APRIL , VOL. 32 ISSUE 9
STUDENTS AND THE UKRAINE CRISIS Pg. 8
r a g u o C n Va TEAM
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emily Baumann
PHOTOGRAPHER Rowan Segura
MANAGING EDITOR Olivia Eldredge
COPY EDITOR Gracie Newberry
LAYOUT EDITOR Megan Tuthill
REPORTER Arabelle May
ADVERTISING MANAGER REPORTER Bethanie Collette Jagger Norris WEB MANAGER Jessica Unruh
REPORTER Sarah Tuttle
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Alexis Schole
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In “Opinion: Why fake snow puts the Winter Olympics on thin ice” in paragraph four the term “aquatic pecies” should be “aquatic species.”
ON THE COVER Ryan Wiswall, junior and integrated strategic communication major, explains how he and his wife stay in contact with close family members during the Ukraine and Russian conflict. (Rowan Segura/The VanCougar)
in
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this
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issue Krysten Ralston’s
journey to self-publication
Students struggle with
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Ukraine crisis
Campus history through sculptures
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WSU Vancouver alum and author, Krysten Ralston. (Rowan Segura/The VanCougar)
13 Harrison Higgs, professor of fine arts. (Rowan Segura/The VanCougar)
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Local flower spots this spring
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COUGAR BITES:
Doughnut’s by the dozen VooDoo Doughnut’s “Old Dirty Bastard” (left) and “Dirt” (right). (Emily Baumann/The VanCougar)
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Resilience in
writing :rney to self - publication writing u o j Krysten Ralston’s
Conquering self-criticism and doubt, a WSU Vancouver alum explores the world of publication with her new poetry collection “Ink Blots.” Sarah Tuttle | Reporter WSU Vancouver alum, poet and author, Krysten Ralston will be self-publishing her first collection of poetry this spring. After graduating with a major in English and a minor in creative writing in spring of 2021, Ralston is continuing to develop her craft and style. As an artist and a mother, she writes with purpose to relate to readers, expressing the ebbs and flows of life.
“You just have to shut that part of When she was young, Ralston explored an interest in reading and writing, and was always found practicing her literary your brain off. skills. The imposter “I was probably 7 or 8 [years old] when I was syndrome, the doubts. reading a book, and then it just dawned on me, there are people who do this, Nobody knows what right? And I just thought that was the coolest thing,” Ralston said. they’re doing. You don’t “So, I’ve been writing stories for novels… since I really know how it’s going to was about 11.” be received until you take that step. So that’s what I’m doing.”
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Ralston writes with emotion, made clear by the stacks of manuscripts she has collected over the years. By the time she was 18, Ralston had completed her first novel, but despite finishing the piece, she says doubts surrounding the daunting publication process crept in soon after. “You just have to shut that part of your brain off. The imposter syndrome, the doubts. Nobody knows what they’re doing,” Ralston said. “You don’t really know how it’s going to be received until you take that step. So that’s what I’m doing.” Her writing ventures into the realm of personal experience and intimate feelings, discussing themes of burnout, depression, motherhood and healing. Throughout her journey of becoming an author, Ralston says she had to overcome obstacles related to fear of inadequacy and self-criticism. Although feelings of insecurity developed, Ralston was able to persevere — even when she was unsure where her writing would take her, she worked to put herself, and her work, out into the world.
Ralston’s experience at WSU Vancouver also contributed to her love of writing. Through the university’s English program, she developed and honed her skills, as well as gained confidence in her talents, all while working as an editor for the Salmon Creek Journal. These opportunities allowed her to make connections with the people who helped guide her writing process. Through her journey of self-publishing her own poetry collection, she acknowledges the struggles that so many people face in their lives; Ralston hopes, through her work, to offer an example of personal growth. “Whatever you’re feeling, other people have felt it too. You’re not alone in those dark times, and you’re not alone in doing the work to heal yourself and to find peace and happiness and contentment,” Ralston said. “Ink Blots” is available now and can be found on Amazon, as well as via Ebook stores such as Kindle and Apple Books.
