The Cameron Collegian - February 27th, 2023

Cameron University visits

Brittney Payette Managing Editor

At 10 a.m. on Feb. 22 at the Southwestern Medical Center (SWMC), Cameron University students attended an informational career event.

The SWMC and Cameron’s Student Enrichment Center (SEC) hosted the event, which included presentations from a multitude of leaders at the SWMC in Lawton.

These speakers talked about their education and career path and included registered nurses, surgeons, a marketing manager, a human resources director and more. Senior biology major Anton Pickens attended the event because he wanted to learn more about what careers were available in a hospital.

“I have always been interested in the medical field,” Pickens said. “As I progressed through college, I changed my career path quite a bit. From initially just thinking doctor, learning more about it, (then) thinking PA (Psychician Assistant), but now, honing in on medical laboratory.”

Pickens said he really enjoyed hearing Vanessa Simmons speak about laboratory sciences because that is a job he is interested in.

“I didn’t know there was a lab assistant position,” Pickens said. “Like a part-time, before having to get your certifications and stuff.”

Additionally, Pickens said he would love more opportunities to attend events like the one at SWMC.

“There’s not a lot of opportunities to get this much information from higher-ups in

specific like businesses,” he said. “You’re not normally able to just, you know, talk to all these directors.

The first speaker was operating room director Kristen Caldwell.

“I really just chose this career field because of the passion I have for taking care of people,” Caldwell said. “That kind of fed into me becoming the director and caring about staff and the people that I work with.”

health technicians to be twenty-one and up because of the regulations they must follow.

The mental health technicians take care of patients' day-to-day needs. The multidisciplinary team includes psychiatrists, therapists and nurses who work together to create an individualized short-term treatment plan to help the patient.

Cameron alumnus and Chief Quality Officer

Dinah Lazarte also presented information about her job at the SWMC and some of the roles she has held at the SWMC in the past because of her

“Nursing is so wide open,” Lazarte said. “You can work in doctor’s offices; you can work in clinics.”

Lazarte’s is currently in charge of all the regulatory things that hospitals deal with and follow in order to provide the highest quality care they can.

“It gave me an opportunity to really look at quality from an overall perspective,” she said.

said he got his bachelor’s in behavioral science and his master’s in behavioral science from Cameron.

He also said that SWMC’s Behavioral Health Center has several different employment options for their facility, which provides psychiatric services for people, including children from ages four and up, teenagers and adolescents, and adults.

“In terms of like employment opportunities, there’s a variety of modalities we have in our multidisciplinary treatment team to help take care of patients,” Chester said. “So, at the very entry level, we have what’s called a mental health technician, and really all you need is a high school diploma to do that.”

Chester said they prefer their mental

“Day-to-day, it’s all the activities that we do from the moment that patient walks in whether they come in through the ER, their Outpatient, their Inpatient, go to surgery, we do things to keep them safe. We have protocols in place.”

Kari Garza spoke about her job as an occupational therapist at the SWMC and her role as an administrative assistant.

"I like to provide a support for the people that report to me," Garza said. "I oversee respiratory, the imaging services, therapy services here... and then all of therapy."

For more information about future events with SEC at Cameron, email sec@cameron.edu or call 580-581-5908.

Photos by Brittney Payette

The great debate: Online vs in-person classes

Scott Smith Staff Writer

In 2001, following the approval from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Cameron University launched complete online programs in the fields of Associate of Applied Science, Applied Technology, and the Associate of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Since then, Cameron University has added a number of other degrees that are formally recognized as fully available online.

classes.

One of the initial challenges for online classes is simply learning how to use resources such as Blackboard. Professors upload and structure assignments in many different ways. Each professor develops a curriculum that is specific to how the they want the work to be accomplished. Outside learning tools such as online textbooks offer homework assignments that link to Blackboard. Learning how those work is essential to completing assignments. Also, online databases are a vital part

wisdom into conversations about subjects that they are teaching.

Additionally, in the online format, students have to rely on emails and discussion board forums to gain answers about assignments and other items. Sometimes, the responses from professors are not received as quickly as wanted or in some cases, needed.

