Professional Documents
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THE Wheel
November 22, 2011 - VOLUME 79 ISSUE 6
SCU proclaims,
No mas!
On Nov. 18 through 20, St. Catherine University (SCU) students and faculty traveled to Ft. Benning, Georgia to join with thousands of people from around the world to speak out against the School of the Americas/WHINSEC. For more information regarding these groups, go to soawatch.org. See page 6 for Twitter updates from The Wheels photo editor, Heather Kolnick, one of the students who attended the protest. Left: School of the Americas (SOA) protesters walk in a symbolic funeral procession with crosses displaying the names of people murdered by graduates of SOA. As names were read over loudspeakers, participants in the vigil shouted Presente! after each name to represent the presence of the deceased among them. Photo by Heather Kolnick.
A longer wait
By Ashley Skwiera
staff writer
Due to recent construction throughout St. Paul and along Riverside Avenue in Minneapolis, the decision has been made to make adjustments to the Associated Colleges of the Twin Cities (ACTC) bus schedule starting Jan. 17. In a statement from the ACTC website announcing the change, The improved bus schedule provides additional travel time between the campuses most affected by traffic and construction, and reduces the total number of rounds the buses make each day. Dean of Student Affairs Curt Galloway addressed the change made by Safe-Way earlierthis semester. The primary reason [this change] was [made] was that Safe-Way, the bus company, was finding it difficult to stay on schedule because of all the construction thats happening within St. Paul and then over [in] Minneapolis, Galloway said. The changes will result in a five minute
addition to the two ACTC buses cycles reducing the number of routes from 16 to 14. After stopping at Macalester College, there will be an additional three minutes added to bus ones route. Also impacted by this route is the time between stops at Hamline University and the University of St. Thomas (UST), which will have an increase of two minutes inbetween schools. The route for bus two will add an additional five minutes between St. Catherine University-St. Paul campus (SCU-SP) and UST. Lauren Kann, a fifth year student who lives on the Minneapolis (MPLS) campus and takes all of her classes on the St. Paul campus, does not believe the changes will be positive. When I am going back to the MPLS campus it has been running late due to traffic usually around rush hour. I really dont think the changes will make that big of a change due to the weather that is coming. Then the bus will run late because of the snow. So the
Students from the SCU Minneapolis Campus wait for the ACTC bus as it pulls up to the bus stop. Photo by Alexa Chihos.
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2 | The Wheel
Monday from 4:455:45 p.m. in CDC Year: 3rd year 287. Students are Major/Minor: Public Health welcome to attend. with a Policy and Social What you enjoy Science concentration doing for leisure: Position on Senate: Junior S i n g i n g t o o l d Class Co-Representative. We school music, praise seek out and address the dancing and helping needs and concerns of the coordinate actvities Junior Class and make sure for youth at church. were visible and effectively representing them through Favorite Quote: activities such as class My character, my integrity, my faith in meetings twice yearly. God, He favors me! Other Clubs/Organizations you are involved in: President Words of wisdom of the Black Students to other Katies: Association, member of Get connected and the Senate Financial Affairs stay faithful to your Committee which meets every morals. of generosity rather than self-indulgence in outlandish things. With the job market looking bleak and housing dropping in value, economists and OccupyWallSt protestors have said that the future looks bleak for many. Be responsible buyers, we are what we have, Miller said. I avoid the impulse section, the section right at the front of the checkout line where they have gum, candy, magazines and sometimes DVDs, sophomore Thuthao Dinh said. OccupyWallSt and OccupyMN protestors have stood against the corporations and political system that have contributed to the downfall of the U. S. economy. On the many Occupation websites, blog writers and supporters of the movement have written words of inspiration and statements to think about for the future. We currently stand as the 99%. When it comes to the focus of where our minds should be, we reiterate that there are larger issues that we need to deal with as a society, blog writer Gatekeeper for OccupyMN said. Whether our focus remains upon the pensions of those that risk their own safety for us, or upon those that are currently unemployed, it is important to remember that we are all our own leaders and have the ability to help create the change we feel we need both within the current structures that exist and beyond. We have come together to create a voice for the people, and it is our intention to not only maintain The Peoples Plaza as a space to help create such a discussion, but also to participate with those that stand in solidarity with the global movement. Shika and Miller recommend financial literary magazines such as Yes! Magazine, Dollars & Sense, and Network Connection for students to get a better understanding of the current economy and the different ways it is affecting individuals, local businesses, and national businesses and organizations. Caitlyn can be reached at cmwitt@stkate.edu.
