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THE Wheel
November 8, 2011 - VOLUME 79 ISSUE 5
The St. Catherine University (SCU) community was asked last week to challenge the conceptions surrounding something we encounter on a daily basis: food. Food Week, which began after midterm break, consisted of over 30 events focused on food justice, workers rights and sustainability, calling SCU to both awareness and mobilization on these subjects. This resulted in a list of demands from the community to the school. The ideas that have been coming out of this community have been fantastic in terms of the survey, in terms of the panels, in terms of leaders in this community, senior Cirien Saadeh said. People are stepping forward to the table and are really engaging in the dialogue and the mobilization effort in a way I have never seen before from my peers on a single issue. The idea for Food Week came about through discussions by Saadeh and junior Liesl Wolf on campus last semester, and food justice continued to rise as a topic that needed to be addressed. Since then, they have been receiving support from Sodexo, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ) Justice Comission, Student Senate, Minnesota Public Interest Research Group (MPIRG), the Public Health Club, the School of Business and Leadership, and the Presidents Climate Commitment (PCC). Food justice, as described by Saadeh, is the recognition and awareness of how food is grown and how it has reached your plate. Students, faculty, staff, CSJs, and other members of the SCU community marched during the opening ceremony of Food Week on This understanding encompasses the stages Monday, Oct. 31. They held signs reading phrases such as Food should be fair and Peas now. Photo by Heather Kolnick. from the seed to the produce, to the picking, to the transportation, to the economics, to There were two primary efforts made really powerful concept. said. That has a huge global impact. Our the workers, to the cafeteria, to the chefs during Food Week and one of these efforts Food Week annunciated the concept that ignorance to how our food is produced and and to the plate in which money is handed focused on eating locally. eating local is a global and internationally where it comes from allows for those exploitative over to purchase. Actually, one of our themes this year based issue. Communication Studies Professor sorts of systems, literally plantations. What food justice means to me is that Beyond Your Plate, in which we defined it Joshua Haringa brought to light a dilemma Wolf stressed the changes that can occur every step of the way in how food is planted, in a more difficult concept, think glocally, people face. when switching to local eating and shopping. harvested [and] transported, how it gets to Saadeh said. Its thinking beyond our plate We do make an impact when we decide When we support local farmers, that our tables essentially, theres fairness, theres in a way thats more global and local. In the to eat these products that are coming from means our economy grows and we become equity and people are treated fairly and year of global thinking at [SCU] and global South America[n] produce and we dont see justly, Wolf said. learning, this is glocal eating and thats a how those workers are being treated, Haringa See EAT GLOCALLY pg. 2
Accepted or rejected?
By Caitlyn Witt
senior staff writer
In Ramallah, Palestine, more than 1,000 Palestinian citizens assembled outside of the Palestinian government headquarters for the first official
anti-United States protest after President Barack Obama addressed the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, giving what many Palestinians believe to be the most proIsraeli speech to a non-Jewish audience in his presidential career, according to The Telegraph Media.
Mahmoud Abbas, President of Palestine, submitted an application for recognition to the UN in late September which addressed several focal areas, including two-state recognition of Israel and Palestine, meeting with the Quartet on the Middle East and the Separation Wall between Palestine and Israel. The Quartet is a group consisting of the four supranational and international entities including the UN, the United States, the European Union and Russia. The Palestinian government is asking for recognition of the original state borders in which Israel occupied East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza before the Six-Day War between Palestine and Israel. The West Bank has been occupied by the Israeli army since 1967, sophomore and international student Zain Jarrar from Palestine said. [It] is divided into three areas; A, B and C. Area A is under the Palestinian administration and control but is only 17 percent of the West Bank territories. The rest are under Israeli control. St. Catherine University (SCU) Assistant Professor of Political Science Maria Tzintzarova explained the process that the Palestinian statehood bid has to undergo in order to be a member of the UN. A sovereign state submits a request
Currently, there are 193 member states in the United Nations. South Sudan was the most recent country to be admitted as a new member state, officially joining the United Nations on July 14 of this year. The United Nations was established in 1945 in response to the events that occurred during World War II. An application for recognition to the United Nations was formally submitted by the President of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, on Sept. 23.
to join the UN to the UN Secretary General, Tzintzarova said. The Secretary General hands the request to the Security Council. Then the Security Council has to approve the request with nine out of 15 votes. The five permanent members cannot veto (the
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November 8, 2011
else, Saadeh said. Its much bigger than one campus or one culture or one international setting; its a matter of recognizing our differences, recognizing the disparities that exist, and then taking a step forward. Becky can be reached at rjdoucette@stkate.edu
SCU Food Week supporters created a symbolic community garden and placed it on the SCU Quad for the duration of the weeklong event.
