Collegian T he Cameron University
www.aggiecentral.com
Monday, November 13, 2023
Volume 109 Issue 8
Photo by Ramona Villegas
Cameron's Vet VetFest Fest Brittney Payette Managing Editor
At 10:15 a.m. on Nov. 6 in the Bentley Gardens, Cameron University’s VetFest celebration began with the firing of the Salute Howitzer, the French 75 cannon and Cameron’s Big Ollie. Coordinator of Veterans Affairs (VA) Vickie Henson, who has been at Cameron for 38 years was in charge of organizing the VetFest activities and works in the Veterans Affairs office. “We’re a full-service VA office,” Henson said. “So, we do a lot of events that revolve around benefits that are available to service personnel and to veterans, so that they know what’s available … we have a lot of veterans who don’t necessarily know what their educational benefits are, but they also don’t know about other types of VA benefits that are available.” She said that one of the goals of the VetFest resource fair that is to provide diverse information to people, including information about benefits and services that their organization provides. “We have over thirty organizations representative from the federal level, from the state level, and also from the community,” Henson said. “All of them are related to things that are either military or veteran related subjects.” Some of the organizations present at the event included representatives from the Muskogee VA educational office, representatives from the VA’s human resources department and
service organizations such as the and a learning station where the Veterans of Foreign Wars group medicine park aquarium was here.” among others. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. She also said Cameron’s VA office 6-7 in the McMahon Centennial started the resource fair in 2011 and Complex’s parking lot there were decided to expand from that and have outside displays including the French VetFest. 75 Cannon, robotics and humvees. “This is our fourth time to do Also present was Fort Sill’s mascots VetFest,” Henson said. “We’ve tried Big Deuce the donkey and Shortround to take it and turn it into a, literally the goat. a celebration of our military and our Other events included a discussion veterans that occurs during the entire about current events affecting week. So, we have 7,000 flags that are Oklahoma veterans from John Nash, flying on campus.” the State Secretary of Military and She said Cameron’s VA department VA, a discussion about famous Native hosted a third and fourth grade class American Veterans from Kevin from Bishop elementary school. Pohawpatchoko, the Comanche “They were able Indian Veterans to come, and we Association had the Southwest Commander “The goal is that Institute of Martial and Carry veterans and our Arts (who) did a 45Metkowski, an military personnel executive officer minute program for them, teaching them and their families from Chick-Fil-A about the martial who discussed get information that arts,” Henson said. leadership. will improve their “They are led by a “The goal is veteran … he was that veterans lives.” gracious and they our military - Vickie Henson and came and did the personnel and Coordinator of their families get show for us for free Veteran Affairs information that for the kids. From there, we invited will improve their the Cameron family lives,” Henson to be able to join in and watch that said. “That’s what it’s all about. So, martial arts presentation.” sharing information that will improve She said after the martial arts the quality of lives of the people that presentation finished, they broke up we are here to serve.” into learning stations. She said she loves all of CU’s “I had a living historian from the VetFest events for different reasons. Fort Sill artillery museum,” she said. “I get to interact with so many “That taught them about revolutionary people that are just awesome,” she war, I had the learning station where said. “I love all of it because the they got to color a patriotic football, resource fair, we have so many people
that give up their time to come share information with others. I love that we have speakers up here that are available that can share information that can change lives.” Henson said seeing the 7,000 American flags out on campus honoring the veterans brings a smile to her face. “I hope it touches hearts,” she said. “And lets them know that we love and appreciate them. And that’s what this entire week’s celebration is about … We care about them, and they’re special, and we appreciate their service to our country.” Henson said that there is another VetFest happening in the Spring. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post 1193 representative Veronica Lewis said they participated in Cameron’s resource fair during VetFest last year too. “Different veterans or their family members came through,” Lewis said, “asked us questions, and when we found out about it this year, we called to make sure we’d be able to set up again this year.” She said the VFW does a lot of fellowshipping. “Our mission is to help the veterans, their family members and their dependents and orphans,” Lewis said. VFW’s other representative present at the resource fair was John Morgan, who said he enjoyed interacting with other organizations at VetFest. “We put out a lot of information about the VFW," Morgan said. For more information about the VA at Cameron, contact the office at va@ cameron.edu.
