same purpose, doing their duty as intended, yet some offer a more enjoyable ambiance than others. And personally, I prefer to make my bladder gladder in an environment I find delightful.

So what’s the criteria for an A+ public restroom? It must be clean, well-lit, and vacant. Also, a little entertainment never hurt. I’m sure there are several bathrooms on campus that meet these requirements, but only one rises above the rest.

So where’s this magical bathroom I speak of? None other than than the Wiz-Palace of Moreland Hall. Sunlit, beautiful tiling, and fantastic bathroom graffiti. I know, I know, vandalism, scary right? Not this time. The graffiti is actually what makes this bathroom the best. This potty-talk, so to speak, is uplifting, body positive, and supportive. It says things like “you’re beautiful,” “you determine how you feel,” or “every day you wear running shoes is a good day.” We all have rough moments, and finding positivity in unexpected places is encouraging.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that this type of graffiti is in a Liberal Arts building. To me, these kind words are a reflection of our greater Liberal Arts family. We’re supportive of one another, and we’re always striving to be better. It’s also a testimony to our social-consciousness. As we learn repeatedly in our studies, we’re not only connected as liberal arts students but also to the world at large. We’re able to recognize how personal experience serves to better both ourselves and our communities. Finally, we’re always keeping in mind how our actions and words affect others. I believe that these attributes are something that we will carry with us long after graduation.

So, I must admit, the Moreland bathroom is my favorite because it reminds me just how lucky I am to be a part of Liberal Arts at OSU.

Bathroom Break!

By Jenna Saperia

Starting the term off is tough no matter what your break was like. Whether you went back home to Portland or traveled the world, starting a new term off is rough for everyone. Here are some great tips to get you on the right track with winter term!

Try Making A Schedule! On the first day of every class ever you receive a syllabus, or least a link to one. This means that on the first day of school you receive the due date of almost every assignment for that term. Keeping up to date on when things are due can help you manage time, ensuring you have time to study, do homework, watch Netflix, and sleep. Trust me, doing all of it is possible! Just spending an hour one day, with your favorite television show in the background, can help you never miss a due date. In addition, knowing when your finals are helps you already start planning your spring break…the next thing to count down the days too. It’s 53 if you were wondering!

Keep Track of Assignments! Forgetting one or two assignments is not going to be detrimental, until your grade is sitting judgingly at a 79.86% and you know that east 5 point assignment you blew off could have saved your grade, but at the time binge watching on Netflix seemed like a better option. It’s never wrong to take a break and watch a little television. Your brain sometimes cannot handle the constant overload of stimulus that homework puts on you. To ensure that no homework gets left behind, take breaks without putting your homework away. Watch a 22 minute How I Met Your Mother episode then return to your work. You’ll be fresher and more focused on your work. Making a check list of assignments at the beginning of your homework completion session can be super helpful too! Take a break, and start the next assignment.

Plan out Meals! The days have already begun to smush together. The breaks you have during the day can either be wasted or taken advantage of. I am 100% guilty of letting an hour break fly by as I numbingly lay on my bed listening to music, counting the little white dots on my popcorn painted ceiling. As the year went on, I learned that I was forgetting to eat. The days were going by so quickly that I wasn’t even thinking about using the time for food. Planning your day around when you are going to eat can not only make the day go by faster, but it can give those break times purpose. It doesnt matter if you go back home and make something, bring something with you, or if you buy something in the dining halls, eating is necessary to keep your mind alert and focused during class. It will not help you get ahead when your teacher is taking attendance and they call out your name and you answer with “pop tart” because that’s what was on your mind.

Manage Your Money! Yes, the dining halls are pre-made and super convenient, but if you are not on the correct dining plan they are expensive. Fred Meyer, Safeway, and Winco have some great priced meals that are just easy easy to make at home. And no, mac’n’cheese is not your only option. In addition, you now live in Corvallis, and lets be honest, we don’t have the best shopping centers if you are a shopaholic. Online shopping can be tempting. You press a button and 5-10 days later your outfit arrives at your front step. In a month or two, you will realize that now you will just be looking super stylish sitting in your room alone because you can’t afford to go to the movies with all your friends. Saving a little at a time can make your whole term stress free and smoother. Now go enjoy that movie in last year’s clothes, no one will know!

by McKenzie Ross

If you’re anything like me, this is the week you’ve got “Survivor” (s/o Yoncé) on a constant loop in your head, ready to catch those elusive A’s. Yet all you really seem motivated to do is lay in bed with your dearest friends: Netflix, Tumblr, and Pinterest. But desire does not an A make.

