November 14, 2016
TheVanCougar.com
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Issue VII
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Volume XXVII
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First Copy Free
A week of remembrance for those who gave all
Veteran’s Club holds a week of displays and events in honor of Veterans Day
By Emmanuel Sanchez The Washington State University Vancouver Quad was lined with American flags last week. This tribute was set up by the Veteran’s Club and Associated Students in remembrance of Veterans Day, but more importantly, say organizers, in remembrance of the sacrifice of the many who gave their life in protection of the American republic. Accompanying the flags, the Veteran’s Club also held several exhibitions meant to draw attention toward military causes. In the library foyer there were 22 pairs of service boots adorning the wall. David Daly is a senior majoring in human resources, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 10 years. Daly said it was not hard to miss those boots, but the display’s significance may get overlooked in the bustle of everyday life. “The boots represent the 22 veterans a day that are taking their own life. The current numbers state that it’s down to 20, due to intervention and help,” Daly said. “The veterans of my generation have since been relieved by today’s veterans, who carry out the duty of protecting those who rise and sleep under the blanket
of freedom that veterans provide.” Silver bins around campus were in place to collect items for care packages for active duty military members. Some articles that were gathered included magazines, books, batteries and headphones. Personal items such as baby wipes, tissues, toothbrushes and even socks are all simple gifts that organizers say can help soldiers wherever they may be. Items collected will be sent over the holidays in an effort to show gratitude and appreciation to the troops, especially when service members cannot be with their families. Inside of the library there was a display case designated for WSU Vancouver veterans. The display contained photos of student veterans from their active duty days, along with the different military patches some veterans have worn. A map accompanied the display, with pins denoting locations at which WSU Vancouver veterans have been deployed or stationed. According to display organizers, the map and photographs helped put a face to students who have served and now sit in university classes among the WSU Vancouver community. Scott Thompson, veterans
In what has become a WSU Vancouver tradition, American flags graced campus during the week of Veterans Day in gratitude to and remembrance of veterans. Photo credit: VanCougar Staff corps navigator for WSU Vancouver, played a significant role in setting up the events and displays. Thompson served in the U.S. Navy and obtained the rank of petty officer third class. During his time of service he was an aviation electronic service technician and worked on H-60B helicopters, which are equivalent to the Black Hawk helicopters
used by the Army. He also helped to found the new Veteran’s Club. “Understand that we are normal people, we went through some pretty individualized experiences that maybe a lot of people can’t relate to, but more or less, that all of us are here trying to move forward with our education and with our futures,” Thompson said, adding that
bringing this understanding to the wider community was a primary goal of the Veteran’s Club. n
Election 2016: ASWSUV holds nail biting election party
Political signs are coming down across the country, but Trump's presidential victory has triggered a wide range of responses on campus and nationwide. Photo credit: Emily Bratcher By Emily Bratcher Election Day finally arrived amidst great anticipation and trepidation last Tuesday, and ASWSUV held an election party so that students could gather in the Firstenburg Student Commons and watch the election results together. As the night progressed, tensions rose for supporters of both candidates, and students began to wonder what the next four
years in America might look like. There are two different votes that the presidential candidates can win: the popular vote and the electoral vote. The popular vote is cast by American citizens of voting age. It is their responsibility to send in ballots or go to the polls to vote for their candidate of choice. The electoral vote is cast by elected officials from each state in the Electoral College, and this is the vote that determines
who will win the presidency. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote with a slim margin of 48% to the 47% of Donald Trump. With a final electoral vote tally of 290, Donald Trump won the presidency, surpassing the 270 electoral votes required to win. Hillary Clinton received 228 of these votes. Post election analyses report that 42% of Americans did not vote, compared to only a slightly higher turnout in 2012. On election night, Washington State University Vancouver students got to watch together as the election results rolled in. Throughout the night, emotions among supporters of both candidates were tense. The VanCougar got a chance to sit down with a few students to help capture the feelings of the night. Emily Bratcher (EB): What is your prediction for the outcome of this election? Jose Scott (JS): Too close to call. Megan Poole (MP): Trump. Derrick Smith (DS): Honestly, I think there is tentative lean towards Hillary Clinton by one or two votes. Christian Tejada-Hernandez
(CT): Trump. Andrew Cloclouth (AC): Hillary by a hair. EB: In your opinion, who will make a better president? JS: Not Trump, any of the Obamas. DS: With the split in the government, nobody will get anything done. Trump will have an easier time of getting things by, but Trump will not make a good president. CT: Trump. AC: I don't think either one will make a better president. EB: How do you think the media impacted this election? JS: We live in a society where America is so busy, the media is their only way of learning, education is a privilege in this country, tuition is rising, the only way one can learn is through the news. MP: So much. I think that the majority of the media leans left, look at all the media: ABC and NBC. I feel like both sides use
specific words to grab people in even though they are not showing both sides of the [story]. While there were a wide range of opinions from across the political spectrum, students like Poole hoped that whoever the new president was would make changes in America. Many students felt that this has been a controversial election, but some hoped future elections will not be as divisive. “My hope that this is a wakeup call for everyone. I think whoever will become president people will realize what we need to do, take a breather and come back together again,” Smith said. The election party wrapped up before the election results were announced. By the end of night however, many were shocked to see Trump leading in numbers. In the days after the election on campus, many students were left speechless by the results. A wave of protests in Portland and other cities expressing anger over Trump's win also surprised students. Come January, Republicans will control the presidency, the Senate and the House of Representatives. Trump is one of the first Republican candidates to win the vote from both battleground states of Florida and Ohio. Trump
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2 | CAMPUS NEWS Cougar Food Pantry prepares to support students during the holidays In the spirit of giving, students are encouraged to donate food items to the Cougar Food Pantry.