Photos by Brittney Payette
What’s Inside Cameron's VetFest Photos
Review: Marvel's Spiderman 2
Featuring: CU esports' Sarah Monk
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News
November 13, 2023 www.aggiecentral.com
VetFest
Photos by Ramona Villegas
Photo by Brittney Payette
1 KING 1 QUEEN Cash Prize: $500 in scholarships Deadlines
Registration: Dec. 1, 2023 Crowning: 6:30 p.m. March 23, 2024, in the CU Theatre
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or register at:
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Voices
November 13, 2023
www.aggiecentral.com
PLEASANTVILLE Public Relations students to host free screening of “Pleasantville” during Movie Night at the Vaska with special guest Justin Nimmo At 7 p.m. on Nov. 21 at the Vaska Theater in Lawton, public relations students from Cameron University will host a free screening of the 1998 critically acclaimed film “Pleasantville.” Following the film, special guest Justin Nimmo, an Oklahoma native who played one of Reese Witherspoon’s love interests in “Pleasantville,” will share his insights, anecdotes and behindthe-scenes experiences during a question-and-answer session. “Pleasantville” is a social commentary directed by Gary Ross that combines elements of comedy, drama and fantasy. Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon play siblings David and Jennifer, who are transported into the world of a black-and-white 1950’s sitcom called “Pleasantville” after an unusual encounter with a mysterious TV repairman. Pulitzer Prize winning film critic Roger Ebert – considered by many to be America’s most prominent and influential film critic until his
death in 2013 - gave the film four out of four stars, calling it “one of the best and most original films of the year.” Joe Leydon of Variety called it “a provocative, complex and surprisingly anti-nostalgic parable wrapped in the beguiling guise of a commercial high-concept comedy.” The event offers an opportunity for community members to experience the magic of the movie and engage with a talented actor who brought one of its characters to life. Nimmo, who is best known for his role as Zhane, the Silver Power Ranger in “Power Rangers in Space,” returned to Oklahoma after the filming of “Pleasantville” to focus on raising a family. When not working at his business, Just-in-Time RTO in Purcell, Nimmo travels to conventions to meet his fans. For more information, contact Matt Jenkins at mattj@cameron. edu.
Finding the right direction
Reflections from a First-Generation College Student Brittney Payette Managing Editor
Nov. 8 was national first-generation college celebration (FGCC) day. The day is an annual celebration that was created to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which was created by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The Council for Opportunity in Education and the Center for First-Generation Student Success launch the FGCC in 2017 in order to help encourage a national narrative on the first-generation college student experience. As a first-generation college student, it definitely caused me to do some self-reflection about how far I have come. I actually started at Cameron as a concurrent student in Fall 2019. I remember being so excited to be accepted into Cameron and nervous on my
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About Us
The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available twenty Mondays during the year. It is printed by the Lawton Constitution. The first issue is provided for free. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.
Our Views
The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Voices” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma. Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.