WALLSTREET continued...
switch from national banks to local credit unions, creating one of the first concrete reforms in society in which the public is taking steps to act locally. Nearly 71,000 people have switched from the Bank of America to credit unions. Credit unions are local, which means that people know where their money is going and have a better personal customer service experience with those [who are] handling the money, which is the exact opposite of a national bank, Shika said. Credit unions also have lower fees, higher interest rates on savings, and lower loan rates, according to an Omaha World Herald report. How one manages finances has been the subject of many economists and consumer reporters debates. The U. S. makes up only 5 percent of the worlds population, yet we use 25 percent of the worlds resources. America lives beyond its needs, we need to educate people about how to live within their own means, even if that means not buying the latest clothing or high-end products, Miller said. As college students, the professors declare that our generation is at the pinnacle of our time . [We] must ask questions and be aware of what is happening to our nation and our community, Miller said. Local businesses struggle to stay open, houses are being foreclosed, credit card debt is building up and student loans are piling up. Students need to ask the economic question
WHEELSTAFF
Volume 79, issue 6
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: ASHLEY DE LOS REYES, SARAH KICZULA Adviser: SHEILA ELDRED Senior Staff Writers: CAITLYN WITT, DEVON ARNDT, RACHEL ARMSTRONG Staff Writers: SARAH KICZULA, ASHLEY SKWIERA, HEATHER KOLNICK 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.
The European Union is faltering, the stock market is volatile and over 13.9 million people in the U. S. are unemployed. Despite the instability, many of our nations leaders continue to propose fiscal policies that are both unsustainable and fiscally irresponsible. This is problematic not only due to the current economic situation, but also because it reflects our countrys lack of understanding of economic fundamentals. We have become an economically illiterate society. George Stigler, a Nobel Laureate in economics, eloquently stated, The public has chosen to speak and vote on economic problems, so the only open question is how intelligently it speaks and votes. If the fiscal policies proposed by many of the presidential hopefuls are any indication of our nations intelligence, then it appears that we have chosen the latter option. The result: We elect policymakers who promise to stimulate the economy through taxation, government spending and investment. As a general rule, policymakers who argue that taxes are too high are typically not just in favor of low taxes; they are also in favor of smaller government. They ignore the fact that the recent tax cuts have not decreased government spending. Instead, it has increased the budget deficit and reduced national saving. Therefore, I am often wary of politicians proposed fiscal policies. Herman Cain continuously touts his 9-9-9 plan, Rick Perry is suggesting a 20 percent flat tax rate, and Mitt Romney has proposed placing trade sanctions on China. While such proposals may sound appealing,
they often result in negative externalities. For example, Rick Perrys flat tax rate plan would give the wealthiest Americans a big tax break, widening income inequality further, and Romneys sanctions would likely cause a trade war with China. While politicians may suggest these plans as a way to attract voters, as a society, we should be economically literate enough to understand that many of these plans are unfeasible. Economic literacy provides the tools for understanding our economic world and helps us to interpret events that will affect our country. Economic literacy gives us the ability to comprehend and evaluate critical issues. Furthermore, economics provides individuals with valuable decision-making skills. It can help us decide whether to purchase a new home or invest in the stock market. For a nation to become economically literate, it is important to have a foundation in the principles of economics. This knowledge would not only enhance our credibility as voters but also as consumers and producers. Every time we make an economic decision, we are contributing to a system that is both unsustainable and unbalanced. We cannot continue to elect policymakers who are proposing polices that only profit one group of people. As members of a prosperous global economy, it is our job to be enlightened economists. We must choose to speak and vote intelligently. Devon can be reached at dvarndt@stkate.edu.
The Wheel | 3
News in brief
A new law that would allow transgendered people to change their names and gender markers on government documents without proof of medical intervention has been approved by 13 of Kyrgyzstans government ministries. Currently, the law is awaiting the signature of the prime minister of Kyrgyzstan to go into effect. The law is the result of the efforts of Labrys, a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights group which is also a Global Fund grantee.