By Quetzali Ramirez With the holiday season around the corner, people are getting ready to spend time with their families and enjoy shared meals. For some these meals can be a financial burden, but Washington State University Vancouver has resources for students who may need the extra support. The Cougar Food Pantry supplies nonperishable food to students in need upon an anonymous request. The food pantry can be found in the Cougar Center, and accepts donations of nonperishable food items. Students are encouraged to utilize this resource when it is needed. They are also encouraged to help the food pantry by donating food items. Products such as instant potatoes, chili, canned meat, canned fruit, rice, healthy
cereal, snacks, peanut butter and tuna are food pantry staples. For the second year, students can make special Thanksgiving meal requests for this holiday season. These requests can be submitted until Thursday, Nov. 17. The request form can be filled out online on the student affairs website. Applicants are asked to provide contact information along with a pick up date and time. Students are limited to one request per week and can pick up the food at the Cougar Center. Megan Peaker, a senior majoring in English at WSU Vancouver, said, “I had no money, no food and they allowed me to put in two people so I could feed my fiancé and I. They also take into consideration food allergies. They literally saved my life, the Cougar Food Pantry is so important. More people need to support it.”
The food pantry is driven by donations. Students are strongly encouraged to make donations, especially during high demand times like the holiday season. Another way to help bring in donations is by hosting a food drive. The food pantry provides a start up kit and information for conducting food drives on its website. For more information about receiving food or volunteering, visit the food pantry’s website at http://studentaffairs.vancouver. wsu.edu/cougar-food-pantr y or contact Kafiat Beckley at kafiat.beckley@wsu.edu n
The Cougar Food Pantry provides services year round, but is planning special projects for the holidays. Photo Credit: WSU Vancouver
Spanish Club hosts annual Dia de los Muertos celebration Day of the Dead celebration remembers loved ones who have passed on By Megan Peaker
Colorful decorations helped students celebrate Dia de los Muertos and emphasized the holiday's festive nature. Photo credit: Quetzali Ramirez
With its roots in a traditional Mayan holiday, Dia de los Muertos is a celebration of life. On Nov. 1, members of the Washington State University Vancouver community came together to honor the lives of those they have lost at the Spanish Club’s annual Dia de los Muertos celebration. Though intended to remember lost loved ones, the celebration was marked by a whirlwind of color and dance, and was far from a somber occasion. The celebration in the Firstenburg Student Commons kicked off with face painting and a coloring contest. Children and adults alike participated in these events. Smiles and laughter filled
the room as people enjoyed each other’s company. Event organizers also played a short video to explain the purpose and significance of Dia de los Muertos. Midway through the party, a hula-hoop contest brought excitement to the crowd. Stevi Warner, president of the Spanish Club, then honored Maria Lee-Lopez, advisor for the club and a professor of Spanish at WSU Vancouver. “Without her, we wouldn’t be here now. She keeps us going, keeps us strong,” Warner said. Event attendees then were treated to a traditional dance performance conducted by dancers from Ballet Folklorico Olincalli.
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2016 THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY VANCOUVER The VanCougar is a student-run newspaper serving the students, faculty and staff of WSU Vancouver. The VanCougar is available at distribution sites in the lobbies of most WSU Vancouver buildings. The VanCougar may be viewed online at TheVanCougar.com.
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The VanCougar welcomes brief letters (250 words or fewer) from members of the WSU Vancouver community on current issues. Letters must include the author’s full name, contact information and WSU affiliation, year and major for students, department for faculty and staff, degree and year graduated for alumni. The VanCougar does not publish anonymous letters. Letters and suggestions may be delivered to the Office of Student Involvement, the VanCougar office (VDEN 160), or e-mailed to vancouged@wsu.edu. For more information about the VanCougar's policy on letters and other information, please visit the VanCougar policy section of TheVanCougar.com The VanCougar | Dengerink Administration Building (VDEN) Room 160 | 14024 NW Salmon Creek Ave. | Vancouver, Wash. 98686 | 360-546-9524
Washington State University Vancouver
STAFF DIRECTORY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ALEXANDER PERU . vancouged@wsu.edu MANAGING EDITOR HALEY ELMER . vancougme@wsu.edu ADVERTISING MANAGER DAWN BAILEY . vancougad@wsu.edu LAYOUT AND DESIGN EDITOR CHARLES MITCHELL . vancouglo@wsu.edu WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER AUZ BURGER . vancougso@wsu.edu TEAM EDITORS AUZ BURGER REPORTERS KELLI ANDERSON LAYNE BAUER EMILY BRATCHER TOMMY CULHANE SAVANNA FORD
ANDREW HANCHETT QUETZALI RAMIREZ EMMANUEL SANCHEZ YULIYA NIKIFORETS MEGAN PEAKER
CAMPUS NEWS | 3 VanCougs learn how to cook while roughing it Recreation Center teaches students how to cook in the wild By Yuliya Nikiforets Hiking and camping are common outdoor activities, but can provide challenges for those who want to prepare meals in the outdoors. On Nov. 3, the Recreation Center held a Backpacking Culinary Skills Clinic in which students were taught the basics of planning, cooking and cleaning up meals in the wilderness. OSI intern Nate Hall led the event, and began by teaching students how to make cornbread using backpacking methods. Hall covered stove basics first. There were several options of camp stove available to choose from. After selecting our stove, we took it outside so that we did not accidentally burn down the recreation annex. Once outside, we lit the stove to begin cooking. "It sounds like a helicopter and that's super ideal; that's what you want," said Hall. The loud helicopter sound ensures that the system is primed and ready to go. We set a pot of water on the burning stove and left it alone to give it time to reach boiling temperature. Hall said that knowing how to boil water in the outdoors is an extremely useful skill because even water that looks clean may have contaminants and microscopic bacteria. Other methods of cleaning water include the use of filter pumps, iodine pills or by adding a drop of bleach to every gallon of water. Heading back inside the annex, we began to prep the cornbread. After preparing the dough, we transferred a few spoonfuls of the cornbread goop into a few small Ziploc bags. Deciding to conduct a scientific inquiry, we sealed three of the bags with air inside, and one of the bags with as little air as possible to see if this would affect the final quality of the bread. Taking the Ziploc bags outside to the stove, we found that the water had almost reached boiling temperature. Since the temperature of the pot itself may cause the plastic bags to melt when in contact with the metal, we lined the bottom of the pot with sticks. After the water boiled for a few minutes, it had turned a murky brown because of the sticks at the bottom of the pot. We put the Ziploc bags of cornbread mush into the water. As expected, the three bags that contained air stayed somewhat afloat and the bag without air sank a bit lower. This method of cooking ensures that the temperature of the hot water heats the contents of each Ziploc bag and allows the cornbread inside to cook. "I will admit, eating food out of boiled plastic definitely kind of weirds me out, but I figured if it's like four days out of every month, I think I'll be okay," said Hall. In addition to cornbread, this technique can be used to cook many other foods such as egg omelets or brownies. Heading inside once more, we began discussing how to plan