first day. I was anxious about what the other students would say since I was both a first-generation college student and because I was still in high school. I was worried that I would not feel like I belonged. Thankfully, everyone was nice and accepting. My first semester as a concurrent student I took American Federal Government and General Psychology, which I really enjoyed. I loved the discourse that I was able to have in my college classes that I did not get as much in high school. I felt like I learned so much in that first semester. Being a first-generation college student had its difficulties. I was unsure what to expect from college, and sometimes found myself confused on who to ask if I had questions. There were so many offices and departments, which sometimes made knowing where to go for specific questions confusing. Thankfully, I joined student support services (SSS), which I was eligible for because of my status as a first-generation college student and because I was pursuing my Bachelor’s degree. They guided me on my collegiate journey and helped create the foundations for understanding how to navigate Cameron. My freshman year, I especially received help from the SSS Freshman Guidance Specialist Cathleen Dutton, who met with me and answered some of my many questions. Another thing that really helped me was being a Presidential Leader and University Scholar (PLUS) recipient. As a PLUS member, we had an Intro to University Life class that we took our Freshman year, which was beneficial because it taught me more about how to better transition into college from high school. I also think that taking classes as a concurrent student made the transition easier because I had taken some classes at Cameron while I was still in high school, so the coursework was not a huge shock to me when I became a full-time college student after graduating from high school. However, my freshman year was in for a huge upset because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly, my classes were over Zoom and all of my assignments were online. Out of nowhere, my professors had to scramble to get all of the
assignments online, and I had to learn how to use Blackboard to a degree that I had not had to do before. It was a huge shock. I had expected to go maybe a week or so online and then go back to in-person classes. That, however, was not what happened. We did not return to in-person classes that semester. I had to learn how to be flexible and keep pushing forward despite the multitude of changes the pandemic engendered for people globally. I do have some advice for my fellow firstgeneration students. Try to join organizationsthey can really help steer you in the right direction and answer many of the questions that you may have. SSS is a great organization to join because they have so many resources available, including advisors who are just for SSS members, math and writing labs solely for SSS members, equipment for students to check out, scholarships and more. Clubs are great to join as well, and there are lots of those to join here at Cameron. There really is something for everyone. I strongly advocate for participation in college even outside the classroom. When you become part of a club or organization, you get to meet new people and have novel experiences that will help mold you. I know that it can be daunting to get involved in a new organization as a new member, but finding the place you feel like you belong is priceless. For me, that is the Collegian. There are numerous clubs to join on campus, so look for what you are passionate about or what sounds interesting to you. I sincerely believe that students will have a lot to gain from becoming more active on campus. I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors and I congratulate my first-generation peers on their successes. College is an investment in your future and I believe all of the things you gain from attending makes the struggles you go through worth it. College gives you indelible experiences that will change you perpetually. Learn from your mistakes and keep persevering.
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
Letters Policy
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Editorial Staff
Managing Editor - Brittney Payette News Editor - Brittney Payette Voices Editor - Scott Smith A & E Editor - Kemar Noel Student Life Editor - Kaley Muse Sports Editor - Ramona Villegas Copy Editor - Ryn Swinson
Newsroom Staff
Staff Writers - Skylar Teddington, Hannah Owens, Jeramie McMichael, and Austin Childers Faculty Adviser - Prof. David Bublitz
Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters for content and length. Letters should be no more than 250 words. Letters from individual authors will be published only once every four weeks. All letters from students should include first and last names, classification and major. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification. Letters can be sent by mail, by e-mail to aggiecentral@ cameron.edu or they may be dropped off to the Academic Commons 101.
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A&E
November 13, 2023 www.aggiecentral.com
SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MEN
MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN 2 REVIEW Kemar Noel
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A&E Editor
This review may contain spoilers for Marvel’s Spider-man 2. Swinging into the last few months of the year, Insomniac has done it again and has released yet another amazing triple-A game. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has been a much-anticipated game since the previous releases of Marvel’s Spider-Man and Marvel’s SpiderMan: Miles Morales. The previous games have done extremely well in not just visual design but both the gameplay and the story aspect as well. There have been a lot of Spider-Man games released, but nobody has been able to capture the essence of Spider-Man like Insomniac in their recent projects. Insomniac has been in the game for a long time and is known more for their Ratchet & Clank and Spyro games, but in recent years they have reclaimed their name through Spider-Man and are working on an upcoming Marvel’s Wolverine game. If this company continues making top-quality games, they may end up being a staple for top-of-the-line Superhero games. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 only adds to prior claims of greatness because of how much the series has improved since the last game. In this game, Insomniac managed to capture the superhero experience without taking away from compelling storytelling. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 follows the lives of both Miles and Peter and the struggles that come with wearing the mask. Both of our Spider-Men are the protagonists of this game with the story shifting focus between Miles and Peter. Miles at first is unable to forgive his father’s killer and has to come to terms with what being Spider-Man means. Miles must put aside the anger and rage for people who have robbed him in order to continue on with his life and save people. Peter is seen struggling with navigating through adulthood as Spiderman and is faced with an abundance of problems that come with leading a double life. Peter has it easier than he does in most comic iterations since some of his close family are already aware of him being Spider-Man, but the neighborhood web-head can never remain too happy in any medium.