Dr. Christopher Keller is Director of Educator Preparation here at Cameron University and gave his perspective on communication, saying that it is definitely

RED RIVER

From 3-6 p.m. on March 9 the office of Student Development will host the Red River Career Expo in the Aggie Rec Center.

Preparing for life after college can be a daunting and often stressful time. The Career Expo is a way to help alleviate some of this stress.

The event attracts businesses from all over Oklahoma as well as neighboring states.

Becky Woolever, Career Services Coordinator, described the types of employers who are expected to attend.

“We are almost to 50 employers right now.” Woolever said. “We kind of have everyone attending. We have USD’s, Police Departments, Fort Sill and EZ GO.”

Students are encouraged to attend the event even if they do not see an employer who fits the traditional mold of their major.

“I know a lot of people look around and say ‘Why would I want to go work at a gas station, I have a college degree.’ These places are also hiring for their marketing departments and corporate offices. Have an open mind and maybe talk to a booth you weren’t expecting to,” Woolever said.

All of those in attendance are encouraged to bring an updated resume. If this is the first time an attendee has presented a resume, or if they wish to create a more professional resume, the Office of Student Development is there to assist.

“Do not use templates that are found on the internet,” Woolever said. “A lot of people copy and paste from these templates to the point where I see the same phrases in multiple peoples resumes. Make it your own. And dress as though you are going to an interview.”

The event is also an opportunity for students to practice interviews. There will be a section of the Rec Center set aside for immediate interviews. Students should also brush up on their “elevator pitch,” which is a short and concise way to introduce oneself to prospective employers. Student Development can also assist with an “elevator pitch.”

“Be ready to interview,” Woolever said.

“Engagement is a constant struggle in online learning. It is my job as an instructional designer to ensure my asynchronous courses reach or exceed the same levels of student engagement and interaction as my face-to-face courses.

“Technology helps, and instructors can use multiple modes of media to create authentic learning spaces, but it is difficult and time consuming.”

“Good classroom teachers can shift or pivot on the fly if something is not working in

class as she is better at working alone in a study room or at home.

“I get very distracted by people walking by, talking and fidgeting in class,” Bermel said.

Bermel said she does think there are benefits to in-person learning even though she prefers online classes.

“I do feel like I miss out on events and things around campus,” Bermel said.

“Campus life is a huge part of the college experience, but as an adult who has experienced campus life, I really do not feel that I am missing out on much. With online courses, I have made friends in my first semester that I continue to communicate with, and I have more time to dedicate to my job and my family. The flexibility of online course has made my home life not as stressful!”

While traditional in-person classes offer a valuable level of communication and instruction that online classes may be lacking, online classes do offer a high level of flexibility in areas where it would be impossible for some people to further their education due to work or family constraints.

In-person classes also offer chances at friendship, comradery and on-campus

While online classes can also build friendships and lasting relationships, it may be much more challenging through discussion boards.

Whether choosing distancelearning online, or traditional in-person classes, be prepared as there are challenges with each method of study.

career expo

Neal Kirmer Staff Writer

Courtesy Photo

Photo by Brittney Payette

BOOKS VS MOVIES

Jaci Hernandez Staff Writer

One of my favorite things to do is to watch tv and movies, and read books.

When you’re a lover of these books like I am, you probably have an opinion on whether or not the books or the on-screen adaptations are better or maybe just as good.

I think it depends on the filmmakers and how well they adapt the book, and how accurate they make it.

In my opinion, one of the worst adapted books was “Percy Jackson & The Lighting Thief.” My friends and I read the book series, so we were super excited for the movies to come out.

The first movie was okay, it was mostly accurate, but the second movie completely ruined any chance of getting another movie.

There are five books in the Percy Jackson series, so the second movie should have followed the second book. Instead, the second movie was completely ruined.

It was not very accurate and the movie combined stuff from the last three books as well. There was no other Percy Jackson movie made after this, and I’m sure this is one of the reasons why.

In this instance, the question of whether the books or the movies were better, it was definitely the books.