wilderness meals. Depending on the season, one will need 1 ¾ lbs to 2 ½ lbs of food per day. In the winter, the body burns more calories to keep its energy up due to the cold so therefore more food is needed. Hall told us to think of cooking like an assembly line. Starting with your staple, you then pick your add-ins and then select your spices. Staple foods are typically simple carbs like oats, brown rice, pasta or couscous. Add-ins are items like canned chicken, smoked salmon, dehydrated vegetables, dehydrated fruit or nuts. Spices include things like bouillon cubes, hot sauce, garlic powder or powdered milk. We then we headed outside to check on our cornbread. The water smelled terrible due to the stick infused steam that was rising from the pot. The bags had built up pressure inside due to the change in temperature and the conversion of liquid to a water vapor, causing the bags to pop open. Even the bag with seemingly no air in it had developed air inside due to the pressure change, exciting the molecules and causing the bag to expand, but it did not pop open like the others had. The goop was still pretty goopy, so after sealing the bags again, we regrouped for more instruction. Hall continued explaining the benefits of packing smaller portions in your own containers versus bringing the bulky box that items like rice come in. "If you're packing in trash, you're also gonna need to pack it out… you can't just throw it in the forest, unless you're a terrible person," said Hall. Hall instructed us to be mindful of how much weight our meals take up. Rationalizing how much food you will eat and taking only that amount is vital for wilderness trips. Packing dry foods that do not have water weight will also reduce the amount of weight. When cooking, it is inevitable that utensils will become dirty. In the backcountry, the best way to clean off dirty utensils is with dirt. To clean the utensils, campers should first remove all food scraps and place them in a bag or container. “We like to practice leave-no-trace as much as possible and leaving food scraps in the backcountry is not a good leave-no-trace exercise,” said Hall. After the food scraps are removed, an 8-inch deep hole is dug. A handful of dirt can then be used to wipe out the inside of bowls. The dirt does an excellent job of soaking in leftover residues. The contaminated dirt is then poured back into the hole. However, the dishes still need to be sterilized, so it is recommended to boil them in water before using them again. Excited to see if our cornbread was finally edible, we headed back outside to check once more. Taking each bag out and using a spoon, Hall checked the solidity of the previously goopy cornbread. Finally, all of them were cooked. Even though I expected the cornbread to be infused with
Campus Events Monday, November 14 n Study smarter, not harder workshop 12:10 - 1 p.m. SSC 101 Open to students n UW School of Public Health and WSU School of Nursing Pre-Health Week, Nov. 14 17 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. MMC 6 Open to all Tuesday, November 15 n FAFSA Feed 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. FSC Open to students n Global Cougs 101 12 - 1 p.m. SSC 101 Open to students n Job and Internship Seeking Strategies Workshop 12 - 12:50 p.m. FSC 104 Open to all n Personal Statements and Interviewing 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. MMC 6 Open to all Wednesday, November 16 n FAFSA Feed 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. FSC Open to students n Encounter Research at the Library: "Researching Public Health Issues" 12 p.m. Library Open to all n Strong Interest Inventory Workshop 2:10 - 3 p.m. FSC 104 Open to students and alumni n Entrance Exam
Information and Preparation 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. MMC 6 Open to all Thursday, November 17 n Coffee & Conversation with HRS 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. MMC 202Q RSVP at events.vancouver. wsu.edu/coffeeconversation-hrs n WSU's Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Updates and PA careers 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. MMC 6 Open to all Friday, November 18 n Admissions 101 2 p.m. SSC 101 Open to all RSVP at studentaffairs. vancouver.wsu.edu/ admissions/ admissions-101 n Meet the Firms Professional Sales Career Fair 3 - 5 p.m. FSC Open to students Monday, Nov. 21 - Friday, Nov. 25 n Thanksgiving Break No classes Tuesday, November 22 n Time management Workshop 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. SSC 101 Open to students Thursday, November 24 n Thanksgiving Day Campus Closed Friday, November 25 n Native American Heritage Day Campus Closed n Cougar Football Viewing
Party - Apple Cup! Mill Creek Pub, Battle Ground Open to all Tuesday, November 29 n Resumes and Cover Letters Workshop 3:10 - 4 p.m. FSC 104 Open to all Thursday, December 1 n Interviewing Skills Workshop 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. SSC 101 Open to all n University Honors Workshop: Representing Quantitative Research in Posters 6 p.m. VMCB 205 Open to students RSVP to smithsu@wsu.edu n Marquee Diversity Series presents an evening with Hari Kondabolu 7 - 9 p.m. VDEN 110 Open to all RSVP at studentaffairs. vancouver.wsu.edu/ student-diversity/ marquee-diversity-eventrsvp Friday, December 2 n Admissions 101 2 p.m. SSC 101 Open to all RSVP at studentaffairs. vancouver.wsu.edu/ admissions/ admissions-101 Monday, December 5 n VanCougar Issue 8 on stands
Want your event featured here? Email details two weeks in advance to vancougme@wsu.edu. plastic and wooden stick flavors, it surprisingly tasted like regular cornbread. It was a little more moist than usual, but that was because the vapor accumulating in the bag had no way to escape. The moisture
did not affect the flavor, but did make the bread easier to eat as it did not have a crumbly dry texture. To learn more about what activities the Recreation Center offers, stop by the Recreation
Annex to pick up a schedule or find it on CougSync under the events calendar. For questions or inquires contact the Recreation Office at 360-5469532 or van.osirec@wsu.edu. n
When you’re ready for a break from family, friends and food, remember
the Library is open Thanksgiving Week!
Nov 19/20: Sa-‐Su CLOSED Nov 24-‐25: Th-‐F CLOSED Nov 21-‐22: M-‐Tu 9a-‐8p Nov 26: Sat 10a-‐6p Nov 23: Wed 9a-‐5p Nov 27: Sun 12—6p And extended hours begin Saturday, December 3!