In this game, Peter is faced with dealing with his sick childhood friend, Harry Osborn, and dealing with the Venom symbiote. The symbiote is a parasitic species that gives Peter an amplification in power but slowly takes over the host’s body as it makes them gradually angrier and more aggressive. In this game we are able to see the changes of Peter not just through the eyes of Peter but through the eyes of Miles. Miles being a protege and friend of Peter is watching his friend slowly get taken over by the symbiote. As Peter gets more angry and Venom takes more control over him we start to hear dialogue changes throughout the game in how Peter usually interacts with people. Peter is colder and more distant to not just his enemies, but friends and family too. Peter even after having to fight miles while under the control of the symbiote still lost his best friend Harry to the thing that could have saved him. The voice acting from all the characters is Amazing in how they are able to express emotion and sorrow through their respective characters. Horror Icon “Tony Todd” is the Voice Actor for
Venom, and he does a spectacular job. Every time the audience is greeted with Venom; he is able to send chills down the spine of the viewer not knowing what he will do next. Each and every character in this game has some depth or improvement. The Mary Jane missions’ players had problems with before made amazing strides in improving player enjoyment throughout these side quests. There are some gripes people have with the game regarding the overall difficulty compared to the first game. Single-player games are now expected to be very difficult and challenging like “Elden Ring” or Souls Games. This game while not as challenging definitely makes up for it with an amazing story, audio and visual design, and more. Not many games are able to make you feel like you are a part of the story but this one nails every aspect of its genre. Insomniac really took their time to add very minuscule details to make this game even better than fans already predicted it to be upon release. I have never been more confident in giving this game and solid 10.
Staff Writer
By Jeramie McMichael
Review: Super Mario Bros. Wonder is, as its name suggests, a true wonder. It is a hilarious platform game that never ceases to surprise players with creative and unpredictable level design, game mechanics, and story. It has taken me nearly 20 hours to complete the game 100%. The game regularly bombards players with new, unexpected surprises as well as unbeatable control and physics that keep players from becoming bored. The game offers the right number of challenges while remaining accessible to many players. Players enjoy both a single-player experience or in a party atmosphere. At its core, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a fun and fantastic escape from reality that will leave
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players smiling for years to come. I’m not sure of any other game whose hallmark achievement is “personality” while still being considered a top-tier adventure. Super Mario Bros. Wonder bakes personality into everything players see, hear, and do. A huge part of that wonder comes in not knowing what each new stage will bring, and the game couldn’t pull this off as well as it does without the little personality touches that never stop being endearing. In Super Mario Bros. Wonder, enemies react to players in different ways depending on what players are doing. Animations all have little flairs, like Mario grabbing his hat after he loses it when going through a pipe; updates to fireball, jumping, and ducking animations; and the elephant form blowing water on the flower resident at the end of each level. The game accounts for details that didn’t need to be, but they all add up to a well-thought-out game in even the smallest aspects. The elephant form is one of the new transformations that Mario and his other selectable friends can employ. Players can become an elephant and destroy bricks or enemies
and collect water in their trunk to sprinkle on seeds to see what might happen. Players can also don a drill hat and burrow into floors and ceilings alike, bypassing baddies and opening new areas. Fire Flowers return allowing players to fling fireballs or use a Bubble Flower to encapsulate enemies with bubbles or jump on the bubbles as makeshift trampolines. Players can also become goombas or spikey balls, along with a plethora of situational transformations that are dependent on the most important major addition to Super Mario Wonder, the Wonder Seed. The worlds and stages are already quite varied as each adds new creative gameplay elements, enemies and obstacles, but the Wonder Seeds change everything. If players come across a Wonder Flower on a stage, that sets up a Wonder Effect – buckle up, because anything can happen. I don’t want to spoil much, especially some wonder effects that are simply magical, but some of what players can expect include pipes coming alive, unlimited invincibility, stars falling from the sky and a 2D world changing into a 3D plane. These Wonder Seeds also have a habit of changing characters into many different forms, adding new temporary
