California State University, Bakersfield
therunneronline.com August 24, 2020
Vol. 46, No. 1
Visualizing CSUB: The fall term By Destinee Sims Features Editor
CSU Bakersfield’s faculty and staff are actively working to find the safest protocols to navigate the upcoming fall 2020 amid a global pandemic. At this time, CSUB has released a wide range of information surrounding COVID-19. These policies will differ from the defensive plan that the administration put in place after the sudden switch to online education during the spring term, as they were given the time needed to begin developing a multi-step plan that would reduce the overall risk to Runners or neighboring communities. CSUB’s administration announced that the overall campus population will be reduced by 8.3% from the fall 2019 term; the total population will be about 1,040 people. According to the CSUB COVID-19 information page, this will include the
about 865 students enrolled in 51 classes that will meet face-to-face classes. Classes at the Antelope Valley campus have been temporarily suspended at this time. While a new residency requirement for freshmen had been established that was scheduled to go into effect, this requirement
has been suspended for the 2020-21 academic year to help residents maintain social distancing. However, CSUB’s plan does not stop there. Before attending class or going to work, all Runners will be required to complete an online training. This will help explain a variety of safety protocols
Illustration by Destinee Sims/The Runner
to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 at CSUB, as well as how to properly report positive COVID-19 test results. Masks will be required to enter the campus, following the guidelines that have been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. CSUB will provide free masks for those that
will be on campus this semester. To decrease the risk of transmission of the virus within the classroom even further, plexiglass dividers will be installed at each instructor’s station. All classroom desks and tables will be marked off to help students maintain social distancing. The uni-
versity has maked one-way entrances and exits, directional paths like what has been adopted by retailers nationwide, and closing alternating parking spaces to avoid Runners from crowding together. CSUB will also be providing hand sanitizing stations at each entrance and exit, as well as sterilizing doorknobs, bathrooms, and classrooms at least four times per day. Every classroom will be closed for a minimum of one hour after each session to allow staff to properly disinfect the space. These protocols will allow a small group of services to still be provided on campus, as not all can be offered digitally or through Zoom. While students are encouraged to utilize the online services when possible, some of the in-person services will include a selfserve computer lab in the basement of the Wal-
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CSUB to update virtual student resources By Katrina Singleton News Editor Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, CSU Bakersfield, along with the rest of the CSU system has decided to return to the virtual learning format for the fall 2020 semester. However, the resources for CSUB students are still available for them to use, though the approach may be different. The Walter Stiern Library will be available for in person activities for the upcoming semester, however, the library’s website will be providing all of the normal services and resources students may need, according to Curt Asher the Dean of the Walter Stiern Library.
Asher also stated via email that the Walter Stiern Library will provide research help for students Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Asher wrote in an email that the library has added new resources to their database collection for students to access this upcoming semester which can be found on their website library.csub.edu. “Please consider the library homepage your research hub. If you get to know it and the people behind it well, you have a great chance of success at CSUB,” Asher wrote in an
email. The Student Recreational Center (SRC) is still closed at this time, but students will be able to access specialty classes, such as Yoga and Zumba, that the center offers through Instagram livestreams. In an email sent by Mary O’Mahoney, Director of the SRC, she states that the SRC is still waiting for the Chancellor’s Office to make the decision on opening recreational facilities in the CSU system. “It will also depend on the COVID situation in the areas where the campuses are located,” O’Mahoney wrote, “however, once we get to a point where it is safe to open the SRC and we get the go ahead from campus administration we
will do so.” The SRC staff is really looking forward to opening again for CSUB students once it is safe to do so and will do so in phases. “We are developing a new app that will allow us to develop a reservation system. Students will be able to make a reservation for the day and time they want to access the facility and the app will allow contact-free entry into the Rec through a bar code on the app,” O’Mahoney wrote in an email. Each reservation is an hour-long period and in order to comply with social distancing measures some machine and activities, like the rock-climbing wall, will be unavailable. The SRC will be alternating
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stock up on their nutritional needs. The Food Pantry will be open five days a week and hours will be expanded for the fall 2020 semester in comparison to the hours for the summer. Amanda Saxby, the Farm to Pantry Student Assistant Lead with the Department of sustainability, wrote in an email that they are taking precautions to make sure everyone will stay safe when visiting the pantry. “The rules for shopping are limit two shoppers at a time, you must wear a face mask and hand sanitizer is available. In addition, we have been spray-painting lines that are six feet apart outside the pantry for those waiting their turn to get