Washington State University Vancouver
4 | STUDENT LIFE
A veteran shares his thoughts on service and Veterans Day
Thomas Dill is a WSU Vancouver student and veteran with a story to tell. He is a retired U.S. Air Force master sergeant, and served 23 years, 3 months and 1 day. Dill grew up in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and joined the Air Force in 1990 after graduating high school. In the service, Dill was an evaluator flight engineer aboard E-3 AWACS early warning aircraft. Dill served in Desert Storm, Operation Provide Comfort, NATO Stabilization and Implementation Force in Sarajevo, Operation Northern Watch, Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as many other lesser-known operations. The Student Veteran’s Committee at WSU Pullman invited Dill to give a speech to commemorate Veterans Day in 2015. Dill’s speech is published below in commemoration of all American veterans, both past and present.
"A Veteran's Experience" By Thomas Dill Today is Veterans Day. It’s a day to honor our veterans, to acknowledge their sacrifices, and honor their commitment to the United States. Not many know the history of Veterans Day, and I want to share that history with you. President Woodrow Wilson declared Veterans Day in November, 1919. It was initially called Armistice Day in reference to the Armistice of Nov. 11, at 11 a.m., 1917 that effectively ended World War I. President Wilson commemorated the proclamation with these words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.” Armistice Day was a way to commemorate an entire generation lost to “The Great War,” or “The War to End all Wars.” It was to be a day of parades and public meetings of our veterans, a day to pause and reflect upon their sacrifices and a victory hard won. After World War II, the idea of Armistice Day was expanded to include all veterans, not just the veterans of World War I. On October 8th, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the “Veterans Day Proclamation” that expanded on Armistice Day and changed the name to Veterans Day. This proclamation also created the
"Dia de los Muertos," continued from page 2 The dancers were clad in brightly colored dresses which moved with the beat of the songs. They danced to traditional songs from the Mexican states of Jalisco, Veracruz and Sinaloa. The dances were lively and colorful, with the dresses swirling in a dizzying fashion. Washington State University Vancouver
Office of Veterans Affairs and appointed the chairman of the VA, which became a cabinet level position within the presidency. President Eisenhower had this to say about his Proclamation: “In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.” Today I will share with you what I think it means to be a veteran. For the longest time, I remember seeing my grandfather a couple of times a year dress up in a vest with a bunch of medals and a funny hat that said “World War II” on it. I would ask him about it, and he would tell me it’s a special hat for his club, and then he would go out and come back way, way later absolutely smashed. My Grandmother never approved, but she never told him to stop either. It took me a long time to figure out that he was putting on the uniform of the American Legion, heading out to the local post, and swapping war stories. He would never talk about his days in the Army to me, as I was only ten years old. My grandfather passed away soon after, and I never got to speak to him about his experiences in World War II. My father served two tours in Vietnam and never talked about his experiences. What little I do know came from my mother, and none of it was good. He never told anyone about his time in the service except my mother. When I told them I had enlisted in the Air Force in 1990, my mother was a bit sad, and my father was a bit wary, but prideful. Both of my parents didn’t live long enough to see me retire, but I knew how proud of me they were. I know my father was happy that I had not seen the horrors of war the way he had, and before he passed away in 2005, we talked about his time in the Army. It amazed me at the time that we shared so much in common in our military service. The way I viewed veterans changed over my years in the military. Way back when I first enlisted, I thought all veterans were like my grandfather. They would wear funny hats and all their medals and get drunk. Or they were like my father, never telling anyone they had been in the service or what they did. Now, after 23 years of service, countless deployments, and numerous combat missions, I understand. I don’t have an explanation, and I can’t explain why, but I do understand. While I was stationed in Germany, I took a hop from Ramstein Air Base back to the U.S. On board the C-17 were six flag-draped coffins. It was about a seven-hour flight to Dover
The dancers then took a break so that guest singer Yaravi Ruelas could perform songs in Spanish. She performed popular songs from the Spanish community such as “Los Laureles,” “Los Aires del Mayalo,” “La Tequilera” and “La Basorita.” During the performance Ruelas moved through the crowd, engaging with the audience in an upbeat way. Ruelas’ performance was followed by more dancing and
"A veteran is someone that gave up their life to a cause they believed in. In my mind, there was no greater cause than to serve my country under the Stars and Stripes." - Thomas Dill Photo credit: WSU Vancouver
Air Force Base, and I sat next to those coffins, and pondered my life, war, and what it meant to serve in the military. These men had made the ultimate sacrifice, and it was then that I realized what it meant to be a veteran. There is a saying that goes “A veteran is someone who, at one point in their life wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The United States of America,’ for an amount up to and including their life.” This is a true statement. Early in my career, it never seemed like much, because I didn’t have much to give. As my career progressed, what I had to give became greater and greater and I found that being in the service placed a huge toll on my life. I bore the weight proudly, but it was a heavy weight towards the end of my career. I had lost too many friends, seen my own squadron commander die in the B-52 crash at Fairchild. I watched as divorce ripped a family apart, and watched as friends’ careers ended in the bottom of a bottle. For some, the weight was too much, and they left the service. Everyone has a limit, and they had reached their own, but that doesn’t make them less of a veteran in my eyes. A veteran is someone that gave up their life to a cause they believed in. In my mind, there was no greater cause than to serve my country under the Stars and Stripes. There were good days, and bad days, but in the end, I hope I served my country honorably traditional Mexican catering provided by La Costa. Cheers from the audience greeted both the dances and the arrival of food. “Community, this is what its all about. All of these people came out to help. They made this happen, and that’s beautiful,” said Warner. To learn more about the Spanish Club and its events, visit the Spanish Club portal on CougSync. n