gameplay variables to the stage. Very rarely does a game release that has virtually no flaws. Multiplayer allows players to play with friends in nearly any way they wish. This includes friends they know or new acquaintances from across the globe. Afraid of the game feeling the same? Fear not, as the game is constantly changing, even briefly switching genres from time to time due to the Wonder Effects. Tight controls also ensure that any mistakes players make are theirs alone, as well as their skillful triumphs. From popping and stylized graphics and animations that ooze personality to nostalgic and whimsical music and sound effects, new gameplay elements across so many varied stages, and replayability due to badges, power-ups, and Wonder Effects. Wonder is almost an understatement to describe Super Mario Wonder. It never ceases to amaze and surprise, all the way to the end and beyond where even more secrets await. We finally have a game that can match Super Mario World as a masterclass in 2D platforming. Super Mario Bros. Wonder epitomizes infectious personality and masterful perfection, and it is a must-play wonder to behold.
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Student Life
November 13, 2023 www.aggiecentral.com
Photo by Tawny Vanover
A LIFE SHAPED BY KNOWLEDGE:
A Cameron alumnus shares his story Tawny Vanover Staff Writer
In a world where a typical college experience only lasts four years, Cameron University Alumnus Christopher Argyros has never experienced such a tradition. His life has been shaped and woven into the very fabric of Cameron University academia. At just 20 years old, Argyros possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience of Cameron University that surpasses that of four traditional Cameron University students combined. However, this abundance of experience is not only attributed to academic experiences but also to his fond memories of childhood and adolescence. Raised in Lawton, Oklahoma, Argyros was born with Aggie spirit as his father, Dr. Ioannis Argyros, has been a mathematics professor at Cameron University for the last thirty-three years. “I have so many memories here,” Argyros said. “From childhood to adulthood, I quite
literally grew up on campus.” Argyros’s earliest memory on campus dates back to when he was just four years old. “Every weekend my dad would bring my brothers and I to the pool in the Aggie Rec Center,” Argyros said. “That’s where I first learned how to swim.” Throughout the years Argyros would continue to spend every weekend at Cameron University with his father and brothers. Whether swimming, playing basketball or roaming the halls of the mathematics building, Argyros was always involved in the Aggie atmosphere. “I would run up and down the halls out of boredom as a kid,” Argyros said. “My dad would show me his new publications, and I wasn’t impressed.” Argyros’s brother, Michael, said that Argyros was the mischievous one of the family. “Chris was always running around and getting into things,” Michael said. “He never got tired of racing around campus and
causing trouble.” Argyros’s early adolescent adventures remained the same throughout his childhood exploring campus alongside his brothers and feeling right at home at Cameron University. In Argyros’s teenage years, he discovered a newfound interest in the Aggie Rec Center. “I started getting into fitness,” Argyros said. “One day I was looking in my wallet and found my old university staff ID from when I was 13 and thought ‘why not’ and started working out at the Rec Center gym.” Working out in the Aggie Rec Center gym also led to Argyros being hired on as a lifeguard at the very same pool where he learned to swim. Prior to graduating high school, Argyros completed concurrent courses at Cameron University giving him a sense of student life and a head start on higher education. It was during this time that Argyros found out he had been selected as part of the Presidential Leaders University Scholars (PLUS) Scholarship
Program. “I almost didn’t attend Cameron for my bachelor’s degree,” Argyros said. “The PLUS scholarship was a huge deciding factor for me back then.” Argyros went on to say that he is happy with his decision to attend Cameron University. “I didn’t know it back then, but there is definitely something special about going to college in a place you’ve known your whole life,” Argyros said. Due to his concurrent enrollment successes, Argyros entered Cameron University right out of high school as a classified Junior. That meant he only had two years to have a full University experience, but for Argyros, this was not an issue. “I joined clubs and made so many friends,” Argyros said. “It never was a problem finding someone. I pretty much knew everyone here.” With graduation approaching quickly, Argyros began to understand the true reality of his Aggie experience and how unconventional it is.