Sometimes I like to watch the movies before I read the books. I do this because, with something super emotional, I like to think that it’s preparing me for the more detailed, more in-depth emotion that the book is going to give me.

I also like to watch the movies first, sometimes, so that I can picture the characters’ faces when I

read the book.

I did this with “The Best of Me,” so that I would’ve hopefully been more prepared emotionally. It didn’t matter though because both made me cry.

Sometimes, movies can be almost as good as books, but nothing compares to the emotion you feel when you read detailed stories. That’s how I felt about “The Best of Me” and that’s also how I feel about “The Hunger Games” franchise.

“The Hunger Games” movies were done very well in my opinion and they do their best to capture and convey the emotion. Trying to figure out what a character is feeling by looking at their faces in a movie, versus actually knowing what they are feeling by reading a book through their eyes and emotions is a very different experience.

For me, this is just another example of why books are, and always will be, better than movies.

The third book of The Hunger Games series, The Mockingjay, it really showed how much Katniss went through mentally. It was heartbreaking how scarred she was through all of her trauma; it made me cry.

The Mockingjay part one and part two just does not convey those inner dialogue details that make the reader feel the emotion ten times more in the books.

I know this question has been around for a long time, but for me it’s not even a question anymore or a debate. To me, it is just a fact that books are better. When I’m watching a movie, I’m just watching it, but when I’m reading a book, I’m living and experiencing it.

faculty,

content

Photos by Murray Close

Grapics by Lionsgate

Jaci Hernandez Staff Writer

Directed by Baz Luhrmann, “Elvis” came out on June 24 and hooked me from the very beginning with its dramatic intro.

It stars Austin Butler as Elvis and is narrated by Tom Hanks as “The Colonel” Tom Parker, Elvis’s manager.

The Colonel is sort-of the villain of the story, so having it told by him gives the whole movie an ominous feeling throughout. It makes the viewer feel like something bad is going to happen even when a scene is happy.

Throughout the movie, The Colonel always has a cane, but the main cane is one that has a clown on the handle.

The clown on the cane is symbolic, because The Colonel is from the circus where everything is one big trick to get

money from customers.

One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when the Colonel is approaching an unsuspecting Elvis from behind and lifts the handle of his clown to tap Elvis on the shoulder.

This significant scene is shown twice in the movie — at the beginning of the end.

The shot is haunting, like the Colonel is a devil or trickster on Elvis’ shoulder.

Ultimately, the Colonel is the one who makes Elvis but also brakes him.

The director did well putting together shots like this throughout the movie. The whole movie is amazing with its cinematography, editing, and music. It really brings Elvis’ story to life.

It’s an experience to watch, and it makes the viewer feel as if they were witnessing Elvis’ story firsthand.

The viewer can feel the frustration that Elvis feels when he’s struggling to be himself and not wanting to conform to what everyone else wants him to be. That’s part of the reason why this movie is so exciting.

Butler is also another reason why this movie is so good. His portrayal is so accurate that I couldn’t imagine Elvis being played by anyone else. Butler was actually the one singing for quite a bit of the movie. He immersed himself and gave his all to the role for years. Even after film production, you can still catch him speaking like Elvis.

The performances and production work are two reasons why the film has been nominated for eight Academy Awards this year. Butler has already won

a Golden Globe for best actor for the film on Jan. 10.

Elvis’ ex-wife Priscilla and daughter Lisa Marie were actually at the Golden Globes when Butler won. They said that they loved the movie and Butler’s portrayal of Elvis.

Anyone who watches “Elvis” will not be disappointed. It’s raw, real and emotional. The movie has political aspects of history throughout and shows how important and influential Elvis was during that time.

Elvis’ rise to fame and life story is portrayed in this movie, it reminds the viewer why he is still one of the most famous artists that ever lived and why he is “The King of Rock.”

Rating: 5 / 5

REVISITING ‘BREATH OF THE WILD’

By Skylar Teddington Staff Writer

Mar. 2017 marked the release of “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U game consoles. It is an action role-playing game that features a large open world, memorable characters, a refreshing art style, unique armor and weapons and fun side quests that you can use to pass the time while you complete the main quest.