Food Week supporter Rachel Thompson 14 holds a sign while marching in the Food Week opening ceremony. According to the Food Week Facebook page, The week is about defining food as it means to SCU and seeing what needs to be done at St. Catherine University to make our food be a better representation of our community. Photos by Heather Kolnick.
WHEELSTAFF
Volume 79, issue 5
Editor-in Chief: ALEXA CHIHOS Layout Designer: SARAH WENTE Associate Editor: BECKY DOUCETTE Sections Editor: ANNE MOE Copy Editor: ANNA HAYES Photo Editor: HEATHER KOLNICK Photographers: DEVON ARNDT, SARAH KICZULA Adviser: SHEILA ELDRED Senior Staff Writers: CAITLYN WITT, ELYSE JOHNSON, DEVON ARNDT, RACHEL ARMSTRONG Staff Writers: SARAH KICZULA, JULIE SAWADOGO, DANA ALEMAM, ISHIKA HUQ, KAITLYN DAHLE If you would like to contribute to The Wheel, please contact us at wheel@stkate.edu.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Wheel aspires to reflect the diversity and unique atmosphere that comprises St. Catherine University. We strive to provide an inclusive newspaper primarily for the students and by the students. The Wheel promotes the vision of empowering women to lead and influence as well as an understanding of the university community inside and outside of the gates. As a staff we aim to meet the highest journalistic standards and stand in accordance with the 1st Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America and policies of prior restraint. The Wheel is not a public relations vehicle for any SCU individual, group, department or for the college as a whole. We welcome feedback and encourage an open discourse. The Wheel is supported by student funds and is distributed free of charge.
had not felt before. I remember sitting in a class full of students who were talking to each other and not understanding what they were saying. In this situation I felt lonely because of the language barrier. Besides the language barrier, the cultural differences make it harder for international students to blend into their new society. Indeed, many of them have to face many stumbling blocks in their interactions with Americans such as Minnesota nice. It is hard to understand why somebody smiles and even says hi to you when she does not intend to connect with you. An international student said with much sadness, I feel like people here dont mind talking to you in class or at work but when you want to hang out and have fun with them after that, they always have something else to do. The only American friend some of the international students have is their roommate. It is frustrating for international students not to be able to make new friendships with American students and so they always hang out with other international students like themselves. I try to find an escape by talking to my friends back home on the internet, which takes me away from communicating with Americans, one student confessed. Spending time with other international students definitely prevents international students from having an effective cultural experience in the U.S. But the good news is that everyone can help make SCU a more enjoyable place. International students can try to go out of their comfort zone and reach out to American students. It is inevitable to face cultural differences, so the best attitude is just to embrace them and get used to them. Be flexible and tolerant with cultural differences. American students can help a lot by talking to an international student in class and hanging out with her sometimes, maybe even inviting her to do something off-campus occasionally. Most students would be happy to answer all your questions, and you will get the chance to discover a lot about other cultures, too. I am quite sure that you would make lifelong friendships, and by the way, have a new destination for your next vacation. Sunland is a very good place to be and it looks great on the brochures and the maps, but is it really worth it to go to a beautiful island when you dont get the chance to interact with the people there? Lets go beyond the barriers and make some new friends! Julie can be reached at jsawadogo@stkate.edu.
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PALESTINE continued...
United States is not one of the five), otherwise it will not pass successfully. If approved by the Security Council, the request goes in front of the General Assembly and has to be approved by [a] two-thirds majority. The issue with this process, however, is that Palestine is only recognized as an observer entity. The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) along with the Fatah political party are the leading forces in representing Palestine in the UN. It doesnt seem right to deny Palestine this membership because of our own political interests, Political Science Club President Christina Paetzel said. I believe that allowing Palestine to have the protections of UN membership would lead to more peaceful options rather than more conflict, because it would result in a standard of accountability for violence against Palestine. The Israeli government highly opposes the Palestinian membership into the UN due to their lack of cooperation during negotiations to bring peace between the warring countries. As a Palestinian, I was very skeptical about it and I neither supported nor opposed it, Jarrar said. The U.S. calls the Palestinians and Israelis toward talks and negotiations but the fact that Israel refuses to stop building homes on Palestinian land makes the negotiations useless. Its like negotiating how to share a piece of pizza while the other person is eating it. Thats the No. 1 reason why Abbas decided to leave the negotiating table and request a membership state in the UN. I support peaceful resistance, and the Palestinian statehood bid seems a sensible and a good step towards peace. Israel rejects the 1967 borders as basis for negotiations or as basis for a Palestinian state and does not support the UN membership state. I think the number one reason is that if Palestine became a state, the 500,000 illegal settlers (under international law) who live in the West Bank will be internationally known as occupiers, Jarrar said. Many Palestinians also believe that the reason Israel does not want a Palestinian state is because they are dreaming of a Greater Israel, and that explains the continuous land confiscation and home demolitions in the West Bank and especially near Jerusalem. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a long-running issue for the UN and the Quartet on the Middle East. In 2001, the Quartet laid out a plan called The Road Map, a three-phase plan in which IsraeliPalestinian territorial, security and political issues would be negotiated and monitored by the Quartet. In recent years, however, suicide bombings, civil unrest, protests and diplomatic disagreements have caused both Israel and Palestine to break negotiations and fend for themselves.