“I was lifeguarding at the Rec center pool one day when the guy who actually taught me how to swim came in with his own baby and was teaching her how to swim,” Argyros said. “It was like a full circle moment in a way.” Argyros also had many academic accomplishments during this time as he received many honors including the Presidential Honor Roll, Phi Kappa Phi initiation and Who’s Who. It was also during this time that Argyros started conducting research alongside his father and multiple Cameron University professors on the subject of algorithms and computing technology. Argyros said that his first publication made him reevaluate the feelings he once held toward the subject as a child. “I understand what accomplishments my dad was trying to show me now,” Argryos said. “It was so nice sitting in that same office of his looking over my own work fifteen years later.” In May 2023, Argyros graduated from Cameron
University with his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology with Summa Cum Laude honors. Argyros said even the very location of his graduation provided one final full-circle experience as a Cameron Aggie. “I graduated college on the same field I played high school football and soccer on,” Argyros said. “It can’t get any more defining than that. My final Goodbye as a student still involved old memories.” Argyros currently works as a software engineer and said he loves his occupation and the role Cameron University played in guiding him there. “I will always be grateful for my Cameron experience and all it has done to lead me to where and who I am now,” Argyros said. Argyros’s heartfelt gratitude and deep rooted appreciation for Cameron University is a testament to the impact his untraditional university experience has made on his life.
Student Art Guild Pop-up Art Show
“Neon Lights” by Betty Patris
“My Kimono” by Krystal Solis
“Pretty Ugly” by Sage Girardot
“Seascape” by Cindy Shifflett
“As It May” by Kanney Do
The Art Guild held a popup art show at 7 p.m. on Nov. 7 in the University Theatre Lobby.
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Sports
November 13, 2023
www.aggiecentral.com
THE PICKAXE: Ramona Villegas
SARAHMONK
already had to replace parts of Sports Editor different hardware/ Student athlete Sarah Monk is equipment in a third-year Cameron esports team the room. The member who ranks 105 in the United computers in States for first-person hero schooter the room are Overwatch. top of the line, Monk found out about the esports yet unfortunately, team from the initial tour she took specific parts will go before becoming a student. Even before faulty over time. stepping into the room, she knew More funding esports was where she belonged. would get the team While Monk is continuously newer hardware/ extending her hand to anyone interested equipment, and in joining the team, there is still more scholarships hesitation from people. would give the team Monk said she would also love to the opportunity to have more women on the team since it recruit students out of can feel isolating being only one of two high school as most on the team. universities pay their “Some people might be afraid of players to play for signing up,” Monk said. “I always tell them. people to not be afraid, it’s really nice, “Another big issue everyone in here is really nice. The is we are not allowed teams are all really nice. I’ve never had to make any money any issues with anyone being mean.” when it comes to our Teammate Jadyn Taylor and team social media or like coach John Cunningham have made the Twitch or anything,” biggest impact on Monk’s experience Monk said. “Some so far on the team. issue with the state From Taylor playing consistently or because we are a over the summer with Monk to government-funded Cunningham reassuring Monk she college we aren’t is doing a good job and acting levelallowed to make any headed. money and that goes Cunningham has become a father around along with figure for Monk while she has been in funding as well.” college. In addition Cunningham has been there to to juggling her support her every step of the way while responsibilities as being the first one Monk spoke to about an esports team the esports team. member, Monk is Monk’s game of choice is