While this game isn’t exactly new, nor is it the most recent installment in the series, it still remains one of the most popular releases ever published by Nintendo to this day, the Nintendo Switch version having sold around 29 million copies worldwide.

At the beginning of the game, the player awakens in a mysterious cave as Link, an amnesiac and one of the five former Champions of Hyrule.

A Sheikah Slate is then presented to the player, which is the key to using many of the game’s mechanics.

Once the player leaves the cave, that iconic opening cutscene plays, displaying the sheer size of Hyrule. The tutorial begins, and players are introduced to the basic functions of the game.

Once the tutorial is completed, the adventure is completely customizable.

Players have the freedom to take whichever route they want, with some going straight to Ganon while others take their time to collect all 900 Korok seeds. Playing in the “intended” way is very rewarding as you free the other four champions and their Divine Beasts one by one, learning their stories and gaining powers that’ll assist the player throughout the game.

In addition to that, there are 13 memories that the player can unlock to learn more about Link’s life before he lost his memories. With over 100 shrines, five main dungeons and the wild to explore, it is nearly impossible to run out of things to do in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

So, what makes this game so great and why did it get such high ratings?

Well, it’s a great game. Not only does it do the open world concept extremely well, it’s also fun and has

something for everyone. The reimagining of the classic dungeon system we’ve seen in other games in the series provides veteran players with a novel yet familiar experience while those newer to the series can enjoy dungeon crawling with a fresh set of eyes. The Divine Beasts were such a unique way to represent the elemental dungeons from games past— Vah Naboris holds a special place in my heart since it feels the most like a “classic” dungeon with its difficult puzzles and gorgeous theme.

The soundtrack for this game deserves praise as well since it really allows the player to feel as though they are immersed in the world. There is no grand theme waiting for the player when they enter Hyrule for the very first time. Instead they’re greeted by ruins and emptysounding piano notes that speak of a time long gone. All

of the tracks from the game are used situationally, from riding your horse to fighting the final boss.

Cel shading was also an excellent artistic choice for the game’s style since it gives the game a distinctive look that’s somewhat similar to The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Despite being a few years old, the graphics still hold up.

Every game has its issues. For me, the weather system is too much of a nuisance to justify its functionality. Rainy days make exploration nearly impossible, which defeats the purpose of an exploration-based game. Aside from that, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the best games I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing, and that Metascore of 97 is well-deserved.

Rating: 9.8 / 10

New Paramore Album is ‘All I Wanted’

Victoria White A&E Editor

Paramore’s latest album “This Is Why” is here to prove punk is not dead and is, in fact, not a phase.

The album, their first as a group in six years, sees the band return more to their older sound, but with a maturity in lyricism that comes with life experience.

Band members Hayley Williams, Taylor York and Zac Farro are now in their early 30s. They still bang their heads to the music; they just see their chiropractors afterwards.

With themes of self-reflection and societal frustration, “This Is Why” appeals to the Paramore fan of today in the same way “Riot!” appealed to the Paramore fan of 2007. Instead of continuing to make music for the same age base for multiple decades (I’m looking at you, Weezer) Paramore have allowed themselves to age with their fans. In doing so, their music maintains its integrity and feels more genuine.

Have you ever thought about doing something kind for another person - really, truly considered it, but ultimately didn’t do it for some self-excused reason? Paramore has, and they want you to know you aren’t alone. But you probably won’t like what that means.

“Running Out of Time” sees the band going through numerous moments when they really wanted to do something, like say, bring flowers to a neighbor, but then ultimately not follow through because of a lack of time.

“I’m always running out of time,”

Williams said. “Intentions only get you so far - a harsh reality to discover.”

Just like their 2013 hit “Ain’t It Fun,” Paramore yet again gives their listeners a bitter pill to swallow - this time with the fact that having good intentions does not make you a good person. It’s all about the followthrough and the act of making time to do those things. The album is not short on moments of unfortunate relatability like this.