Editorial:
Do we have a choice?
By Becky Doucette
associate editor
After participating in some of the Food Week activities and sharing in the joys of St. Catherine University (SCU) moving forward, a question had come up in discussion: do we have a choice in what we eat? Choice is exceedingly larger than standing in the super market or convenience stop with a box of organic or non-organic crackers, its a multitude of factors, factors that decide for us. Its easy to point at someones lunch and judge them, youre going to eat all that meat? Or, you got pizza instead of a sandwich? An assumption goes into this judgment, that all students make an individual choice on whether they eat healthy and organic or not. First of all, prices are skewed in the US economy and grocery system. I have worked at a grocery store for three summers now, and I can state that the price of one apple, there in the grocery store, is always a few cents more than a burger at McDonalds. If challenged to feed a family of four with 10 dollars, a realistic experience for many, would it make more sense to buy eight apples, or four meals? Most likely the latter. These price difficulties happen within the SCU cafeteria, too. Should I get the sandwich that has been sitting out for a while, or the pizza that has been sitting out for just as long but is half the price? With the meal plan I have, I am tired of fried foods. However, I havent necessarily had the finances to switch my diet entirely. Second, there is a crisis of food deserts. This past week I learned that this term can be negative; however, the implications are still present. There are regions, predominantly poor, that have little-to-no access to fresh produce or meat. Consumers either have to drive an hour just to get to a market, or they have to buy canned goods. The option to eat well isnt even available to some families. Living in the Highland area I know this is not a difficulty I face. However, I do not have the means to get to a grocery market except by walking. In the winter time I will be forced to use the dining services provided to me. Pressure on the media has a grasp further than we even consider as well. The fact that, on an everyday basis, we see an average of 300 advertisements, is disturbing. These 300 advertisements can convince us, as consumers, on what clothes we choose to wear, the car we choose to buy, the food we choose to eat. How much individual choice is realistically considered? A study states that 47 percent of girls in grades 5-12 want to lose weight specifically because of magazine images. Which leads to my final point: eating disorders are not uncommon, especially for women. As a college that tries to help and support students with whatever they need, discussions of food can be challenging and difficult for some students on our campus. For students who face an eating disorder, they might have a hard time entering the cafeteria and choosing food for their own well-being. In order to make progress in their health, they might not focus their choices on being socially responsible, but on being self-responsible. The topic surrounding choice and decision needs to be addressed both in the community, and outside of the SCU gates. We must take a step back and decide if we have a choice in what we eat for the well-being of ourselves, the beings who are affected (produce and meat) and workers who are all affected by our decisions. If we do not have a choice, how can we move forward and make these choices available? How can we change the price system? How can we minimize food deserts? How can we have these conversations surrounding choice and other challenges that affect food decisions? These questions are necessary to discuss and engage in; especially since food is a challenge we all have to face daily. Why not face these challenges as a united community?