Overwatch also majoring in which she has been playing for seven Journalism and years. Media Production During Overwatch practice, (JRMP) with a minor Monk tends to take the role of coach, in English. especially for the less-experienced Monk enjoys players. being a JRMP major Monk’s first love when it comes to since she feels as video games was World Of Warcraft, though most people which kickstarted her love for in the department are Overwatch. approachable, sociable, and kind. Monk’s favorite character to play on “I feel like a lot of people in this Overwatch is Mercy, mainly because major (JRMP) are like really open, she also speaks German and Mercy is outgoing people, who love to make blonde like Monk’s natural hair color. friends and that’s really nice,” Monk “I’ve never found anything similar said. to Overwatch, and I don’t think I ever Monk’s future plans consist of will,” Monk said. “There is something moving to Austria where most of her about it that I just can’t stop playing. extended family lives. I’ve probably clocked in an easy 7,000Her English minor might come in 8,000 hours since I started playing.” handy in case she ever wants to teach Although there are not enough English in Austria and generally, to members for the Rocket League team keep her options open. While she could to be active, there are three other have minored in German, she felt as teams: Overwatch, Valorant, and though she did not need it on paper, Smash Bros. since she is already fluent in German. The building and the esports room “I used to visit Austria every are fairly new, but there are things in summer, for most of my life,” Monk there that have needed to be replaced said, “Up till COVID then that whole because computers end up deteriorating thing has been making it really hard quickly with extended use. They have practically.”
Photo by Ramona Villegas
She grew up in a military household and values the concept of living closer to not only her immediate family, but extended family as well. Monk has been in Oklahoma and Texas most of her life. While she doesn’t mind living in Oklahoma, there is a part of her wishing that she could have stayed in Austria. A few things she enjoys about Austria is it has a nice community and things are closer to each other. While being an only child the only family that Monk has in the States are her mother and father. In Austria, not only are the buildings closer together, but so are the people. “I think it is more of the commuting culture, the fact that we have to drive everywhere and everything is really
far. In Austria, everything is really tight-knit, like very very close,” Monk said. “I’m walking out my front door and got like a two-minute walk out to the main city square, where everyone is, and I’m like there’s fresh bread, I can get all my groceries; like it’s just super close, you’re not doing much driving at all.” Monk feels she is misunderstood by people since, in person, she feels she does not come off as though she has many hobbies, while in fact, she does. One of those many hobbies is that she likes dressing up a lot, in Lolita style specifically. Lolita culture is an alternative fashion style that is dressing in historical rococo fashion, which consists of big dresses and expensive pieces of clothing. Looking back, what got Monk interested in Lolita and Japanese fashion was Tumblr, YouTube and the old Japanese indie movie, “Kamikaze Girls.” Monk says her favorite quote from “Kamikaze Girls” is ‘When I die, I want to be buried in my angelic pretty dress.’ Monk thinks that is a big part of who she is outside of school when it comes to her style and looking different. “I feel like if people just saw me outwardly, they wouldn’t see like half of the things I like,” Monk said. “You’d have to meet me outside of class.” Monk also enjoys painting, filming and drawing. Some more of her interests include Japanese fashion and music. She is currently starting to work on a film for the next student film night, hoping to incorporate her hobbies into the film. If you would like to see Monk in action, follow her Twitch at Twitch.tv/ jjleis. For more information regarding the esports team follow their Facebook: Cameron Esports, Instagram: thepickaxes, and the team’s Twitch: EsportsCU.