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through exercise machines every week so students can still get the best experience possible. For any questions regarding the policies of the SRC or its scheduled classes through social media or by emailing the SRC at orgsrc@csub.edu. “I would like to applaud the students who are continuing their education during these crazy times. I would encourage [students] to take advantage of the programs and services that are being offered by CSUB virtually to engage with their fellow students and keep connected,” O’Mahoney advised in an email. CSUB’s Food Pantry will be open throughout the semesters for students to
News
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The Runner
August 24, 2020
Psychology lacks enough faculty By Damian Lopez Digital Media Manager In the last few semesters, the psychology program at CSU Bakersfield grew in enrollment but struggled to find additional faculty to keep up with growth. Psychology courses were filled by the time enrollment was available to students, possibly setting back graduation. Ericka Valencia, a junior psychology student, said “I don’t know if it was because I signed up later on or not, but social psychology was all that was available. I did hear it was tough to get into classes.” With the help of her advisor, she enrolled into social psychology during spring 2020 after transferring over from Taft College. General solutions to a deficiency of courses is to add more seats or add more courses but doing that is more complicated than asking an instructor to add extra students or to pick up and extra section or two. “There are seeming-
ly easy ways to remedy the problem that in reality because of the contract and because of the collective bargaining agreement just aren’t possible. I think there’s good reason for that. I think it speaks to the quality of the education and also the idea that we want our professors to be engaged in research and service and doing other things to teach students.” said Kyle Susa, chair of the psychology department at CSUB. According to information from the Institute Research, Planning, and Assessment, the student to faculty ratio in the psychology program is about 34:1, although according to Susa the ratio is closer to 40 students per section. Susa and Valencia both said they would ideally like section sizes to range closer to 25 students per section as to maintain student engagement. With courses already past the ideal ratio, the next solution is to add faculty so more classes are avail-
Illustrated by Paige Atkison/The Runner
able. In an email Bruce Hartsell, Interim Associate Vice President of Faculty Affairs, wrote CSUB hired thirty-three new faculty members for fall 2020. Twenty-four of those fac-
ulty will be replacing positions that were recently vacated, while nine of those new faculty members are new additions New additions to the university include full-time faculty in English, Eco-
nomics, Management and Marketing, Public Policy and Administration, Kinesiology, Child and Family Studies, Teacher Education, Sociology, Physics/ Engineering and Computer Science/Electrical Engineering. CSUB hired Soeun Park, a tenure track psychology professor to replace a vacancy but without new additions, the psychology department is left in the same position as it was before. Psychology was CSUB’s most enrolled program in spring 2020 with an enrollment count of over 3,000 students, growing about 175% in the last five years. Despite showing growth and need for additional faculty, the psychology program has not been able to find lecturers and tenure track professors to match the growth in enrollment. “The reality is there’s not a lot of people in Bakersfield who have degrees in psychology that are looking for extra employment. Especially when it comes to experimental psychol-
ogy classes that we teach like biopsychology, sensation and perception cognitive psychology, social psychology. Usually when someone has that advanced of a degree within psychology they’re here for a reason and that’s because they have a job working with that degree,” Susa said. Not only does the undergraduate program in psychology have high enrollment, but according to Susa, so does the graduate program in counseling psychology. The graduate program alone makes use of two full time tenure track faculty leaving less tenure track faculty for undergraduate courses. The emphasis on hiring tenure track faculty is that although tenure track faculty teach four classes compared to lecturers’ five, tenure track faculty will mostly likely stay at the university for longer periods of time and contribute to research and other programs.
Contd: CSUB prepares for fall semester [FALL cont from Page 1] ter Stiern Library, Student Health Services, and the Library Testing Center. Supplemental instruction and tutoring will be available online only. While the university has closed multiple of the
on-campus dining option during the pandemic, the Runner Café and Starbucks will remain open. At this time, the Runner Café will only offer graband-go and made-to-order to-go items for lunch and dinner only.
Starbucks will only be open during the morning. Despite the numerous changes that students will face this upcoming semester, university president Lynnette Zelezny encouraged students to remember that everyone is in this to-
gether. In a written statement to The Runner, Zelezny expresses her message for the student body: “I am delighted to welcome CSUB students, faculty, and staff to the 202021 academic term. This
year will be like no other in the history of our university given the confluence of world challenges -- the pandemic, the economy, and the reckoning of social justice. As Runners we will face these challenges together, as Runners
United for Change, which gives me hope and optimism.” For more information pertaining to CSUB’s protocols and policies regarding COVID-19, visit https://www.csub.edu/ covid-19.