By Dana Al-Emam
staff writer
Add us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter doesnt that sound like a phrase we hear every day? The huge grow th of social media throughout web-based networks allows users to communicate and promote ideas, services and items. We asked a few of the international students in St. Catherine University (SCU) about social media in their countries and in the United States:
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Afghanistan M a l a w i M a l a y s i a M a l d i v e s M a l i M a l t a M a r s h a l l I s l a n d s M a u r i t a n i a M a u r i t i u s M e x i c o M i c r o n e s i a M o l d o v a M o n a c o M o n g o l i a M o n t e n e g r o M o r o c c o M Y A N M A R Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua Argentina Armenia Australia
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Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia
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T W: H o w d o y o u t h i n k y o u expeditions and some of the teachin that you have done influence the mind and actions of women and girls today
Recently, The Wheel had the opportunity to speak with Ann Bancroft, the first woman to reach both the North and South poles and to ski across the Antarctic, and discussed her impact on women today. Though refered to by other titles, Bancroft consideres herself primarily an educator. The Wheel: Why a teacher then? I was expecting adventurer
AB: Well, if I read the comments on ou website, women will often write sort of in my age group or 10 years on either side o my age group and say, I watch what your doing and youre following your passions and youre dreams and I think its not too late I can do this too. Thats not why I go and its not in the curriculum but its that kind of response, so theres sort of an influenc there of doing the things that you love and then sharing those stories with others. I want
Ann Bancroft grew up in St. Paul and has traveled all over the world, including to both the North and South Poles. Photo courtesy of Ann Bancroft. b u t yo u w e n t b a c k w i t h t e a c h e r. Ann Bancroft: Teaching to me is the ultimate profession in a way, and I think thats why I went to college - to be a teacher. I [have] always valued a good education and I really enjoy inspiring young people to reach their full potential. [My] passions for education and exploration had been separate and I have always wanted my work to have some sort of purpose beyond me. These trips, especially very large expeditions, have always been really important to me and there was a larger purpose in what we were trying to do. Being trained as a teacher, it just manifested itself into education; that seemed like it was the most natural vehicle to express myself. its other rewards far outweigh the finances. TW: You were the first woman to cross both the North and South Poles. Could you speak a little bit about this experience? AB: This experience was incredibly different. I went to the North Pole with seven males and 49 male dogs. I would say that that trip was absolutely fulfilling a childhood dream, you know, as a Saint Paul kid going to the top of the world. That was the epitome, the ultimate adventure. With dog teams and the early explorers that was everything in my dream pool that I could ever want. Then when I came off of that trip, folks began making a great big stink about me being the first and only
Post-graduation:
An alums experience on the least anticipated route
By Jordyn Arndt
Honors thesis, stress, job applications, stress, homework, more stress and the occasional social event dominated my senior year. I substituted caffeine for sleep. Several months after graduating this past May, my life situation has changed completely. I finally have the time to focus on being rather than constantly doing. Working as an English teaching assistant on Reunion Island, an overseas department of France in the Indian Ocean, was postgraduation Plan D. The idea of spreading American soft power through proliferation of the English language, working only 12 hours a week and essentially taking a year off did not appeal to me. I did not want to waste precious time building my career
Finland France Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana
Plan...D?
and making progress towards serving as a change agent in a complex world riddled with problems. Ideally, I would have been granted a prestigious fellowship in Washington, D.C., or in Africa to be conducting research or engaging in advocacy for economic justice issues. I did not want to waste time in my quest to become the next U.S. Secretary of State or another prestigious leader in the realm of international affairs. I accepted the position because other plans had fallen through. One week after graduating I left for Washington, D.C., to intern at Jubilee USA Network, a public policy organization dedicated to fostering progressive economic reforms. Working as a policy associate allowed me to finally work on the issues I had been so
Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau
passionate about during my time at St. Catherine University (SCU). I lobbied members of Congress with the Tax Justice Network, conducted research on principles of responsible borrowing and lending and helped with outreach efforts to Jubilees diverse grass-roots network. Despite my enthusiasm for international economic justice, the demanding nature of public policy work in the non-profit sector was taking its toll. Suddenly economic justice issues consumed my life, my evening conversations with my progressive housemates and my bedtime reading. The fact that I was spending my weekends at the Library of Congress working on a Fulbright application that was also linked to social justice did not allow for much repose. It was not until I took a brief vacation to San Francisco that I was able to gain some perspective. While spending a week away from the issues that had become my life for the past three months, I had the sudden realization that I was stressed and unhappy. Suddenly the idea of spending seven months on a tropical, hikers paradise was incredibly appealing. I needed a break from Washington, D.C., so that I could gain some perspective.
Guyana Haiti Honduras Hungary Iceland India
I decided to dedicate the next seven months to improving my French, enjoying nature and learning through new life experiences and frequent trips to the library. Reunions fascinating mixture of African Asian and European cultural influence combined with a breathtaking natura environment of coral reefs, beaches, forests mountains and waterfalls is a source o constant fascination. Fortunately, since I am only working 12 hours a week, I actually hav time to enjoy it. My work is not taxing. A the token American, I offer valuable insigh such as the proper pronunciation of the th sound and the distinction between a grocer trolley in British English and a grocer cart in American English. My students mak me laugh and teach me phrases in Creole. I am making progress on focusing on being in the moment, rather than constantl anticipating the next thing. As a friend so accurately stated, It was as if I spent the pas four years in a pressure cooker. At the rat
Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Ivory Coast
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Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde
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Central African Rep Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo Congo (Democratic Rep)
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Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus C z e c h R e p u b l i c D e n m a r k D j i b o u t i D o m i n i c a D o m i n i c a n R e p u b l i c E a s t T i m o r E c u a d o r E g y p t E l S a l v a d o r E q u a t o r i a l G u i n e a E r i t r e a E s t o n i a E t h i o p i a
s.