Taking baby steps, Ralston found that a slow progression through her writing method could overcome feelings of doubt. She tackled the creation of her poetry collection by breaking it down into small, attainable goals every day, and says personal accountability was critical to her process. Wanting to stray away from traditional publishing methods, she instead was drawn to the idea of self-publishing. As her own publisher, Ralston was responsible for the entire process. She edited the entirety of her work, from proofreading to formatting, and utilized programs such as Procreate and Canva to design her collection, all while maintaining complete creative control over her project. The poetry collection, titled “Ink Blots” tells the story of a breaking and healing process. Ralston takes the reader through three main themes, “shattered, mending and whole.” Ralston’s work speaks to feelings of failure, depression and defeat in the beginning of the collection, which then transitions into poems of recovery and hope. She describes her poetry style as a mix of traditional and contemporary, finding inspiration from the work of Billy Collins, Joy Harjo and Natalie Diaz. “I don’t follow a lot of rules with my poetry. So [I like] authors like Rupi Kaur, Amanda Lovelace,” Ralston said. “I tried to blend that traditional poetry with a little bit more of this contemporary, modern poetry style.”
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Krysten Ralston, alum and author, writes about healing and growth in her first self-published poetry collection “Ink Blots.” (Rowan Segura/The VanCougar)
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Ukrainian students face war from a distance As Russia continues to invade Ukraine, WSU Vancouver students share their experiences with helping family members back home. Bethanie Collette | Reporter The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has turned into a major humanitarian crisis as people around the globe organize efforts to support Ukrainian citizens and refugees. Locally, students at WSU Vancouver have worked alongside the community to provide resources for their own family members and others in need of aid.
Nicholas Mulyar, a junior finance major, is concerned for his relatives who are actively supplying beds and meals at a church in Ukraine. (Emily Baumann/The VanCougar)
The Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has displaced millions of citizens, is the culmination of a century of tensions within the former Soviet Union. While Ukraine has attempted to join the Western defensive alliance, NATO, Russia’s goal was to overrun Ukraine and remove its governmental power. Anthony Lopez, associate professor of political science at WSU Vancouver, said in the last eight years, over 10 thousand people have died due to the combat between Russian and Ukrainian forces. “In late February 2022, Putin begins what he expected would be a lightning run to Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, but has since stumbled upon a combination of overestimation of Russian
military preparedness and an underestimation of Ukrainian resolve,” Lopez said. According to The Oregonian, The Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area is home to one of the largest Eastern European communities in the country, which includes neighbors, friends, and in the case of student Ryan Wiswall, family. Wiswall, a senior and integrated strategic communication major at WSU Vancouver, and his wife, Ksenia Wiswall, a recent WSU Vancouver graduate, have been regularly communicating with their family members in Ukraine.
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“My wife is from [Ukraine], she moved over here in 1999 when she was 12 years old. She still has family over there. We’ve been in contact with her uncles, cousins and her friends. I’ve visited there two different times, so it’s familiar to me as well,” Wiswall said. Growing up in Uman, Ukraine, a city only three hours away from Kyiv, Ksenia has strong ties to relatives and friends who have had to leave their homeland to seek refuge. “Her cousin was able to get out of her city, Uman, and went to Moldova. She crossed the border on her 30th birthday of all days. So the good thing is, she made it safe right out of the country. But at the same time, she’s experiencing something that none of us would want to experience,” Wiswall said. “Your country is going to war, and you don’t know if you can come back. Worrying about the people who you care about and the status of your country as well.” According to ABC News, since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, over 3.5 million Ukrainians have chosen to seek refuge in Poland, Lithuania, Moldova and other countries. For citizens who cannot leave their homes or flee the country, underground bunkers have provided shelter for displaced citizens. However, they are still experiencing a shortage in vital resources, including food, medicine and clothing.