Pro-Ramen
By Carolyn Pivec
4 | The Wheel
FEATURES
Novemb
The First G
By Ashley Skwiera
staff writer
Maruge (Oliver Litondo) at his desk, towering over his classmates in The First Grader, written by Ann Peacock, directed by Justin Chadwick. The First Grader is a BBC Films, UK Film Council in association with Videovision Entertainment, Lip Sync and ARTE France, a Sixth Sense/Origin Pictures Production. 2009 Photo courtesy of Kerry Brown.
Maruge (Oliver Litondo) and Jane (Naomie Harris) celebrate with the children in The First Grader, written by Ann Peacock, directed by Justin Chadwick.The First Grader is a BBC Films, UK Film Council in association with Videovision Entertainment, Lip Sync and ARTE France, a Sixth Sense/Origin Pictures Production. 2009 Photo courtesy of Kerry Brown.
In a classroom not much bigger than a firstyears dorm room sits a man almost 80 years older than the students around him. Maruge (Oliver Litondo), an 84 year old Kenyan, came for his free primary education which Kenya had promised to all in 2003. Based on a true story, The First Grader is a captivating telling of what a man is willing to do to reach his goal of reading a letter from the President of Kenya while changing the lives of others. His education is a consistent struggle. Maruges first barrier is simply getting through the wire and wood framed gate inclosing the small school. Only after he has obtained the required booklet and pencil with the proper uniform is he allowed to enter, but not without heavy persistence on his part. Maruge is not just any elderly man who wants to gain his overdo education, but he was a fighter of the Mau Mau uprising and helped win freedom for Kenya while surviving the detention camps of the British for 10 years until 1963 when the captives were freed. It is through the flashback scenes that we learn why Maruge cannot hear so well, why he limps when he walks and why his family is missing. The film showed Maruge getting a sharpened pencil pushed into his ears by the British keeping him in the camp. His family was missing because they were murdered in front of him. He limps because the British had cut his toes off. Specifically, the pencil scene is the point where I could no longer watch the film for a few moments and had to blur my vision as I heard others in the Jeanne De Arc Auditorium gasp with a mixture of horror and being grossed out. It broke my heart seeing someone in so much physical pain because of another human being. The film later showed Maruges wife and Justin Chadwick, director of T children killed in front of him. in association with Videovisio Maruge is given no break as Pictures Production. 200 he is told he can no longer be growing, and little homes but they were by no means middle class. They were all poor situations but the buildings were far more substantial than that one shown in the movie. They had some mason buildings. Every time we went to a school they might be 100 [students] to a classroom [and] maybe five to a desk and they would be kind of jammed in there. They had a couple newer buildings but still within those new buildings and when I say new they still dont compare to our buildings. TW: Is religion taught in the public schools? CC: Kenya is very religious country, so its almost like you dont have to. Many of the schools, before they said all education is free, were a lot of private schools and some of them were Catholic. Some of the schools had St. Margarets school and then another name attached to it, it would still be carrying the St. Margaret but its a public school, supported by the government. At times people might be asked to pray and thats what they do even in a government situation. Religion is woven in the pattern; when you go there you just know its going to be there and just kind of go with the flow. TW: What do you believe is the most prominent barrier for the education of women in Kenya? CC: I think finding ways to get them uniforms, finding ways to get them supplies
a student in the pr learn with the othe His teacher and rep Harris), is willing t great lengths by sp secretary in Nairob the media, and eve inside the school i the secretary uses t Kenyas future as cannot use the res school, as if his edu because of his age. from this encounte her to stand and ra of keeping Maruge Eventually Maru Jane is transferred Janes leaving is n and especially the who throw anythi new teacher when s because of one ch
CC: Many of the schools have very dedicated teachers, but some of them dont have enough education. They might have a two year certificate but they really need more. They could use some of our computers [since] we turn over computers every four to five [years]. A lot of the schools dont have running electricity to the entire school, but if they had a computer lab thats where it would probably run. Out of 20 schools, three were giving free lunches [and] for some of the kids that was it for the day. Some [of the schools] would send [students] home at lunch and some of them wouldnt have any place to go. They either lived too far, knew there was no food at home, [or] stay[ed] in the fields nearby the schools, and when it was time to come back, they would come back. I saw a couple of kids become sick because they were just hungry and there was nothing at the school. We brought some [pictures of people in occupations] but we didnt have enough. We brought pictures of people like scientists and astronauts, so they can aspire as they look towards the future, especially [since] the girls are thought of second to boys in getting an education. TW: To tie it back to The First Grader film, what was your take on the school that was represented? CC: Where [Maruge] went was in more of a farm region so you had lots of cornfields and individual plots of land with vegetables