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kids to feel excited about the world thats around them and I think that the expeditions are a great metaphor for all sorts of things. Its about perseverance, working together, following your dream and your passion [and] being prepared. What goes into those expeditions is whats happening in the classroom, its happening in the boardroom, theyre all the same types of challenges to go after the things we want to go after in life. Its a lot of work, but work is, I think, really rewarding, and I think there are lessons in our work. Thats why I keep going back and why I keep sharing it. To me it suddenly becomes everyones trip - theyre investing in it, theyre cheering you on, theyre a part of it in one way or another. Becky can be reached at rjdoucette@stkate.edu. Graphic by Heather Kolnick.
A holiday to celebrate
financially afford it. The beauty of this is, if a person cannot perform the pilgrimage in his or her lifetime then someone can perform it in their Senior Ishika Huq celebrates Eid-al-Fitr with her younger siblings Audhora and Preenon. For this holiday, she and her name. My grandmother, family don their cultural dress. Photo courtesy of Ishika Huq. her sisters and one of my moms cousins did the pilgrimage meal at their homes. We dress up and then together. It was really special for my visit various houses and celebrate with grandmother, because my grandfather different families. Although everyones passed away three years ago. Thats where relatives do not reside in Minnesota, the my moms cousin came in; he performed small community celebrates as if we are the pilgrimage in my grandfathers name. all family. In Minnesota, many Muslims celebrate Eid-al-Adha is almost a combination Eid-Al-Adha in a different way, but the of Thanksgiving and Christmas, because start of the day is similar. As a part of we have a large feast throughout the Eid, every Muslim must come together in day with friends and family. But, unlike prayer. This is absolutely amazing to see, Thanksgiving, we have three to four large because so many Muslims from different meals, depending on how many people cultures come together for just one hour are hosting a feast at their homes. During to pray together. one Eid celebration I literally gained five After the prayer, everyone hugs (males pounds in one day. to males and females to females) each other It is like Christmas, because this is when to share the bond of Islam. The Eid prayer we exchange gifts and celebrate with family. is one of the most amazing parts about Gifts are not the most important part of being a Muslim. When Islam was first Eid though; it is more about celebrating introduced in Saudi Arabia, the prophet with family. Often times people become of Islam, said that in Islam there is no very busy with their lives and the beauty of such entity as class, culture or ethnicity. Eid is that everyone has a reason to come When I attend Eid prayer and see all the together. Celebrating Eid here really shows different Muslims from different ethnic the beauty of living in the U. S., because backgrounds, it really shows that everyone we are far away from our family and we is equal in religion and the amazing create our own families by uniting people power of it to unite many different people from our culture. together. After the prayer is over the large I have been celebrating Eid with the celebration begins. same families for the last 11 years, but Some Muslims in Minnesota like to have now that many of the children in my a large celebration at the Mall of America, generation are going to different schools, while others like to have dinners or get sometimes its hard for all the children together with family and friends. I am of to get together and it feels strange. Its Bengali descent and although my relatives amazing to actually see how you do not live in Illinois and the United Kingdom, I have to be blood to be family. still have the joy of celebrating Eid with my immediate family and friends in Minnesota. Minnesota has a small Bengali Ishika can be reached at community and each year a few people imhuq@stkate.edu. from the community volunteer to host a
d d
n, es al s, of m ve As ht h ry ry ke . n ly o st te
at which I was going, post-graduation, I was likely to burn out before the age of thirty. This would not have been in my best interest or in the interest of the lives that I hope to impact through my future work. I am confident that I will eventually be in a position of influence in which I can help to enact the social and economic change that I wish to see in the world. For the time being, I will focus on working on some positive interpersonal changes and enjoying each day during this seven month paid vacation curtsy of the French government. While this was not the type of change I anticipated post-graduation, it is indeed an important one. In the future, when my work does eventually become more rigorous, I will still aspire to live more holistically and spend time appreciating the gift of life, while contributing to the seemingly overwhelming and unending process of fostering social and economic justice worldwide. Jordyn can be reached at jordyn.arndt@gmail.com.
Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati
Jordyn Arndt 11 (left) and new friends from Reunion and Madagascar in the Sud Sauvage. Photo courtesy of Jordyn Arndt.