and faithfully. And really, faith is the cornerstone of a veteran’s belief. It’s that unshakeable faith in our cause and each other that allowed us to get the mission done. Now, for us, that mission is over and a new one begins. Sometimes, it’s hard being a veteran. We all saw things, did things, that will haunt us for the rest of our lives. Some bear the physical scars, while others have mental scars. We all need a little help sometimes, and sometimes, all it takes is a small thank you for your service or sharing a beer with someone. Other times, we need more help. And it’s hard to relate to others that have never been there, or done that to understand. I encourage all veterans that need help to please, reach out. Talk to someone! There are resources and people dedicated to helping us out. Please, please use them. You are not alone! All veterans share a common bond of military service. Though each branch is distinct, we all have stories of basic training and that drill sergeant, we all have stories of our first base, that first deployment, that first combat experience. We all remember coming in on a weekend in our dress uniform to stand before an angry officer - or was that just me? We remember that time we got a medal pinned to our chest. Or that old, grizzled NCO with the coffee cup in one hand and his finger pointing at your chest. Or that time that you
did something great, and someone noticed and said “Good job.” These are the lasting memories we will carry with ourselves for the rest of our lives. These are the people we will be friends with forever. Here at WSU, I have been amazed to hear the stories of my fellow vets. Life at a Marine fire base, life during an Army combat deployment, shipboard life in the Navy. It’s been fascinating to me. We all shared common thoughts, ideas, hopes, and dreams. And we all served our country. I have no doubt now that anywhere I go, if there is a veteran there, I will have a friend. It is now more important than ever to honor our veterans and the sacrifices they have made. We have been at war since 1991, and now another generation of soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines are coming home. We owe it to them to talk to them, to understand what they have been through, and get them any help they need. We need to tell them what they did was worth it, and we are grateful for what they did. For me, to be a veteran means I have shared these common experiences with fellow vets. We may have served in different places, different branches, but we all shared the same things. And it was our dedication to this great country that bound us together in service to it. Thank you, and may God bless our veterans and America! n
Traditional dancers help add a colorful element to the Dia de los Muertos celebration. Photo Credit: Quetzali Ramirez
STUDENT LIFE | 5
Skye Troy receives the Emerging Leader Alumnae Award ASWSUV President recognized for work in women’s leadership By Layne Bauer On Oct. 6, Washington State University Vancouver’s Skye Troy won the Emerging Leader Alumnae Award. Troy accepted the award at Portland State University’s Hatfield School of Government during the 10th Annual Power Lunch for the Center for Women’s Leadership (CFWL). The award recognizes Troy’s on-going work in leadership, advocacy and mentorship. In 2013, ASWSUV President Troy faced competition from over 200 applicants to fill one of thirty available spots to attend the PSU Center for Women’s Leadership’s “2016 NEW Leadership Oregon” program. Joining the program meant an opportunity to work with other women leaders of Oregon, and would provide Troy with useful tools and resources to implement while learning about politics and policies. Upon her acceptance to the program, Troy became involved with organizational partnerships, which strengthened her experiences as a woman leader. These partnerships offered Troy valuable experiences such as working alongside state representatives. Through her efforts with the program, Troy learned the importance of and the necessity for women’s accessibility to resources such as mentorship, especially for those interested in leadership positions. Three years later Troy was
nominated for the Emerging Leader Alumnae Award, a commendation of her exemplifying efforts as an advocate for women who lead. “The NEW Leadership Oregon program changed my whole view on women’s leadership. I would not be where I am today if I did not attend. Winning the award was a surprise and a very humbling experience,” Troy said. The leadership role that Troy fills goes beyond her involvement with the CFWL organization. During her time spent studying at Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) she helped establish the American Association of University Women chapter, which promotes equity for women through advocacy and education. The chapter provides opportunities for nine women to be sent to participate in the annual National Conference of College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL) in Washington, D.C. Not only was Troy selected to attend, she also received the NCCWSL Scholarship to help cover any additional costs. In addition, Troy has been involved with student government for four years and is a current member of the Troutdale Citizen’s Advisory Committee, as well as the current ASWSUV president. However, Troy’s role as a woman leader has not always been as enthusiastic as it may seem. While attending MHCC, Troy was encouraged to run for student president. However, Troy was uncertain as to whether her gender would become a factor in how
"After the NEW Leadership Oregon program, I became empowered, motivated and inspired." ASWSUV President Skye Troy. Photo credit: FYI, VanCougs others perceived her leadership abilities, especially while running on an all female ticket. “I hesitated because I was worried about not being taken seriously as a woman leader. After the NEW Leadership Oregon program, I became empowered, motivated and inspired. I will continue to advocate and
participate with the organization, to break down barriers that women face in becoming leaders,” said Troy. By embracing challenges and facing adversity head on, Troy’s role as a leader is an indicator of something larger than herself. According to Troy, women’s leadership is important and achievable
through mentorship, community building and personal outreach. Receiving the Emerging Leader Alumnae Award has positively affected Troy, motivating her to continue doing the work that she's doing and furthering her ability to represent women leaders. This, above all else, is what the award symbolizes to Troy. n
First Nations Club drums up awareness for Native American issues on campus
Cultural enrichment through activities like traditional Native American drum sessions is just one of the many ways the First Nations Club reaches out to students. Photo Credit: First Nations Club at Washington State University Vancouver The club, formed in the formed “to establish a support By Kelli Anderson While thousands of Native Americans and supporters gather in North Dakota to protest the construction of an oil pipeline through native lands, the First Nations club hopes to bring awareness of indigenous issues to students at Washington State University Vancouver.