“But how do I avoid the entrancing snare of the Internet?!?,” you cry.

Not to worry, there’s an app for that. The appropriately titled OSX app “Self Control” allows you to block your best procrastination aids (Facebook, I’m looking at you) for as long as you need while still allowing access to the rest of the Internet. Similarly, if you’re the type to alternate between your text book and your phone every five minutes, apps like “Focus Lock” for android will help keep you off your phone.

My next tip makes use of a timeless cliché: Location, Location, Location. Move to an environment far from the allure of your bed. Romance yourself a little, take yourself on a study date. Go out to your favorite coffee spot, buy yourself a latte or some tea and start checking off that to-do list. By making an event out of studying you’re more likely to actually do the studying you promised yourself you’d do, even if your fluffy pillows and warm blankets are calling your name. The Valley Library is a wonderful resource, however, it tends to become over crowded during finals week. So avoid spending more time looking for a table than doing any actual studying. Checkout the Beth Ray Center for Student Success or choose a local business like Interzone or The Beanery.

Your next question might be “If I’m not on Insta, what will I do when I actually need to take a break?” My first suggestion would be to AVOID THE INTERNET. “Unplug” as adults call it. Do something active, take a walk, ride your bike, dance to the new Bruno Mars song. The last thing you need is a two-hour Twitter-fest to ruin all of your productivity. This time to recharge is crucial; becoming one with your couch feels good in the moment but may leave you more lethargic than before.

Lastly, take a deep breath. The end is in sight. I’ll leave you with Beyoncé’s motivational words and a picture of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, otherwise known as the Notorious RBG.

Happy Studying.

     by Mel Salmeri

There is no away around the dreaded finals week but there are ways to help you get through it.

I’m sure you’ve heard this plenty but it is incredibly true when people tell you to get a good night’s rest before a test. It has been proven that staying up all night trying to study is no better than not studying all the material and getting some shut eye. In order to keep yourself from the anxiety of not having enough time to study all you need to learn is how to manage your time. Your planner could be your best friend during this time. Make a list of everything you need to get done or classes you need to study for, then make another of what you are going to accomplish that day. This way you are able to cross off, hopefully, the majority of that days list and feel productive. A long list can seem very daunting, so save the belly ache and start small. For many there are several late nights or all day study sessions and it seems like you have no time for other things. My best advice is do not neglect your stomach! Bring snacks or pack easy meals to make sure you have it when you need it. There is nothing more distracting than a grumbling stomach; for you and for others. Again it’s not a lie that you and your mind do better when fueled up and ready to retain all the numbers and words you’re about to be staring at for hours. When you take care of yourself, mentally and physically, you’re much more likely to be successful.

 
Now that I have covered the basics, let’s talk about some not so mainstream tips. By now most of us should have found that one thing that you have to do every now and then to distress and make yourself slow down. If you haven’t yet, not to worry, I have faith you will. If you’re a freshmen or new at the whole finals week thing don’t sweat it, you have time to figure it out. To give you an example, my distressor is getting into comfy clothes, lighting my favorite vanilla candles, and turning on my Christmas lights. There is nothing more calming or serene to me than that. It makes me slow down, think more clearly and relax. I become much more productive and efficient after doing all of that. Another tip would be for you coffee drinkers out there. Every once in a while treat yourself to your favorite coffee because we all know Starbucks and Dutch Brothers is an expensive college student habit. However, sometimes a brewed coffee from home just isn’t going to be the boost you need and everyone deserves a treat. It doesn’t have to stop there though, for you non coffee drinkers the same tip applies to you. Treat yourself to your favorite meal or snack, it’s amazing what eating you favorite comfort food can do to your finals week moral. Keeping yourself happy is probably the most beneficial way to invest your time and money.

 
The most important thing to remember and live by during this time of stress is that eventually it will all be over. Remember that your hard work will pay off and if it doesn’t, at least you can say you did your best and move on. No matter how long you’ve done this whole college finals thing each person learns something new about themselves every round. No one is an expert at how to be best prepared or best survive it but you can learn how to manage and find things that help you get through the dreadful time. Also remember that there are so many other individual’s going through the same thing as you, so you are never alone in this. So just do your best and try; key word try, not to worry too much.

by Logan Pedersen
This past week I was given the opportunity to travel to an international conference to give a presentation. Over the past three years I have been working in a psychology research lab under the supervision of Dr. Mei-Ching Lien on my own personal research project while collaborating with professors from other universities. Last year I was invited to present this research at the international Psychonomics conference in Long Beach California. Professors from around the world attended the conference to learn more about the cutting edge research that graduate students and faculty have been working on. I was one of only a few undergraduates who was fortunate to be given the opportunity to present at the international conference.