Korea North Korea South Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia
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Namibia T u r k m e n i s t a n U g a n d a U k r a i n e U n i t e d A r a b E m i r a t e s U n i t e d K i n g d o m U n i t e d S t a t e s U r u g u a y U z b e k i s t a n V a n u a t u V a t i c a n C i t y V e n e z u e l a V i e t n a m Y e m e n Z a m b i a Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger NigeriA Norway Oman
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Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland
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Portugal Qatar Romania RWANDA S t L u c i a S t V i n c e n t & t h e G r e n a d i n e s S a m o a S a n M a r i n o S a o T o m e & P r i n c i p L e S a u d i A r a b i a S e n e g a l S e r b i a S Y R I A S E Y C H E l l e s s i e r r e l e o n s i n g a p o r e s l o v a k i a s p a i n
SCUs Model UN class from last year. Listed in order from left to right. Back row: Jennifer Rocha 14, Carmen Attikossie 14, Noushig Ghazarian (exchange student last year), Hilary Stein 14, Anna Hardeman 12, Morgan Johnson 11, Aye San 14. Front row: Pooja Shah 14, Maria Tzintzarova (Professor). Photo courtesy of Maria Tzintzarova. research and debate components of the course. Everyone can benefit and take away some valuable skills and lessons from this class and the conference, Rocha said. This is truly a unique and worthwhile experience. Students of any major can glean experience in the inner workings of communication, negotiation and compromise because those are all skills that can be beneficial in other careers. Students also learn how complex it is for countries to reach agreements on these global problems, how challenging it is to negotiate, Tzintzarova said. Communication is key because during their experience in NYC the students participate in committee, which is the general assembly, interaction and discussion of the UN on key issues such as peacekeeping and womens rights. The SCU students speak in front of large crowds in the general assembly, and they are responsible for approaching students from other colleges and universities to discuss the opinions of the country they represent. Realizing that we were debating real life issues and that, somewhere, actual ambassadors were saying the same things and policies were being written is an overwhelming feeling, sophomore Pooja Shah said. Anne can be reached at admoe@stkate.edu. different dishes, ranging from lentils cooked in spices to vegetable stews and a fresh lettuce salad. All of the dishes are beautifully arranged on a flat piece of spongy bread called injera. Injera is also served on the side and is used as a tool for eating the food. Although utensils are not served with the entrees, I would imagine that they are available upon request. I would strongly encourage visitors to try eating the food with injera before requesting silverware, as it enhances the experience. My friend cautiously sampled each dish before easing into the eating process. Overall, she enjoyed the sampler as did I. One of my favorite dishes is the misir key wot which consists of lentils cooked in a spicy berbere sauce. The dishes range in level of spice but they are consistent in taste. We ended our meal by splitting a large piece of baklava. The pastry was prepared in a traditional manner and was served warm with drizzled honey on top. Fasika is truly a hidden gem. It has won numerous awards including City Pages Best Ethiopian Restaurant in the Twin Cities, and has cultivated quite a following among food afficianados. The prices are reasonable, the portions are generous, and the food is exquisite. What more can one ask for? So, before ordering a pizza or revisiting that restaurant that serves endless bowls of pasta and salad, consider dining in at Fasika. I promise you wont be disappointed. Devon can be reached at dvarndt@stkate.edu.
Restaurant review:
An experience of Ethiopian cuisine
By Devon Arndt
senior staff writer
What do you mean you eat with your hands? my friend Becca said as I invited her to lunch with me one afternoon. I had been hassling her to accompany me to one of my favorite restaurants in St. Paul: Fasika. Fasika is an Ethiopian restaurant located in the Midway neighborhood not too far from St. Catherine Universitys (SCU) St. Paul campus. Although the restaurant is in a busy neighborhood and parking is a bit of a hassle, the trip is absolutely worth it. I have eaten there many times, always ordering the same entree: the vegetarian sampler. The restaurant is modestly decorated with small tables and booths lined against the wall. The smell of sauteed spices and curries waft from the kitchen. The food selection is extensive but may be intimidating for visitors unfamiliar with Ethiopian cuisine. After flipping through the menu nervously, my friend agreed to share the vegetarian sampler with me--it is more than enough food for two. The vegetarian sampler comes with seven
Fasika
and mix-ups and in the end I got on a bus to return to Quito three days earlier than I`d planned, looking forward to eating my host mom`s familiar seco de pollo and having a place to sleep at night. Pulling into the station in Quito felt ordinary, and I havent been so relieved to be some place familiar since I saw my family again after my first month away at St. Catherine University (SCU). On my flight into Quito in September I had a moment just before landing when I asked myself, What am I doing? Who in the world throws themselves so completely into unfamiliarity? Talking with other SCU students thinking about studying abroad, this is a common question. I`ve never thought of myself as terribly quick on my feet, but the fact that I had to think so hard about what to write worthy of the International Issue just proves how quickly I`ve acclimated to life here. After two months, the Guaguas de pan in the shops--bread baked and decorated to look like babies for Dia de los Muertos--are now as normal to me as my mom`s Seven Layer Bars during the holiday season. Nescafe has replaced my usual morning cup of coffee, and I find myself replacing English words with Spanish without meaning to. I`m not going to lie and say I`m an adventurer or that I`m some kind of brave. While it still seems crazy to me right now, I can`t imagine not having left Minnesota. If you`re thinking about studying abroad, do it. Leave and be clueless for a while, make mistakes, get on the wrong bus, order the wrong food, over-pay for chocolate, write in seedy internet cafes, meet people, be scared. It`s worth it.