spring of 2015, is represented by members of seven different tribes from all over the United States. These members are current WSU Vancouver students with indigenous backgrounds and their allies. According to Brittany Davis, president of the First Nations club, the organization originally
system within our indigenous community on campus.” Leaving home can be difficult for many students, but for those leaving tight-knit communities it can be even more so, especially when one’s only link to home and culture is over 100 miles away. “We enjoy having the comfort of being surrounded by people similar to us
and meeting weekly helps us not miss home as much,” Davis said. The First Nations club recently participated in Clark College’s Native American Celebration Pow Wow, a celebration where Native Americans share their heritage through song and dance. The event was held to reach out to the Native American community at Clark College. Many of the students at Clark College will transfer to WSU Vancouver and the club made strides to establish connections to help ease the transition between schools. The club also plans on attending Covington Middle School’s annual pow wow as well as the Pullman campus’ spring celebration. In addition to creating an oncampus community for indigenous people, the First Nations club hopes to educate non-native community members on the importance of the indigenous rights movement and the effects of cultural appropriation on native culture. “We feel like this is something that needs to be done especially with many native rights being forgotten in today’s society,” Davis said. “There is a lot more to the First Nations community than what the media portrays.” The members will focus on current issues surrounding indigenous peoples’ rights to water and hope to correct the negative stereotypes many nonnatives have of Native Americans
based on popular culture. The club is planning a conference to focus on the events surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline and the Black Lives Matter movement in hopes it will bring awareness to each community’s struggles. According to Davis, the conference will “focus on not comparing oppressions within both of these movements, [but] instead support each other’s struggle.” A date for this conference has not yet been finalized. Native American and allied students are welcome to join the First Nations club. “We’re not mean, we welcome anyone who wishes to join,” Davis said. Students wishing to join can attend club meetings every Wednesday in the Student Diversity Center from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. First Nations also holds drum circles in the Student Diversity Center every first and third Thursday of the month at 5 p.m. The drum circles are used as a way to teach students how to engage in traditional Native American drumming and learn more about indigenous cultures. Upcoming events for First Nations can be found on the club's Facebook page. n
Washington State University Vancouver
6 | STUDENT LIFE
Over 100 authors descend on Portland for a literary exposition By Megan Peaker Literature, culture and current events came together in a public forum at the annual Wordstock: Portland's Book Festival event. Authors from around the world gathered at the Portland Art Museum on Nov. 5 to discuss their books and make connections with their fans. Across 48 events, well known authors presented on a variety of topics including children’s books, young adult literature, family, feminism and many others. Participants were able to browse the various booths and displays. Attendees could purchase books and merchandise from local vendors at the extensive book fair, all while enjoying live music. One of the events included an author’s reading of "Thunder Boy Jr.," the first children’s book written by author Sherman Alexie. Alexie is a Native American writer known for works such as "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven" and "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian." Alexie’s presentation was filled with off-the-wall humor as he poked fun at politics, his own heritage, mainstream culture and many other topics. Moderator Dave Miller struggled to keep up as Alexie derailed the conversation time and time again amidst roaring laughter from the audience. As he read "Thunder Boy Jr.," Alexie quipped about the lack of loving father figures in media, especially among minorities. When the presentation turned to a page with the father caring about his son, Alexie said, “This is the most controversial page.” Miller failed to understand why Alexie would say something so unusual; Alexie explained that he wanted fathers to be represented in literature and culture. "Thunder Boy Jr." has already made an impact in communities
This month, and for the first time in its history, Salmon Creek Journal is holding a short fiction contest open to the public. Here, members of Salmon Creek Journal host a booth at Wordstock. Photo Credit: Raul Moreno across the country. Alexie became emotional as he shared a story about reading the book to a group of 80 third and fourth graders. The children at the event felt the significance of having a main character of minority descent. Alexie became emotional as he recounted being hugged 80 times in a row. When the last little girl in line wanted to know why he was crying while receiving hugs Alexie said, “I’ve never been
hugged 80 times in a row.” The presentation ended with a standing ovation from the 2,000 people who came to see Alexie. Hundreds stood in line for over an hour for a chance to get his autograph. Among them was Samy Reel, Vice President of the Associated Students of Washington State University Vancouver. “I get to meet my heroes,” she excitedly said as she waited in the ever growing line.
The Portland Art Museum advocates spreading education through the arts. The museum’s mission is to “engage diverse communities through art and film of enduring quality, and to collect, preserve, and educate for the enrichment of present and future generations.” The museum partners with Literary Arts to host Wordstock annually. Literary Arts is an organization that was
formed to bring authors to the Northwest and quickly became the largest local outlet for displaying literary presentations. To find out more about Wordstock, visit http://www. literar y-arts.org/what-we-do/ wordstock. More information about Literary Arts can be found at http://www.literary-arts.org. n
VanCougs go on a horseback riding adventure
Recreation Center takes students on horseback excursion near scenic White Salmon By Tommy Culhane I had yet to see the horse I was riding and I already knew it would be the perfect match for me. “Your horse will be Churro, he’s a little ADD. He likes to wander a bit and look at the flowers sometimes but he’s a good horse,” said the equestrian instructor. Last Sunday I had the privilege to experience an unforgettable horseback adventure with several fellow VanCougs. As a regular user of Washington State University Vancouver’s Recreation program, I have always thoroughly enjoyed the escape from the daily grind that their trips provide. Sunday’s trip was no different. The trip started off with an always spectacular drive down SR 14 through the Columbia River Gorge. The rarely seen November sun glistened off the Columbia River’s water as we drove through forests and along cliff sides. Puffy clouds coated the walls of the Gorge like frosting on a cake of fir and hemlock. Washington State University Vancouver
Laugher was made and new friendships blossomed during the car ride as we left our worries and obligations in the rearview mirror. As we approached our exit we were greeted by a breathtaking view of Mt. Hood towering above Hood River like a mighty giant. I was reminded in that moment about why I am so proud to live in the Pacific Northwest. We turned off SR 14 and soon found ourselves on a winding, narrow road that meandered through meadows and oaks and crossed over rushing creeks filled by the nearly record breaking 29 days of October rain. Soon we arrived at the horse barn. Before we got on the horses, the woman who ran the stable gave us a little biography about each horse. This was when I first learned about Churro and how perfect he was for me. Listening to the extensive personality profile that the lady gave each horse was a heartwarming experience. It was clear that she viewed her horses as
lifelong best friends, which only increased the magic of the trip. Eventually, it was time to hit the trail and the adventure began. I was slightly disappointed to learn that Churro’s case of ADD was not quite as severe as the lady made it out to be, or as severe as my own ADD tends to be. Churro was an absolute sweetheart and flawlessly obeyed every command I gave him. He shared my mischievous nature and when I wanted to speed the group up a little bit, he was glad to assist me. I learned my first lesson about horses this way. It turns out horses are pack animals, drawn to group behavior. When I tried to push Churro’s speed to the next level, a domino effect swept through the group of horses and a small stampede ensued. After reigning in the potential disaster, we found ourselves on top of a bluff overlooking the canyon carved out by the mighty White Salmon River.