TW impor
TW movem
CC: in Ken on an rough level o are wo come for res do you how to govern
FEATURES
A review of a film shown in the JDA
The Wheel | 5
Grader
rimary school and must er adults. presentative, Jane (Naomie to fight for him. She goes peaking to the education bi, standing up for him to en simply allowing him in the first place. Sadly, the line the children are the reason why Margue sources in the childrens ucation does not matter . Jane goes away quietly er, even though I wanted aise her voice in passion e in the school. uge leaves the school once to another site. not taken well by Maruge children of the school, ing they can find at the she arrives. This started hild, Kamau, who was a
struggling student in Maruges class. It was at this point when I silently cheered inside, knowing Jane would probably come back, in which she later did because of Maruge. Maruge was so determined to get Jane back, not just for himself, but for the happiness of all the children. He set off to Nairobi where he hastily walked into a closed meeting of the Chairmen and showed what he had done for his country many years ago, revealing his scars, and explained why Jane is needed at the school now. Maruge believes, the power is in the pen. In most parts of the world today, if you cannot read or write your hopes of advancing are greatly lowered. This film shows exactly how much education can do for a person at any age. Ashley can be reached at amskwiera@stkate.edu.
The First Grader.The First Grader is a BBC Films, UK Film Council on Entertainment, Lip Sync and ARTE France, a Sixth Sense/Origin 09 Photo courtesy of Kerry Brown.
other things that will keep them in ol. Most of that is the future of most oping countries. You teach the women he family comes along and the men along too in many, many groups. They reaching out beyond their bounds and resources to the community. I think the on keeping girls in school is critical.
C: I think technology would be a great I went [to Tanzania] about 12 years even though theyre poor and not as developed in infrastructure as Kenya, were far ahead in their cell phones [and] internet. They had more internet cafes you could shake a stick at. Then I went o Kenya and I went high-rises [and] it harder to find internet cafes.
to do with the resources once they get them, they just need to get those resources. Were not there to bring a model- we did this over here now you do this over there- we dont do that. They have to come to us, they have to lay out what they want. We [then] go, oh thats a little bit too hot, I dont know if we can help you with that, but someone else might be able to help you. Thats how we balance out trying to make sure people get what they need, the tools they need, skills, access to talk to people. Its not always about food and medical supplies; sometimes its just opening a door for somebody. TW: How does that tie into primary and secondary education- the social justice movements or womens movements that are happening right now? CC: There are a lot of organizations here in this country supporting secondary education because a lot of times girls and boys get to a certain level and then they have to pay or it becomes more expensive. Theyre away from home and they are a boarding school essentially. That is an issue for student[s] to be able to progress so they can get to college, which is another fee. It is part of the social justice issues that students be able to continue to the next level in school. There are a lot of bright people that I have met but cant get a job for the skills that theyve trained for so they have to leave the country, [and] so those resources are leaving.
TW: You talk a lot about women being involved as prominent force in social change, but where are the men? CC: The men are there, theyve been in charge a lot. You [also] have to train them and show them where the resources are. We have a holistic approach. Weve been working with the government of Elderat to bring in training. Most of those people in government are men although their constitution has instituted a certain number of women be elected and women are rising up more to be elected to different positions. That challenges their position and their thinking to provide better services as the field of competition for those seats in government becomes more competitive. I would say men are very active, they want to get involved, but when we talk to them we draw a little picture, this is an inclusive plan for women, mothers, children and youth. Becky can be reached at rjdoucette@stkate.edu.
C: There are huge womens organizations nya. There [are] women who are willing, ny given day, to go down and just be hed up by police. You never know the of intensity, the purpose the women orking for; they dont need anyone to in and identify whats wrong. We look sources and ask them what resources u need and then we show them either to get them and how to work with [the nment] or talk to them. They know what
Coventry Cowens shows pictures she took of the schools and students in Kenya. Photo by Alexa Chihos.