Contd: Student resources now available online [RESOURCES cont from Page 1] in,” Saxby wrote in an email. The Food Pantry is still accepting donations to their stock and Saxby is encouraging those that want to donate to continue to do so during the semester. A CSUB ID is required to check out and will only be open to CSUB student staff and faculty to use this semester. The Health Center is open for students and offers virtual appointments for those that are not comfortable coming to campus. In an email from Erika Delamar,
the Associate Director of Student Health Services, the Health Center’s hours for in person appointments are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but for the week of August 24 in-person appointments will be scheduled Monday through Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the rest of the appointments will be scheduled for telehealth appointments. Hours for the health center will be adjusted Monday, August 31. “Our in-person appointments will be scheduled Monday through Wednesday 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Thursday 8:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; our telehealth
services will be available on Thursdays 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Fridays 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Please not that no medical services will be available from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.,” Delamar wrote in an email. The Health Center will require students to complete a prescreening before coming to campus for their appointment and if it is not completed students will not be seen by the Health Center. The prescreening process can be found on the CSUB Mobile App ad click on Covid-19 Self Screening icon. When finished with the screening save the confir-
mation by screen shot or by texting it to a mobile device so it can be shown to the Health Center. When on campus, students must wear a mask into the Health Center and during the appointment. If a student does not have a mask the appointment must be rescheduled. If a student is more than five minutes late to their appointment, the appointment will be cancelled and rescheduled. When students arrive to campus, they must call the Health Center at (661) 654-2394 to check in, then students will be directed to an alternate entrance where they will be met by their nurs-
ing staff. The nursing staff will be taking temperatures at the door at the start of the appointment. If the student’s temperature is 100.4 degrees or greater their appointment will be rescheduled. The Health Center is encouraging students not to bring anyone with them to their scheduled appointments if avoidable as the Health Center will not let them into the building. Most of the Health Center’s resources will be available for students, except for the X-Ray services. However, the doctors are able to refer students to local offices that will provide that
service. The Health Center will only be seeing students by appointment this semester and ask students to please go through the “Appointment Checklist” before contacting the Health Center. “As life continues to change, know that Student Health Services is here for you! Your health and safety is our top priority; we encourage you to take advantage of our services as you strive to maintain your health and wellbeing. If we all do our part, we can continue to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Delamar wrote to students in an email.
Features
The Runner
August 24, 2020
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Building a study environment for a virtual course By Destinee Sims Features Editor
With the bulk of classes at CSU Bakersfield being offered online during the fall 2020 semester, it is important that students are prepared to create a healthy learning environment that promotes success. Scholars have spent countless hours researching how a variety of independent variables affect study sessions. Here’s what current research indicates: Choosing where to study An effective study space should be quiet and free of outside distractions. This location should also be consistent; the more often the study space is used, the easier it will become to remain focused when utilizing the space. For students that cannot use the same location consistently, try to keep each location as similar as possible. If someone who studies at different locations daily can add consistency, even if only by ensuring they always choose a chair with back support and no armrests, the human mind will eventually associate the specific type of chair with studying. This trick can easily be explained with the help of psychology. According to psychologist Ivan Pavlov’s theory, commonly known as the Pavlov effect, living creatures can be conditioned to respond to specific stimuli if the stimuli is presented enough times with the same outcome. Like the dogs Pavlov tested his theory on, the human mind can be conditioned to connect specific items with expected behaviors. If the same chair is used each day specifically for studying, the student’s mind would be taught to connect the chair with the act of studying. As a result, the mind will begin to go into “study mode” without being prompted when sitting in the specific style chair.
The Pavlov effect is also why it is so important that students try to be conscious of where they study; the associations made with the locations during nonstudy hours can actually detract from the study session’s quality if it occurs in the same location. A prime example would be how most people have already conditioned themselves to become sleepy when they are in their beds; because the human mind typically sees the bed as a place to sleep, it will be more difficult to stay awake while studying and properly recall the material later.