Like the rest of us, the members of Paramore were stuck inside for the bulk of 2020 and 2021. The title

track feels like a COVID-19 anthem of sorts. The track was born from Williams’ astonishment of the last few years and what it has done to the human experience.

“It summarizes the plethora of ridiculous emotions, the rollercoaster of being alive in 2022, having survived even just the last three or four years,” Williams said.

The frustration on a global scale also shows itself in “The News.”

In the track, Williams sings about a concept we are likely all familiar with: the initial intrigue and ultimate dread that comes with keeping up

with the current news cycle.

A full year into the war between Russia and Ukraine, the song reflects on the feeling of uselessness from across the world and our performative, exploitative nature during moments of tragedy.

Paramore’s last album, 2017’s “After Laughter,” was a departure from the band’s usual sound.

Swapping punk for new wave and drums for marimbas, the album was different sonically from anything in the band’s discography up to that point. While the sound undoubtedly worked for them, it’s nice to see the band return to their pop-punk roots.

In the six years between albums, Williams, York and Farro took part in other musical projects. Williams released two solo albums: “Petals for Armor” and “Flowers for Vases” in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The albums allowed Williams more creative control and had a much more raw sound than the music typical of Paramore. York helped produce “Petals for Armor” and Farro released music as the sole member of the band HalfNoise.

Sometimes, a hiatus is just what a band needs creatively. Even if the music has not yet suffered, a break can keep things feeling fresh. Bands Fall out Boy and Sleater-Kinney managed to make a hiatus work for them, and they both came back swinging. Paramore are no exception to this. “This Is Why” is an excellent entry in their discography and is worthy to stand next to albums like “Paramore” and “Brand New Eyes.”

Rating: 5 / 5

LYLE, YOU CROC MY WORLD

Jaci Hernandez Staff Writer

“Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” debuted in theaters on Oct. 7 and appeared on Netflix on Feb. 4.

It is a movie about a family that moves to New York just to find a crocodile living in their attic. This movie is based on the children’s books about Lyle the crocodile.

Lyle is played by Shawn Mendes, who lends his singing voice throughout the movie.

This is Mendes’ first major role in a film and, in my opinion, he doesn’t disappoint. Mendes became Lyle and gave him a voice. I couldn’t imagine Lyle being anyone else.

By being able to sing, Lyle shows that he is different from other crocodiles. It is this difference that makes him known to a character named Hector P. Valenti.

Hector takes in Lyle as a kid and raises him for a while, until Hector realizes that Lyle has stage fright.

This turn of events changes things in the course of the story, because once Hector realizes this, he leaves Lyle to go make money elsewhere.

To me, this makes the movie go from a children’s film, to a production with some emotional depth to it.

After Hector leaves, Lyle has learn how to survive on his own. While doing so, a new family moves into the space Lyle is occupying.

The family has a son named Josh. Josh is new to the city just wants to make friends. What he didn’t expect, though, was meeting Lyle instead.

This leads to a journey of growth for each member of the family and for Hector, who comes back later in the movie.

I personally enjoyed the character of Lyle; seeing his and the family’s journey was great to watch.

For a movie that’s supposed to be for little kids, it made me go through quite the emotional journey. I even connected to the smaller things that Lyle and Josh went through.

I think part of the reason this movie was good was because of how well the actors did with their characters, specifically Winslow Fegley, who plays Josh, and Constance Wu, who plays Josh’s mom, Mrs. Primm.

Some of my favorite scenes in the movie are the scenes of Lyle with both Mrs. Primm and Josh. These scenes give off an accepting, freeing and familial dynamic that makes me like the movie just a bit more.

The creators of this movie make it so that kids and adults of any age can enjoy it. It’s the perfect family movie or just the film to watch if you want to listen to some good singing.

It’s also great to watch if you’re in need of something wholesome. I have wanted to watch this movie for months, and I finally had the chance once

Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures

it came out on Netflix. Ever since it hit the streaming platform, it has been in the top ten list for the movies category. As of this publication, it’s still ranked number four.

So, if you want to watch a cute movie about a cool crocodile, check out “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” while it’s still on Netflix. Rating: 4 / 5

Scott Smith Staff Writer

From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 21, the Cameron University Duncan campus treated students and faculty to a Mardi Gras themed pancake luncheon.