Continued on page 8
Students get acquainted with their horses. Photo credit: Tommy Culhane
SPORTS | 7 WSU vs. OSU introduces Hanchett to the life of a sports reporter Student joins press corps covering major football rivalry By Andrew Hanchett As I look up from my phone, I see a beaver tail flying in the back of a van, an indication that we are nearing our destination. We arrive in Corvallis after several hours on the road, and before we know it, we find ourselves on the campus of Oregon State University. We park at a garage near the stadium thanks to the parking permit thoughtfully provided by the Oregon State Athletic Department. “Don’t forget your press pass,” says my dad as I climb out of the Prius. Never. I will double check about a dozen times that night before entering the stadium. This piece of paper is my pass to the inner sanctum of sports writing: the press box. I part with my folks and find my way to the PreGame, the official tailgate at away games organized by the Washington State University Alumni Association. It occupies a relatively small and enclosed area that seems to be hidden from all of the buzz around Reser Stadium. At the entrance I come up to a woman behind a desk, explain that I am a student reporter from WSU Vancouver and ask if I can get in to take some pictures. She glances at the pass hanging on my neck and then says, “go ahead, I’m sure it’s ok.” The woman is Anna Marie Carlson, a Special Events Coordinator from Alumni Engagement. According to Carlson, roughly 300 people have registered for the event, a small turnout compared to the usual 600 to a 1,000. Here I am surrounded with WSU's familiar crimson, gray and white. Most tailgaters are congregating under a large tent in order to share in the upbeat mood created by the DJ or to make their last minute purchases of Cougar fan gear. Upon leaving the PreGame festivities, I head in the direction of the stadium. Most of the area around Reser is filled with OSU tailgaters. I notice that it is not uncommon for fans dressed in crimson to be entertained under an orange tent. One of the tailgaters tells me that “the Beavers and Cougars are friendly with each other” and I agree. The atmosphere surrounding the game does have an affable feel to it. As the sun is setting, I become increasingly aware of the light coming from the stadium. From a distance, Reser looks like a giant that is gradually waking up from a couple of weeks’ slumber. The time has come to ascend to the shrine. I touch my press pass to make sure it is there and start making my way through the commotion in front of the east entrance to the stadium. The press box is on the other side, so I increase my pace. The writers’ section of the press box is buzzing with media personnel. Some are catching other games via an abundance
of TV screens, others are already getting started on their stories. Seating is arranged in two rows, with the second row slightly raised over the first, giving the room the impression of a movie theatre. In place of a movie screen is a large glass window stretching the length of the room, giving a panoramic view of the field. No doubt the box is the best place for watching a game. Nothing beats a perfect view and a warm climate. With some assistance, I find my seat in the front row designated by a label with my name and “The VanCougar” printed on it. I pause to reflect on the significance of the moment. I am now officially accepted into the great circle of sports reporters. Next to me is Jacob Thorpe from the Spokesman Review. His attention is split between watching the game, typing, updating his Twitter, and discussing the action with Stefanie Loh, a reporter from the Seattle Times. I look around, hoping nobody notices my excitement, but most reporters are immersed in their work. The only thing that could dampen my spirits is a Cougar loss. The Beavers are first to get on the board. Running back Ryan Nall scores after an 89-yard run, followed by his catch in the end zone to double the score. OSU capitalizes once more thanks to a trick play. With seven minutes left in the half, the Cougs are down 0-21. I step outside to get some fresh air. Reser is roaring. The press box is right under the roof, and it feels like the noise is rushing in my direction. I start doubting whether I will witness WSU’s muchhailed defense, because so far the Beavers are turning the Cougars into spectators. Back inside, I overhear Thorpe and Loh conclude that the Cougars are experiencing their “worst first half of the season.” Cougars manage to get a touchdown on their next possession, but see their extra point attempt blocked. Beavers get the ball with less than five minutes on the clock, march down the field, and grab three more points. Better than conceding a touchdown I guess. OSU is leading 6-24 at the half. My head is spinning. I have not had anything to eat in the last seven hours, so I head towards the buffet area. Potato salad, pasta salad, corn chips and chili dogs are on the menu, along with cookies for dessert. I grab a plateful and sit down to eat at the tables in the back of the room. With both body and spirits revived, I return to my seat. WSU’s defense seems to be more focused now and Luke Falk is able to connect with Jamal Morrow for a touchdown early in the third quarter. Cougars go for two and redeem the lost point. Then comes Gabe Marks’s catch despite the triple coverage, sending a wave of murmurs
The only thing that could have dampened our reporter's spirits: a Cougar loss. Such an outcome was narrowly avoided by the team. Photo credit: Andrew Hanchett through the room. How in the world did he catch that? Beavers defense is clearly shaken up. Falk seizes the momentum on their next possession and finds Marks for another TD. Just like that, the Cougars manage to come back, take the lead, and do it all in one quarter. The score is 28-24. I have a strong urge to pump my fists with excitement, but nobody is doing that around here so I maintain my professionalism. The rest of the game was just a matter of getting the job done. Although the Cougs had to make the game more interesting and fumble a punt—resulting in a Beaver’s touchdown—the moment was a mere detour on the way to winning the game. The Cougars’ touchdown to regain the lead on their next possession only made sense. The defense then came out big and prevented Ryan Nall from getting a first down inside WSU’s half of the field. With nine seconds left on the clock, I ask Thorpe and Loh if I can follow them to the press conference. “I have no clue what I wrote,” says Thorpe as we pile into the elevator, “So I hope
it's good.” Clearly I have only scratched the surface of what it is like to be a sports reporter. The two reporters dash out of the elevator towards the stands. Following them, I find myself descending towards the field, hopping from bleacher to bleacher. As we run across the turf, I want to pause and take in the atmosphere, the lights, the stadium… but the pair will not stop. I keep on running, dodging staff, coaches, players and nearly crash into Falk on his way to the locker room. I cannot afford to lose sight of Thorpe and Loh, however, so I keep going. The media room is unimpressive in its plainness. Two rows of stack chairs are set up for reporters. I sit down in the second. Across the room and facing us is a standard classroom table with two microphones and two chairs. A backdrop with a WSU logo hangs behind the table. WSU Coach Mike Leach is the first one to be brought in. He looks tired. “I thought, certainly for the first half, we got outcoached and we got outplayed,” says Leach. His speech is thoughtful and frequently interrupted by
hesitation devices. “Second half we were more disciplined,” he said. Loh asks what Leach told the players in the first half. “I’d get fined if I said that,” says Leach, “it was basically a preview to what I said to them at halftime, and it probably contained some words that your children should never use.” Morrow said that at halftime Leach was “finding a way to fire us up.” Falk followed up by saying “nothing really went our way, but Coach gave us a message and we responded.” This may or may not be typical press conference talk, but it certainly is a testimony to the enormous influence a coach can have on his players. I leave the media room wide-eyed and with emotions soaring. I came as a curious reporter, but will be leaving as an enthusiastic supporter. The press box, the game, the press conference: the day’s events are enough to fill a whole week and then some. Most importantly, the Cougars won tonight, and I loved it. n
Encounter Research at the Library Wednesday, November 11th 12:00-1:00 PM at the WSU Vancouver Library
Researching Public Health Issues
A talk by Sarah Holman WSU Vancouver Nursing Student With Dr. Phyllis Eide Associate Professor at the College of Nursing,WSU Spokane •
Join Sarah Holman and Dr. Eide for an informal discussion of their research on public health topics.