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continue, they still fear for their safety. Despite all the uncertainty, members of Mulyar’s family have worked tirelessly to provide supplies to other civilians in need. “They are working hard and taking in refugees who are impacted by the higher hit areas. So many of them are helping make food and set up beds at the local church. They’re [working] from early morning, like 6 a.m., all the way until midnight. They’re constantly in the kitchen, making food and setting up a shelter for those passing through,” Mulyar said. Mulyar’s parents’ home city of Vinnytsia has become a safe place for Ukrainians fleeing war zones within the country. Nonetheless, they are in need of food, housing and other necessities. Mulyar’s cousin Peter Melnyk, a WSU alum, and his brother Erik Mulyar, created a GoFundMe that has already raised over $2,000 for people in Vinnytsia. “My brother started a GoFundMe account for his church back in Ukraine that is helping refugees and supplying basic necessities. If people could share the link, or find it in their heart to donate, it would be really awesome. My parents are from there, my relatives live there and they’re all working hard,” Mulyar said. “It’s near and dear to my heart.”
“I’m worried about my family and relatives who are still in Ukraine. Every day there’s something different happening there and you don’t know what to expect.”
Both Mulyar and Wiswall have connected with other Ukrainian and Slavic students on campus to garner support. Mulyar has said many classmates have reached out to check in on him and his family, and he does the same to check in on others. Wiswall, showing his support by sporting a Ukrainian flag scarf, has been connecting with other Slavic students consistently, letting them know they are not alone.
- Nicholas Mulyar
“My wife’s schoolmate sent her videos of her crying in the bunker, her schoolmates said, ‘we need medicine.’ There was a child in there that was needing asthma medicine, and we’re more than willing to spend money, but where do you buy it? And that’s the sense of helplessness. What do you do?” Wiswall said. Many students at WSU Vancouver also have family members living in Ukraine. Nicholas Mulyar, a junior finance major, has over 50 relatives currently residing in the country. “I’m worried about my family and relatives who are still in Ukraine. Every day there’s something different happening there and you don’t know what to expect. My [aunt’s] family is still in Ukraine, they’re obviously worried about where they are. There was an airport nearby, like 20 minutes away, that was bombed,” Mulyar said.
Mulyar’s family lives in a city further removed from the active conflict, but as threats of bombs and militant occupation
“Each culture has their own way of how they look at things, and it kind of creates a unique thumbprint. It’s a unique identity to that culture,” Wiswall said. “With the Slavic culture, a lot of them are very strong and independent, [so they do not] always want to talk about some of these things. In this case, you have to reach out, and you have to kind of pry a little bit to check in and ask if they’re okay.” While the conflict in Ukraine continues to develop each day, Wiswall, Mulyar and other students at WSU Vancouver continue to support Ukraine by staying informed and providing help. To donate to Mulyar and Melnyk’s GoFundMe for Ukraine, visit https://tinyurl.com/3dnbtucw.
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Arabelle May | Reporter Contributing to the natural beauty of campus lie hidden gems – sculptures and art pieces weaved into the buildings, the environment and the university’s history. Though they often exist only in one’s periphery, the various installations are intentional, allowing students, staff, faculty and community members discover the intriguing stories surrounding WSU Vancouver. Harrison Higgs, professor of fine arts, believes art makes spaces feel more human. The university has rotating art installations from outside artists and WSU Vancouver students, but there are also several permanent sculptures on campus to be admired by those passing by. Higgs says the sculptures function as more than just decorative pieces, and make the campus feel more inviting. “It is important to me as someone who’s part of this campus community that this place feels
inviting. Because it’s a new campus, and buildings are new and there are no residential dorms… anything that helps it feel more human and inviting is welcome,” Higgs said. Close to the Firstenburg Student Commons is a plaza with an etched marble labyrinth, spiral arcs and a tower sundial known as the “Golden Section.” Annika Larman, a junior majoring in psychology and enrolled in the university’s sculpture class, says this piece is an excellent conversation starter because it is so strange. “I think art is so important to have on a college campus… it’s fascinating having hidden [pieces] as a fun little mystery, or story to tell people. But beyond that, I think it can be really provocative, and make a lot of interesting discussions,” Larman said. “I could sit there and just think about the piece for so long. And I think that is therapeutic, especially for a college campus.” As visitors walk into the Undergraduate Building, they are greeted by a large hanging sculpture entitled “Impressions”.