The CU Wesley Foundation hosted the event, serving pancakes, sausage and juice to hungry students.

The CU Wesley Foundation is a student ministry of the United Methodist Church. CU Wesley’s mission is to reach students, grow disciples and to send servants back out into the world to make a difference for the Kingdom of God.

CU Wesley hosted the event CU Duncan’s ‘fishbowl,’ a common area for study and events on the Duncan campus.

They decorated the tables in typical

Mardi Gras fashion, complete with colorful table runners, masks and various strands of beads.

The pancakes were also Mardi Gras themed. Event staff dyed the pancake batter to match the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold.

Michaela Drain is the Wesley Director for the Cameron University Wesley Foundation. Drain said she chose Mardi Gras, which is also known as “Fat Tuesday,” so students could celebrate and feel free to eat all the pancakes they wanted.

“Fat Tuesday is the day before the Lenten season begins on the Christian calendar and is regarded as a day of indulgence,” Drain said. “It is typically a day to indulge in things that you will give up for the season of lent.”

Drain said that some people already celebrate Fat Tuesday with King

Cakes that have similar ingredients, so pancakes were a natural choice.

“Back in the day, it was fatty things like butter and eggs which are all found in pancakes,” Drain said. “So that is why we are having a pancake lunch.”

Drain also explained how the idea came to her when students from the Duncan campus reached out to the Wesley Foundation and asked them to host an event.

“We were already having worship night on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 in Lawton at the Wesley Foundation building,” Drain said. “So, when Duncan reached out, we already had the stuff and we can definitely have a pancake lunch. Too easy!”

CU Duncan student Chelsea Black said that she was excited that the Wesley Foundation was able to put on the pancake event.

“I was glad to get to work with Michaela to bring CU Wesley to Duncan,” Black said, “and we are looking forward to more events in the future.”

Matthew Hasley was one of the lucky students able to partake in the free pancakes and sausage.

“I certainly didn’t expect this when I came into the room,” Hasley said, “but I really appreciate what they (CU Wesley) are doing for students.”

CU Wesley is currently planning more events for both the Lawton and Duncan campuses, so be sure to watch for announcements.

For more information about CU Wesley, you can check out their website at cuwesley.org, connect on Facebook or Instagram @cuwesley, or visit them in person at 500 SW 27th Street in Lawton.

CAMPUS LIFE GIVEAWAY! FREE COFFEE

Photos by Courtney McEunn

Photos by Scott Smith

Q and A With Basketball’s KORIE ALLENSWORTH

When did you first get into basketball?

I was in the first or second grade, and that was when I was just starting with sports. one day i just came home and told my parents that basketball was what i wanted to do.

Who are some of the players that inspired you?

my favorite nba team is the mavericks; for wnba it’s the aces. growing up i watched Elena delle donne a lot, diana taurasi. on the men’s side I love kobe, lebron. i’m a big fan of luka doncic too, a lot of gaurd type players.

How do you feel about your performance on the court this season?

If i’m being honest I believe i could do a little more. right now that’s what im focuing on just getting better every day and doing whatever i can to make us win. at the end of the day, i don’t care about any of the stats as long as we are winning.

Aggie Athlete Q and A With Basketball’s Reggie Prudhomme

Reggie Prudhomme is a new face on the Aggie roster coming from Murray State along with new Head Coach

Kevin O’ Connor. Prudhomme says that he moved around a lot as a kid but was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana .

How did you get introduced to basketball?

I was about 11 years old when I first picked up a basketball, and from that point on I was in love because I knew what I could do with it and all the ways it can help my life.

What led you to come to Cameron?

Throughout all my years of high school I never got any offers until after graduation when I met Coach O’ Connor in Dallas, he was the head coach at Murray State and offered me a full ride. Ever since then he’s always believed in me and had absolute faith in me. After he was offered the job at cu he asked me to come with him, and after talking about it with my parents, I decided it was the best decision for me.

Photos by Jimm Alley

Photos by Jimm Alley