Preparing the designated study space As the saying goes, a cluttered desk is a cluttered mind. Try to keep any desks and study spaces as clear as possible. The ideal study surface includes the materials and only a handful of knickknacks. Keeping a few select personal items can help lower student’s stress levels, as well as make the space feel safer and more welcoming. The safe environment will ultimately allow students to relax and focus on learning the material. However, maintaining a clean and friendly study space can prove difficult for students that do not have a consistent space of their own to use. For those that are using public or shared spaces, try to find a connection between the surrounding environment and positive memories. For those using shared areas to study, such as a table in a public library or sitting on the grass outdoors, it can also be beneficial to organize all of the day’s supplies on the surface being used. This can create a sense of belonging without making any long-term changes to the shared space. Disconnecting from technological distractions While cell phones and other devices have a roll in
education today, students could typically benefit from turning off many of the items they use daily. Between the noise of televisions and the frequent chirp of mobile notifications, it can become difficult to stay focused and absorb the material. Students are more likely to develop an in-depth understanding of the concepts being studied when left uninterrupted for short periods of time. Simply turning on the “Do Not Disturb” setting could go a long way in improving the quality of a study session. The idea of using the “Do Not Disturb” setting can be anxiety inducing for some, such as parents and caregivers. Most electronic devices allow users to select the specific type of notifications they would like to temporarily silence; this allows users to control what call notifications can occur if necessary. For those that are unable to escape distracting noises, like those created in many shared spaces, it may be worth investing in quality headphones. Playing white noise or lyric-less music through high quality headphones can drastically improve student’s memory retention. Noise-cancelling headphones are another option for students that study best in silent environments. With the upcoming semester rapidly approaching, students should begin to consider how they will set up their own study spaces. Virtual learning can be incredibly difficult for many students, especially those without access to quiet, consistent learning environments. However, with the right study location, a little personal touch and some distance from distracting gadgets, students can ultimately acheive their academic goals without costing themselves a fortune in luxurious furniture or a home office.
Commentary
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March 18, 2020
The Runner
Five must-watch new originals to binge when you need a break By Chris Burdick Sports Editor
Since the closing of theatres due to the coronavirus pandemic, streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max have been successfully filling the void with their own releases of original content to keep all of us entertained while secluded at home. With each new original movie released by these streaming platforms, it seems the production value and quality of these movies are increasing as well. And although it is hard to replace that feeling of watching a good movie in the theater, it’s hard to say that these new releases aren’t every bit as entertaining. So these are 5 new original releases from streaming sites that can help you scratch that itch for just a bit longer before theaters can re-open with new content.
comedy roles; it is every bit as entertaining to watch the Greenbaum’s learn to cope with life with one another. 2. Project Power- Netflix/
the drug’s source. The three must work together to stop the distribution of this drug before its manufacturers can take it global. The films underlining messages of finding
the performers of Hamilton and In the Heights such as Christopher Jackson and Anthony Veneziale and the rest of their improvisational hip-hop theatre group, Freestyle Love Supreme.
origins of Miranda’s and Kail’s inspirations for their unique brand of hip-hop theatre. 4. The Umbrella Academy: Season 2- Netflix/
5. Black is King- Disney Plus/Visual Album
1. An American PickleHBO Max/Comedy Adapted from the popular three-part New Yorker novella “Sell Out” by Simon Rich, this film is an interesting past meets future comedy movie that is carried almost single-handedly by its star Seth Rogan. Rogan plays Herschel Greenbaum, a hardworking Orthodox Jewish immigrant from the year 1919 that has an unfortunate accident which causes him to fall into a giant barrel of pickle brine which perfectly preserves him for 100 years, and Ben Greenbaum, Herschel’s great-grandson and aspiring app designer who has a more millennial look at the world. Although labeled a comedy, this film tends to take a serious turn on multiple occasions and those moments can feel like the film maybe taking itself too seriously. But Rogan’s ability to make the viewer believe the banter between the two characters is organic is what helps the movie shine. This movie will not necessarily stick out in Rogan’s catalog of popular
but to reunited and try to find a way back to their appropriate time before they disrupt up the timeline. This comes with a variety of weird situations for the siblings to get into including cult followers, time-traveling assassins, and even the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. And once again being paired with an incredible soundtrack with a blend of both 1960’s and modern music; this season is easily the hottest series from Netflix this summer and is so much fun that you can’t help but binge watch it. By the end will have you begging for a season three.