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Larman says this is their favorite piece, as the artwork stands in place of a tree that was sacrificed to construct the building.
the bell and how it sounds… that’s intended and that’s part of the art in the wailing piece,” Miltenberger said.
“They tried to build the entire building around the trees that were there, and there were originally two.… Unfortunately, they did have to sacrifice one of the trees, but they decided to honor it by creating it into an art piece,” Larman said. “If you stand right below it and look up, you can see where the rings [of the tree] originally were.”
She also points out the “Pillars of Fulfillment,” a sculpture near the library that was constructed in honor of Lori Irving, who was, “…a beloved faculty member in psychology, and one of our founding faculty members at WSU Vancouver when she unexpectedly passed away,” Miltenberger said.
Higgs says his favorite sculpture is the rocks next to the Library Building called “Opening the Secret,” another sculpture formed from natural materials. He was able to assist artist Li Xiuqin in creating the piece by picking out some of the stones used. “[It was] fun to see another artist working through their process. I like the idea behind it, which is that… you have to know both Chinese and Braille to be able to read it. And it’s at such a large scale that it’s hard to do that with your hands, you really have to take the whole thing in a little bit at a time. I think it’s an interesting sculpture,” Higgs said.
“She was such an uplifter, such a supporter of female empowerment… her family wanted to recognize those wonderful characteristics about her, and commissioned the [organization,] Women Who Weld… for this wonderful dedication piece. Each of the pillars is done by a separate artist, and when it was completed, the pillars created so much joy and happiness, and a place to go and honor her and her family,” Miltenberger said. Sculptures, objects and the stories within them exist all around campus. From behind the walls to the trails in between, there are always secrets to uncover through the artworks at WSU Vancouver.
The secluded and blended nature of the sculptures was intended by the university’s art committee, according to Jennifer Miltenberger, associate vice president of development at WSU Vancouver. Perhaps the most secluded sculpture on campus, “The Wailing Bell,” can be found in the forest near the footbridge behind the library. “The art committee wanted to select multiple pieces that could be shared and on display throughout the campus, both internal and external. ‘The Wailing Bell’ was [meant] to be kind of a surprise as people were exploring nature…. If you’ve touched it, you know
Annika Larman, a junior majoring in psychology, discusses their favorite sculpture to view on WSU Vancouver’s campus. (Rowan Segura/The VanCougar)
“I think art is so important to have on a college campus… it’s fascinating having hidden [pieces] as a fun little mystery, or story to tell people.”
- Annika Larman
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Ask a Senator! Did you know our campus has its very own student senate? Here, the Associated Students of WSU Vancouver’s senators will answer all the questions you submit concerning student involvement, student government or anything else related to WSU. Are there any current opportunities to get involved with student government? Noah Guerrero, junior and computer science major: While senate elections just finished a few weeks ago, the executive staff will shortly be looking for a long list of positions to aid student government in nearly every aspect of what we do. If anyone is interested, they should stop by the ASWSUV office in the Firstenburg Student Commons and we can get you in touch! These are paid positions with flexible hours. What is your favorite part of being in student government? Kylie Sickles, sophomore computer science major: Working with students has been my favorite part by far! Having the opportunity to meet and connect with so many of my peers has been wonderful. I especially love working the tables we occasionally set up by the library, where we can directly chat with and get feedback from a wide variety of students! What are some of the things that the senate has accomplished this year? Nick Robinson, junior and digital technology and culture major: A great example of a senate accomplishment this year is the health carts placed throughout the building’s bathrooms. Keep an eye out in buildings like the FSC and you might find a cart that has various health and wellness products available for all students!