6 | The Wheel
FEATURES
-Africa NightTop left: Rhea Nambalirwa 15, Faith and SCU Senate President Latifah Kiribedda 12 celebrate Africa Night in the Rauenhorst Ballroom. Top right: Poster for Africa Night. Bottom: Students choreographed a dance that incorporated music and dance moves from many African countries. Photos by Ashley de los Reyes and Heather Kolnick.
The Wheel
and debt
By Anne Moe
sections editor
Five years ago when St. Catherine University (SCU), then the College of Saint Catherine, noticed a drop in retention, they found that one of the main reasons was financial difficulty. In response, the Peer Money Mentors was created. The program is one-of-a-kind and has provided a unique view of financial success. Those who work in the program provide kind, smiling and knowledgable faces to those seeking advice and guidance for their financial concerns. Best of all, the services they provide are included in tuition, so students do not need to pay more money to learn about money. We help students with basic financial management such as budgeting, saving, credit and understanding financial aid. We have a unique perspective because we are students, too and we can relate emotionally with other students, senior student and Peer Money Mentor Lillie Mobley said. Peer Money Mentors help students in a variety of different ways. Each semester, they host speakers who educate students on everything from inexpensive grocery shopping to paying back loans in a timely manner. Students can also be referred to Shannon Doyle, a Certified Credit Counselor with Lutheran Social Services, who can sit down with students and give them more in depth services such as loan consolidation. Peer Money Mentors can provide individualized attention to students to discuss financial issues. We are available to sit down with students and talk about budgeting or other financial concerns. Just being supportive is a key aspect, and directing them to the appropriate area is necessary, Joann Ott, a graduate student in the Holistic Health Studies Program who
@The_Wheel_SCU
Whats happening?
At SOA protest...
HEALTH
The Wheel | 7
Ask Katie!
By Kaitlyn Dahle
staff writer
All natural
It seems that people are getting hairier these days; and not just because its getting cold outside! Its called, No Shave November, and people have been flaunting their mustaches, armpits and legs ever since the movement began in 2003. This affects everyone at St. Catherine University (SCU) because our community extends to the males who are friends, family, professors and faculty; we are not just a community of women. The SCU community most likely knows someone who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, or maybe someone who has passed away because of this cancer. According to No Shave November website,
The Ask Katie! peer health advisers answer your health-related questions
Compiled by Sarah Kiczula
The holiday blues are quite common and are said to be caused by the stressfulness of holiday events. Just think of what we do during the holiday season: shop, cook, travel and host house-guests, family reunions and parties. All of this comes at a price. The holiday blues have been described as feelings of intense and unsettling sadness that are short-lived, meaning they last only for a few days to a few weeks around the holidays until the individual returns to their daily routine. It is possible that holiday blues or the blues in general may turn into clinical depression. Symptoms of clinical depression, unlike the blues, are present nearly every day and carry on for at least two weeks. These symptoms may interfere with how one functions during work, self care and social activities. With that in mind, the Psychology Today website provides 10 helpful tips on how to stay level-headed with the approaching holiday season: Be logical with your schedule: dont overbook yourself into a state of exhaustion--this makes people irritable, cranky and depressed. Organize your time: decide upon your priorities and stick to them. Remember: no matter what the plans, the holidays do not automatically take away feelings of loneliness, sadness and frustration. Be careful about resentments related to holidays past: declare an amnesty with whichever family member or friend you feel past resentment toward. Dont expect the holidays to be just as they were when you were a child: they never are; you are not the same as when you were a child, and no one else in the family is either. Are you feeling like you have too much time on your hands during the holiday season? Volunteer to serve a holiday dinner at a homeless shelter. Work with any number of groups that help underprivileged or hospitalized children around the holidays. There are many opportunities for doing community service. Plan unstructured, low-cost holiday activities: look at holiday decorations, observe peoples Christmas lights on their homes or go ice skating at a local park. If you drink, do not let the holidays become a reason for over-indulging. This will exacerbate your depression and anxiety. Alcohol is a depressant, and those who suffer from depression should not consume alcohol. Give yourself a break: create time for yourself to do the things you love and need to do for your physical and mental wellness. Aerobic exercise, yoga, massage, spiritual practices, taking long fast walks or any activity that calms you down and gives you a better perspective on what is important in your life are all good options. Most of all, remember the sky is partly sunny and the glass is half full: celebrate good health and face each day with hope and determination. So if youre feeling anxious or a little pressured by upcoming holiday events, remember these helpful tips to calm you down. For more information about the holiday blues visit www.journeyofhearts. org/kirstimd/blues1.htm#Blues. Happy Holidays!