Rachel can be reached at rmarmstrong@stkate.edu, or follow her blog at rachelgoestoecuador.tumblr.com. Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Swaziland Sweden
Fasika
Z i m b a b w e SloveniA
Switzerland
November 8, 2011
HEALTH
The Wheel | 7
Ethnic beats
Dance workouts bring a new energy to fitness
By Caitlyn Witt
senior staff writer
With its ditch the workout, join the party philosophy, Zumba is a Latin-inspired workout that offers an alternative and inspiring way to get the body moving. Integrating itself into St. Catherine Universitys (SCU) Fit 4 Life program, this new fitness routine has become increasingly popular, taking the workout world by storm. Along with Zumba, SCU offers another non-traditional way to get in shape: Masala Bhangra. This dance-workout takes aspects of traditional Indian dance and combines it with a Bollywood theme to make for an irresistible and fun way to get your blood pumping. Zumba was created accidentally when fitness instructor Alberto Beto Perez, a native Colombian, forgot his normal tunes for a fitness class. Perez found himself teaching the class using music from his own culture. In turn, a new path to physical fitness was discovered, enabling the participants to not only be moved and energized by the music, but to incorporate Latin flair in their own lives. Bridget Higgins is the Zumba instructor at SCU and has lots of friendly advice for those who are contemplating participating in the Zumba class. Zumba is different because it appeals to every age group and every level of fitness, Higgins said. No previous dance experience is necessary. If a student has never attended a single dance class in their life, Zumba will present a challenge, but one that is fun and incinerates calories like crazy! Being a student has a certain number of demands on
Zumba classes are the newest being taught (in addition to Masala Bhangra) as a part of the Fit 4 Life classes offered through SCU Athletics. Photo by Sarah Kiczula. or the biological changes that happen every 24 hours, consistent and steady. Tuck in early - Not only is the number of hours you get important but the time of day you go to sleep is important, too! Eight hours has been said to be the ideal number of hours of sleep an individual should be getting every night. Even though it may be difficult for some college students, try going to bed before 10 p.m. and wake up at 6 a.m. You will most likely feel refreshed and ready to go. Create a wind-down period - Divide your busy life and your sleep time. Avoid evening classes and evening exercise that excite your mind. When returning home from a busy day transfer into a relaxing atmosphere by playing relaxing music, for example. Massage away tension - Try using unfiltered organic sesame oil. Breathe for ease - Every time you exhale, it slows your heartbeat and that helps calm you down, says Roger Cole, an Iyengar Yoga teacher and a research scientist specializing in the physiology of sleep. One recommended exercise is to begin by exhaling through the nose to the count of six, then inhale through the nose to the count of three. Do this before bed for five to 30 minutes. Keep a journal - Is your mind still processing everything from the day and jumping ahead into tomorrows schedule? Write everything down in a journal to help clear your thoughts before your head hits the pillow. Once youve found the nighttime ritual that works best for you, make sure you repeat it every night. It takes a little time to see improvements; however, it will be worth your while. For more night time remedies visit yogajournal.com. Please note that the Ask Katie! advisers are not trained medical professionals; contact your health care provider with immediate questions or concerns. AskKatie! should not be used in place of professional consultation. If you still have unanswered questions, dont forget to go to the Ask Katie! stall in your residence hall and write on the anonymous notepad. If you live off campus, email questions to healthwellness@stkate.edu.
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The Ask Katie! peer health advisers answer your health-related questions
What is Eastern Medicine?
8 | The Wheel
November 8, 2011
According to the SCU Athletics website, Fit 4 Life programs are designed to help keep the students, faculty, and staff of the [SCU] community active and healthy. Zumba provides another opportunity for the SCU community to meet this goal. Photo by Sarah Kiczula.
ZUMBA continued...
a persons time... Zumba is the antidote here. The response to Zumba from the SCU student body has been positive. I like that its a full body workout, [but] you dont really feel like youre working out because you are having so much fun, junior Sarah Yaekel said. Its a worthwhile experience. I feel so much better after I do it. Masala Bhangra is a high-energy dance
stemming from the Bhangra dance, made popular in American culture by Bollywoodinspired movies, such as Slumdog Millionare. The founder of Masala Bhangra, Sarina Jain, created this dance workout in 1999. Deepali Roth, who has worked with Bollywood film stars all over the world, is the instructor at SCU. This is a cardio-dance workout, so I try and keep my students moving for as much [of] the class as possible, Roth said.
With its constant movement, Masala Bhangra offers something different from the typical interval training workout. The participant is able to increase endurance while working up a sweat. It is different because, though some people are familiar with Bollywood, for most it is still an exotic style of music and dance. Not only do we dance to fantastic music, but I teach a full routine that builds throughout the entire class, Roth said By the end, you
have an entire Bollywood routine that you can show your friends and family when you leave the class. Both the Zumba and Masala Bhangra classes at SCU are offered weekly. Check out the Butler Centers Fit 4 Life schedule for more information. Caitlyn can be reached at cmwitt@stkate.edu.