Have a question for us? Submit anonymously at the form below!
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In Bloom:
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Flowers at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm. (Olivia Eldredge/The VanCougar)
Where to see flowers this spring
Olivia Eldredge | Managing Editor
Portland and Vancouver are known for its first-class assortment of floral gardens, filled to the brim with lush greenery that have kept plant-lovers touring the city for decades. In the spirit of celebrating spring, taking a flower tour is a great activity for students looking to spend some time outdoors. With this in mind, The VanCougar introduces four flourishing spots to visit during the peak of springtime.
Cherry Blossom Trees
During the whole month of April, cherry blossoms are in full bloom, making it the best time of year to venture around the city to see impressive amounts of pink and red cherry trees. Walking under the trees’ overhanging floral canopies and smelling the sweet-cherry aroma in the air will leave you awestruck. In Vancouver, you can find these trees by Fort Vancouver, and areas near the Vancouver waterfront park. As for Portland, the most spectacular spots to visit include: Tom McCall Waterfront Park near the Japanese American Historical Plaza, inside the Hoyt Arboretum, Mt. Tabor Park and throughout various neighborhoods. Gather your friends and family for a walk around town, and be sure to catch the trees before their blooming season ends mid-April.
Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
The prime time to see fully bloomed tulips is mid-April, making the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival a mustsee attraction. Stated on the tulip farm’s website, this year will be the 38th annual tulip festival, with “40 acres of tulips and over 200 acres of outdoor space and activities.” Here, you can find rows and rows of tulips, each showing off a variety of colors. During the festival, the farm will host events, wine tastings and many other activities, along with the selling of fresh-cut flowers. Like clockwork, the tulips at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival bloom every spring for a short time, so take advantage of the opportunity by making a trip to Woodburn to enjoy the wonderful sights these fields have to offer. More information can be found at woodenshoe.com/events/tulip-fest/.
Portland Japanese Garden
Being a renowned tourist space within the city, the Portland Japanese Garden has made a name for itself as, according to their website, “a place to let go of worldly thoughts and see oneself as a small but integral part of the universe.” Images of the garden do not do justice to its real ambiance – its environment offers a truly ethereal experience. While descending into the garden, visitors will find beautifully placed trees, shrubbery and unique plants positioned strategically to create a sense of peace and wonder; all towering above serene ponds crowded with multicolored koi fish swimming beneath crafted wooden bridges. On a perfect spring day, visiting the Portland Japanese Garden is undeniably a life-changing experience. For more information, visit japanesegarden.org/a-day-at-the-garden/.
Forest Park – The Grounds of Pittock Mansion
While Portland is known for fostering large amounts of trees, visitors can explore urban areas congested with dense forest, shrubs and ivy, outside of the city. The Grounds of Pittock Mansion are home to many diverse plants including roses, lilacs, tulips and more. It also makes for an ideal space to participate in birdwatching outside the mansion. Additionally, you might run into a few small animals such as deer or squirrels here and there too. With all it has to encompass, there is nothing better than being out in nature, and taking in the most beautiful scenery at Forest Park. During the spring season, classes can get pretty stressful, which is why we encourage students to take time out of their busy schedules and discover the beauty within the limitless, peaceful and eloquent surroundings of the Pacific Northwest’s blooming flowers.
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Doughnuts by the dozen Emily Baumann | Editor-in-Chief Through platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, new and trendy desserts are on the rise. While innovative recipes continue to push the boundaries of the culinary world, there is nothing that can make freshly baked doughnuts go out of style. Vancouver is no stranger to this frosted and fried treat, and The VanCougar has set out to uncover three great doughnut shops near campus.