the movement was inspired by the breast cancer awareness efforts. Looking at the American Cancer Society statistics, about 240,890 cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed this year in the United States. This means that one out of every 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Unfortunately, prostate cancer is estimated to take the lives of 33,720 men in the United States; which is one out of 36 men. However, this story is not entirely grim. The No Shave November efforts was able to raise $42 million for prostate cancer research last year. Hopefully, efforts will continue to grow as the years progress.
Kaitlyn can be reached at kmdahle@stkate.edu.
Right: Sophomore student Leah Matz poses proudly while displaying her impressive leg hair. Photo by Heather Kolnick.
cupped together. Butter: A teaspoon of butter is about the size of the tip of your thumb. Gravy: A tablespoon resembles the size of a thumb. Another healthy eating tip for Thanksgiving that health experts recommend is not skipping meals prior to this feast. Drinking alcoholic beverages also increases the likelihood of overeating. Drink water with your meal and pace yourself between bites of food and consuming your drink. Another great tip for eating big meals is to wait for about 15-20 minutes before heading for seconds or onto dessert to allow your body to get a chance to send signals to the brain that it is full. This is often where health experts say people ignore their internal signals of fullness and head for more. Take smaller bites. Place your utensil(s) down between bites. Chew your food. This will help you eat less and feel fuller...and having Thanksgiving leftovers for the next week is the best, health writer Gloria Tang said. Portion control and making a conscious effort to eat a balanced meal during this holiday season is key to healthy eating. Creating visual aids or estimating the portions and creating a color palette on the plate will help to make a balanced meal and allow you to sample all of the delicious dishes being offered! Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving! Caitlyn can be reached at cmwitt@stkate.edu.
Photo finish:
Facilitators of a self-defense workshop demonstrate safety techniques. The workshop was organized by Ask Katie!, Department of Public Safety, and SCUs Peer Health Education Group. Photo by Sarah Kiczula.
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.
8 | The Wheel
SPORTS
are men, and 63 percent of those who play paintball have an average household income of at least $73,000 per year, which is approximately 40 percent higher than the average household in the U. S. The equipment necessary for paintball is expensive. Everything from guns, paintballs and CO2 cartridges, to masks and jerseys are needed to play safely and competitively. As with most things, with quality comes expense, disenfranchising those who are not wealthy. In our culture, we are all so desensitized
Paintball, a sport?
By Anne Moe
sections editor
As a child, my mother was constantly reminding me that guns were not toys. However, the sport of paintball doesnt voice this message. The growing popularity of paintball on college campuses is concerning because it sends the message that violence, most notably gun violence, is an acceptable way of releasing stress and frustrations and having fun. Where is the line between fun and violence drawn? At the heart of paintball is the idea that shooting people, albeit with bullets made of paint, is enjoyable and even fun. Dont get me wrong; Im not under the impression that everyone who plays paintball is going to get angry and kill people, but repercussions associated with playing paintball dont signify the real world consequences of playing with guns that have actual bullets. We expect people to make good decisions, but when decisions are made based upon skewed ideas it is hard to make those choices. This desensitization towards being violent to others with minimal consequences makes me worried, especially for college students who are influenced by the norms that surround them. At this time, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the governing body of collegiate sports, does not recognize paintball as an official sport. However, this does not prevent collegiate club paintball from thriving. The National Collegiate Paintball Association (NCPA) is the governing body over collegiate paintball, and provides opportunities for the clubs of various universities to compete. As a pacifist, its challenging to see the appeal of paintball, but others dont feel the same way. There are 209 clubs in 45 states that comprise the clubs that the NCPA recognizes, and involvement has increased in recent years. As of Feb. 2011, the University of St. Thomas (UST) has included paintball as a club sport. UST is one of eight universities in Minn. that has a paintball club, and like a majority of collegiate clubs in Minn., its partially funded by the university. With the promotion of violence aside, paintball is also an issue of equality both in terms of gender and in socio-economic status. 79 percent of those who play paintball