•
The talk will highlight Holman’s paper, “Grand Challenge: Childhood Pneumonia Mortality in Nigeria,” which won the 2016 WSU Vancouver Library Research Excellence Award.
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Free and open to all
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Okay to bring lunch
Washington State University Vancouver
8 | EXTRAS "Horseback Riding," continued from page 6 Beneath us we could see the little town of White Salmon. The town is a hub of activity in the summer when the rafting season is on, and also was home to some of my happiest memories with the recreation program. Throughout the experience the wide variety of personalities in the horses became apparent. Not every horse was quite as sweet as Churro. Nathan Hall, an intern at the Recreation Center and adventurer extraordinaire, had to hold on for dear life on a couple occasions as his horse attempted to force Hall to perform an unplanned dismount. Fellow VanCoug Sterling Fletcher had a wily horse of his own. Fletcher’s horse Whiskey made it very clear that he did not like being tailgated by delivering a couple of swift kicks to the face of the unfortunate horse following too closely behind. Any horse that made the
mistake of following Whiskey too closely ran the risk of being kicked. It turned out that the only horse that Whiskey would not kick was Hall’s savage steed. Despite the drama amongst the herd, all the horses came back in one piece, and so did their riders. As it was time to part ways with Churro, I gave him a handful of treats and said my goodbyes. Hall did not stick around for the treat giving. I think that he was not quite as attached his horse as I was to mine. Soon we were back in town reminiscing about the experience over beers and pizza at Pizza Schmizza. To join future adventures with the Recreation Center stop by the Recreation Annex to pick up a schedule or find it on CougSync under the events calendar. For questions or inquires contact the Recreation Office at 360-5469532 or van.osirec@wsu.edu. n
VanCoug Voices: The experience of an undocumented student
PASSWORDS ARE LIKE
UNDERWEAR... 1. Change them often. 2. Don’t share them with your friends. 3. Don’t leave them lying around.
Student who prefers anonymity shares her story
By Savanna Ford A workshop was held last Monday to discuss the experiences of undocumented students in the U.S. As part of the Common Reading Program, the presentation discussed some of what Susan E. Eaton wrote about in her book “Integration Nation: Immigrants, Refugees, and America at Its Best.” One student, Terra Smith, described her experience as an undocumented student during the end of the session. Smith requested that her real name not be used due to her concerns about her immigration status. Smith discussed what it was like trying to obtain citizenship and create a life in America and continue her enrollment at Washington State University Vancouver. I had a short interview with her at the end of the workshop to get a better grasp on a personal perspective of the undocumented experience. Savanna Ford: What is your view on coming to the U.S.? Terra Smith: Basically outside, America is beautiful but inside, the system is so corrupted and it’s impossible for a student to breathe and live. It’s a developed nation with a crooked immigration system that makes it difficult for undocumented students to live here, no matter if they came here though legal or illegal means. SF: What are your in schooling? are your limitations?
options What
TS: A main challenge is the strict restriction that is placed on international students. We must be full-time; we cannot be part-time students. We can only take one online class, and so this Washington State University Vancouver
makes it harder for those of us who have to commute, as it is a waste of gas and a grating drive. Sometimes, program directors — and I am not speaking solely of WSU, but of other schools I have attended as well — do not understand the whole system of immigration so it’s difficult to communicate with them. SF: What actions you or have you with these limitations?
can taken
TS: I have had to pour money into immigration lawyers just to get the smallest and stupidest questions answered. Truthfully, there is no way for an undocumented student to get a citizenship whatsoever except through illegal ways, and that’s something that no one wants to risk because you will end up being deported. SF: What feelings do you have about the system and your schooling? TS: It’s easy to live in fear that I’ll be kicked out of this country because it simply doesn’t want me or the other undocumented students here. I came here to achieve a better education and a better life, but the country doesn’t want me. That can make a person feel like trash. You end up thinking about what you’re going to do after the fact and where you’ll go, but you don’t have any solutions. I would love a non-corrupted system that favored integration over intolerance, one that could actually understand and care about undocumented students despite the stigma of “undocumented” and “illegal” labels. I feel that people should have the right to be happy and live wherever they want without the country making it completely
"Election" continued from page 1 will be the 45th president of the United States and at 70 years old also the oldest to be sworn in. Compared to Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign, Trump received more of the minority vote. Romney received 27% of the minority vote in 2012, while Trump received 29% in the 2016 election. Within days of the election, protests, rallies and even riots broke out across major cities in the US. Many communities impossible for anyone to be successful just because they are not a citizen of a certain country. Everyone has the human right to education and universal health care, and a happy and successful life. Basically the American dream, but immigration services make it a far-fetched dream for students like us to ever reach that. SF: If you could give any one piece of advice to help the system and help the students, what would you say? TS: Big changes need to be made that do not blame students like myself. We are told to go back and fix our legal mistakes when most of the time, it was someone else who had been guiding you through the process that had actually messed it up because they didn’t understand it themselves. The authorities in these programs need to stop blaming students and pointing fingers at each other for the fault. The system needs to be changed and it needs to take responsibility for the problems that it has devised. We need to find a way to integrate to make it better for undocumented students to live here and breathe in peace. n
have held peaceful rallies protesting against Trump’s win. Portland was among the first cities to see a violent outbreak. Interstate 5 going southbound was shut down for a period of time due to protestors blocking the freeway. Windows were broken and vandalism occurred, in addition to the freeway closure. Twenty-six people were arrested in Portland as a result of the violent outbreak. Portlanders have also come together for many more peaceful rallies as well. Following the election, WSU Vancouver held a time for students to come together and
let their voices and opinions be heard. This talk included themes of media in politics, the shock of the election results and fears that students might be having about the future of America. Students from diverse communities voiced fears that America might lose the progress the nation has made. Students came together from all parties and communities, and talked about how Americans need to unite rather than divide as a population because of the election results. n