Voodoo Doughnut
As their slogan famously states, “good things come in pink boxes.” Despite many Vancouver and Portland residents feeling like Voodoo Doughnut is an overhyped tourist trap, Voodoo ranks first on our list. This local staple offers a number of quirky treats, ranging from its classic “Voodoo Doll” to the “Maple Blazer Blunt,” that are sure to put a smile on any visitor’s face. If you are looking to try a unique Voodoo creation, we recommend trying “The Homer” inspired by none other than the hit TV show “The Simpsons.” Executed with the perfect ratio of melted strawberry frosting, soft, warm dough and rainbow sprinkles, this charming, yet simplistic doughnut is guaranteed to become a household favorite. Voodoo Doughnut has placed a higher-end price on its treats, which range from $1 to $4.50 per doughnut. Having its grand opening in November, VooDoo Doughnut is located 13 minutes from campus at 8203 NE Vancouver Mall Dr. The shop is open every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Angel’s Donuts and Ice Cream
Feelings of nostalgia will certainly strike customers as they walk into a white plastered building with fluorescent lights and a biker-inspired logo etched on the front door. Despite the name, Angel’s serves more than just doughnuts and ice cream, offering burgers, milkshakes and breakfast sandwiches. While it may not have the unique selection of doughnuts that Voodoo does, the menu contains some classics such as apple fritters, buttermilk old-fashioned doughnuts and french crullers. The VanCougar suggests tasting Angel’s maple bacon bar covered in exactly what you would expect – sweet maple frosting with crispy bacon. However, as tasty as this selection may be, Angel’s ranks second to Voodoo. Despite its dough being a perfect combination of stiff and soft, its frosting was a bit too firm for our liking. Nevertheless, Angel’s does come with a decent price, ranging from $1.70 to $2.45 per doughnut. The shop is also located 13 minutes from campus and right across from Voodoo at 8115 NE Vancouver Mall Dr. Additionally, Angel’s is open Monday through Thursday, and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mr. Maple Donuts
Mr. Maple is average compared to the other shops and is placed last on our list. The shop is a regular storefront with three glass cases of doughnuts, but no place for seating, unlike the other two locations. Mr. Maple’s has all the classics, such as powdered sugar and lemon or jelly-filled rings. Additionally, despite its lack of individuality, it also offers specialty items such as its “Caramel Latte” or “Cheesecake” frosted doughnuts. As for one specific recommendation, Mr. Maple’s
“The Homer” from VooDoo Doughnut. (Emily Baumann/The VanCougar)
“S’mores” doughnut is great for getting in the mood for summer. While the flavor combination of maple frosting and chocolate is great, the resulting doughnut was a stale pastry with hard frosting, leaving an after-taste that was subpar at best. With all this being said, Mr. Maple Donuts still satisfies the sweet tooth, and its prices are generally cheap, pricing at $2 to $3 per doughnut. The shop is located 17 minutes from campus and is open every day from 5 to 9 p.m. Doughnuts have remained timeless amid the constant evolution of desserts. Consisting of ingredients like sugars, glaze and endless toppings, it is no secret as to why these pastries are one of America’s most irresistible sweets.
April m a r k yo u r c a l e n da r . . . TUES.
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WED.
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We Are Not Neutral: A Conversation on Book Bans and Library Values 3 — 4 p.m. Via Zoom
WSU Visiting Writers Series: Inés Hernández-Avila 6 — 7 p.m. Via YouTube Live
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Easter
SAT.
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Panel Discussion: The history of Jobs with Justice
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Rock Climbing and Belaying at the Source
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Research Showcase — Graduate Podium Presentations 2 — 5 p.m. Via Zoom
Research Showcase — Underraduate Podium Presentations
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2 — 3 p.m. Oregon Historical Society in Portland
6 — 9 p.m.
9 a.m. — 10:30 Via Zoom
Next issue on stands May 2