Two paintball players in action. According to the Minnesota Paintball Association, paintball is a combination of tag and hide and seek, but is much more challenging and sophisticated. The object of the game is to capture your opponents flag and return it to your flag base. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
Athlete profile:
By Becky Doucette
associate editor
As the season came to a close, more good news for the St. Catherine University (SCU) Volleyball Team entered the playing field. Junior student Brittni Wangerin was named to the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) 2011 All-Conference Team for her Outside Hitter (OH) position. The All-Conference Team features 22 student-athletes in the MIAC and is based on the students athletic performance throughout a given season. The students are chosen through nominations from each of the Head Coaches in the MIAC. Wangerin mentioned that in the past three years that she has been at SCU, one person from the team has been nominated. In 2010, Nicole Neumann was named to the All-Conference Team and named Defensive player of the year. It is a great honor to represent SCU as
Brittni Wangerin
I try to bring energy to the team and be a go-to person when we really need it. I hope that the freshmen looked to me as an example both on and off the court as well, Wangerin said. The success mirrors the overall volleyball teams success this season. The SCU volleyball team had 18 wins and 11 loses overall, and my teammates have in the past. To me this within the conference they had four wins and is really an honor to be placed on the All three loses. This placed the SCU volleyball Conference Team, Wangerin said. team in seventh place in the MIAC, just shy Wangerin was considered to be one of of making the playoffs. the best players on the team this year, with This season was very successful for our 328 kills in the season. A kill is a spike of team, Wangerin said. We have made huge the ball onto the opponents side of the net strides in this last season getting us where without a return. we want to be. I am very thankful that my Head Coach Corey Phelps stated that the team and my coaches put as much trust and obvious increase in Wangerins statistics was confidence in me as they did, as that was a to be feared. definite key to my success this year. She was at the top of the conference in Phelps mentioned his appraisal for his kills, attacking attempts, aces and digs. She team this year, and expressed some of the was a threat both offensively and defensively, risks taken by the teammates. and teams had to game plan just to avoid her We had depth at almost every position beating up on them, Phelps said. and we had players who were willing to do Wangerins success, which reflects her whatever it takes to help the team improve, own improvement, also reflects the work Phelps said. Even if it meant playing a the coaches have had on the team. position that they had never played before Having players from your program be or werent totally comfortable withtheyre named All-Conference means you are doing all fantastic young women. Brittni Wangerin. Photo courtesy of your job in helping your student-athletes As Wangerin prepares for her last year at St. Catherine Universitys athletic become better at their sport, and those around SCU and on the volleyball team, she sees page. our conference have noticed, Phelps said. herself as a leader to help the team make it to the playoffs next season. November 30, 2011 While we still have -7:30 p.m. Basketball vs. Bethel University at the Butler Center work to do, our skill level -7:30 p.m. Dance performance at the basketball game in the Butler Center and team chemistry have really brought us together December 2, 2011 and we have the potential -6:00 p.m. Swimming and Diving St. Thomas Invite in St. Paul to be a big competitor in -7:30 p.m. Hockey vs. the College of St. Benedict in St. Cloud-MAC the conference next year, Wangerin said. This is December 3, 2011 a great success point for -Dance St. Thomas Dance Competition in St. Paul me and this was one of -1:00 p.m. Swimming and Diving St. Thomas Invite in St. Paul my goals coming into -3:00 p.m. Basketball vs. Hamline University in St. Paul playing college volleyball. -3:00 p.m. Hockey vs. the College of Saint Benedict at Ridder Arena I want the most success possible for myself and my December 5, 2011 team. Its a great feeling -6:00 p.m. Basketball vs. Concordia College at the Butler Center to know that our team is -7:30 p.m. Dance performance at the basketball game in the Butler Center only heading forward and we just keep on getting December 7, 2011 better. -7:30 p.m. Basketball vs. the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN December 10, 2011 -1:00 p.m. Basketball vs. Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, IL -1:00 p.m. Swimming and Diving St. Kates Diving Invite in the Butler Center -5:00 p.m. Hockey vs. Concordia College in Buffalo, MN Becky can be reached at rjdoucette@stkate.edu.
December 11, 2011 -Dance College of St. Benedict Show in St. Joseph, MN