Athlete profile:
By Kaitlyn Dahle
staff writer
It is sophomore Lensa Gurmessas second year playing soccer at St. Catherine University (SCU), but unlike most of the women on the team, Gurmessa lived in Ethiopia until 2005. When it came to deciding on a college, many schools were interested in Gurmessa playing on their soccer team, but there was something about SCU that drew her in. I love soccer and I could play it every day, but my education comes first. SCU has a lot of majors and public health major, which Im currently majoring in, Gurmessa said. Gurmessas favorite part of soccer is playing the game. The moment is magical to her regardless of whether the team wins or loses. In the game, Gurmessa is able to be herself. Many things are challenging when living in a new country; for me it was learning how to be me, Gurmessa said. I wasnt myself for the longest time; it was like living a meaningless life, but as soon as I started high school and joined the soccer team I
Lensa Gurmessa
I do believe people respect the sport and dont mind watching the sport, Gurmessa said. Also, you do have to have the patience and the excitement to watch or play the game for the whole 90 minutes, because sometimes it takes over 90 minutes to score a single goal and that makes it very unique and a very competitive sport. It also shows started to live my life to the fullest again. that both the teams are putting everything Being on the soccer field makes Gurmessa on the line to defend the ball from going in feel like she is complete. the net. It really is amazing! Gurmessa said. I feel like my soccer mates know me Gurmessa is concerned that, in the U. more than anyone else, Gurmessa said. S., sometimes it seems as though soccer Despite the cultural barrier, I made it players are trained to become like soccer through and I still play soccer without playing robots. support from my family. It also tells me I have had a lot of coaches in the past that I made it in this country despite the here, and I have come across coaches who language barrier. That moment really let me be me and explore on my own and gives me a chance to reflect upon my others who want me to do exactly as they past and my future life. say and that just takes the fun out of soccer, Lensa Gurmessa. Photo courtesy of St. Gurmessa started playing soccer when Gurmessa said. Catherine Universitys athletic page. she was eight or nine years old. Although Gurmessa loved playing this season soccer is a very popular sport in Ethiopia, here at SCU with new the coaching staff women are often excluded from the action. the passion to strive towards improvement. because they give the players a chance to be You dont find many female soccer players Soccer for sure differs depending on the creative and free on the field, which made because its considered a male sport [in environment youre in, but I have to say soccer the season much more enjoyable despite an Ethiopia], Gurmessa said. However, I was more enjoyable and fun when I was in unlucky season. normally dont take no for an answer so Ethiopia, Gurmessa said. Maybe it was I love playing soccer with all my heart, I started playing with a couple of my guy because I was still young then, so it wasnt Gurmessa said. My family and some of my friends and that was when I realized Im as competitive yet. However, in Ethiopia it friends think Im sacrificing a lot to be playing really passionate about the sport. was more like the coaches coached us to be soccer, but soccer really completes me and Gurmessas uncle exposed her to soccer as ourselves and learn as we go on. fills me up with happiness. During [the] she became older. He coached her and gave In the United States, soccer is not as popular soccer season I put a lot of things on hold, her a few tips about soccer which gave her as it is in other parts of the world. such as working and taking only 12 credits so I can perform better in all the things I do. November 8, 2011 She also says that she is -5:00 p.m. Swimming and Diving Hour of Power in St. Paul limited in doing certain things, going places and November 10, 2011 participating in other -7:00 p.m. Basketball vs. Upper Iowa University (exhibition) in Fayette, IA activities because every day she has to have November 11, 2011 enough energy to give -7:00 p.m. Hockey vs. Augsburg College at Ridder Arena 100 percent at practice or during games, but to November 12, 2011 her it is worth it. -5:00 p.m. Hockey vs. Augsburg College in Minneapolis Even thoug h I complain ab out it November 18, 2011 sometimes, Im certainly -6:00 p.m. Basketball UMAC-MIAC in St. Joseph, MN not upset about it -6:00 p.m. Swimming and Diving Concordia / Augsburg Double Dual in St. Paul because I love the sport, -7:00 p.m. Hockey vs. Saint Marys University at Mariucci Arena Gurmessa said.
November 19, 2011 -9:00 a.m. / 1:00 p.m. Swimming and Diving Roger Ahlman Invite at Macalester in St. Paul -1:00 p.m. Basketball UMAC-MIAC in St. Joseph, MN -4:00 p.m. Hockey vs. Saint Marys University in Winona, MN
Swimmer Sarah Vrudny. Photo by Bryan Tolcser (BryanTolcserPhotography.com). Used with permission.