It was at the conference where I met world renowned professors whose work had influenced my research. I also was able to meet my second professor I had been collaborating with in regards to my own research who was from Purdue University. By talking to grad students from other universities about my research I gained incredible insight on graduate programs from universities across the United States within my field of interest. Professors from Australia, Europe, Asia, and from all throughout the US visited my poster to discuss my research with me. The conference was an opportunity that has vastly increased my knowledge within the field of psychology and has provided me with incredible connections for graduate school and beyond. For anyone interested in further education after your undergrad degree I would highly recommend getting involved with undergraduate research. It can provide you with opportunities beyond what you may have ever imagined.

     by Blair Bowmer

We’ve all noticed the recent changes in the weather, but perhaps you’ve also been noticing changes in your mood that aren’t changes for the better. You may be experiencing a common type of depression called “Seasonal Affective Disorder” or SAD. Symptoms usually appear during late fall or early winter and may include tiredness or low energy; oversleeping; changes in appetite or weight; difficulty concentrating; withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities; irritability; and more. All of these lead to depression, pessimistic feelings of hopelessness, and lack of pleasure.

If you are experiencing these or similar symptoms now that the frigid weather is upon us, fear not! There are several things you can do to fight SAD. One of the most common is light therapy, where you sit in front of a special type of light for a set amount of time. You can find one of these lights in the Mind Spa, you can check one out at the Valley Library, or you can buy one yourself (I’m using mine now)! Other treatments include medication (which you can get a consultation for at SHS), Ionized-air administration (available in the Mind Spa), and cognitive-behavioral therapy (available through counselors at CAPS). You can also supplement any of these treatments with plenty of vitamin D and exercise, and by making your home environment brighter and spending more time outside.

It’s normal to have a day here and there where you don’t feel your best. However, if you feel down for days at a time and can’t get motivated to do activities you normally like, see a doctor at SHS or a counselor at CAPS. This is especially important if your sleep patterns and appetite have changed or if you feel hopeless, think about suicide, or turn to alcohol for comfort or relaxation. SAD is usually an indicator or specifier of a larger issue like depression or bipolar disorder, so if you experience SAD, it’s important that you talk to someone about it and treat it so it doesn’t worsen and lead to other problems. I personally suffer from SAD every winter. I was having trouble coping, so earlier this week I saw a CAPS counselor. We discussed different strategies and tools for me to use to help manage SAD and I already feel much better than before! If any of the SAD symptoms sound like they could apply to you, I suggest you do what I did. It makes a huge difference, and it will make it a lot easier to finish the term strong! Good luck!

  Jon Bosworth

One of my favorite things about being a student at Oregon State is the amazing opportunity to work closely with faculty. I feel like I am surrounded by people seeking to make my time in college as beneficial and transformative as possible. Through interactions with advisors in the College of Liberal Arts, and with my major advisor, I have formed relationships with people who want me to succeed in all of my endeavors. I feel the same way about my time in the classroom. The close emphasis on interactions between professors and students has allowed me to get to know many of my professors and further my learning.

As a Political Science major and member of the University Honors College, I am lucky to take classes with a small number of people. These small, discussion-based classes allow me to connect more directly with professors and enhance my learning. Recently I’ve connected with professors more than ever: utilizing their office hours to ask questions and clarify concepts, speaking with them after class, and starting the process of completing an undergraduate thesis where I am working with a tenured professor one-on-one. Working with a professor allows me to sharpen my research and writing skills and gives me a greater understanding of my field of study. It has been an amazing experience so far and I can’t wait to continue building the relationship with my professor.

If you are at all like me you’re reading this and thinking, “well, this is just a special case, professors don’t actually want to work with undergraduate students, they have better things to do.” That is plain wrong. I’m continually astounded by professors’ willingness to work with students and foster their knowledge. Oregon State University is passionate about creating an environment conducive to collaboration in the learning process. Working with professors and faculty so closely is an opportunity unique to Oregon State and has been one of the highlights of my time here thus far; I encourage you to take advantage of it.