Illustration by Paige Atkison/The Runner
Action
A new drug known as “Power” hits the streets of modern-day New Orleans, Louisiana and begins to give the users superpowers for a 5-minute period. But those powers have a cost, and it is not cheap. Netflix’s newest superhero action film stars Dominique Fishback as young drug dealer named Robin looking to make money quick to take care of her ailing mother, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Frank, a determined New Orleans Detective looking to even the odds against the criminals using the drugs to take over the city, and Jamie Foxx as Art, an ex-Army Ranger on a manhunt for
one’s individual gifts and the underline cost of the use of drugs are what will keep your attention throughout along with the outstanding personalities of its stars. By the end of this film it will have you wondering, “What’s your power?” 3. We Are Freestyle Love Supreme- Hulu/ Documentary A fun watch for anyone that is a fan of musical theatre, improv, or hip-hip music. We Are Freestyle Love Supreme is a Hulu original documentary that follows writer and star of the Tony award winning show Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda, its Director Thomas Kail, and some of
The documentary is an inspirational look into the group before the fame of Hamilton or In the Heights and shows the group’s roots. Beginning their journey together doing small shows on their hand-made stage in a book store in 2005 and follows them through to their rise to fame all the way to the reunion in 2019 for a few shows in New York City before taking the show to the Booth Theatre on Broadway. This documentary is a must see for anyone who is a fan of Lin-Manuel Miranda or his popular show Hamilton, which is viewable on Disney Plus. It will take you into the relationships that have grown between the groups members, and show the
fantasy/ Series Everyone’s favorite dysfunctional family of superpowered siblings are back and definitely better than ever. The popular Netflix series based on the popular graphic novel of the same, name created by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba, has returned for its second season and brought with it the great dark humor that the first season was known for. Season two follows the seven Hargreeves siblings after their jump back in time, as they find themselves separated from each other and scattered across 1960-1963 Dallas, Texas. After learning that they have brought the end of the world back with them, the Academy has no choice
Disney Plus’s newest addition to its vault of original content is a musical film directed, written, produced and starred in by Beyonce. This visual album is meant to be a pairing with her 2019 album The Lion King: The Gift which was made for the live action remake of the popular Disney movie of the same name. The story is very similar to The Lion King as well, as it shows a young African king who is sent away into an unforgiving world. It’s about a journey of finding his own selfidentity in order to return for his throne. But it’s the music and the message of the film that makes Black is King a visually stunning work of art; That shows the beauty and strength of African culture. These are just some of the great originals to choose from on each of these streaming services. And while the theaters are still figuring out ways to reopen while following California guidelines, it seems that everyone may have to wait a bit longer to see the next big cinematic film on the big screen. But it seems that these streaming services will be stepping up to give that great source of entertainment for anyone looking for something new to enjoy until then.
The Runner
Commentary August 24, 2020
Staff Editorial: Navigating your first virtual semester at CSUB By The Runner Editorial Board
Starting a new semester is already stressful for students; adding an ongoing pandemic on top of that can definitely heighten the stress for them. This semester is virtual for a majority of CSU Bakersfield’s students. This new school environment can create a lot of problems for students that have never taken an online course during their academic careers. Here are some tips on how to succeed in virtual learning. First try making lists or schedules. With the semester being in a new format it can be a struggle to remember the due dates of your assignments. Put your schedule in a place where you are going to see it
every day, whether that be on a bulletin board, white board, planner or even your phone calendar. Writing down due dates for your assignments can help your brain remember that due date more easily than just reading it on a syllabus. Attempting to recall any given assignment’s due date off the top of your head is a recipe for disaster. Instead, select a dedicated space for your lists, whether they be virtual or physical, and map out your assignments there. Mapping out your assignments is going to save you a lot of stress throughout the semester while you are adapting to distance learning. Communication this semester will be your best friend. In this format where you do not see your
professors every day, communication is going to be a strong must this semester. Find out the best way to talk with your professor (Slack, phone call, email, etc.) because you want to be able to ask questions and for them to be able to get back to you quickly. Staying in contact with your professors and using their office hours will be crucial for classes that can be a struggle in a virtual form. Professors are a valuable resource and can help carry you through class if you start to struggle or just need additional support. While making your new routine, make study time. With education going on in the home and away from campus, the line between relaxation and work mode can become blurry so
always set aside time specifically for studying and doing homework. Give yourself a designated work space and make sure that is all that will take place in this area. Ensure that this workspace is distraction free. Take advantage of the tutoring centers at CSUB as they will be virtual this semester, and can help you understand the content you’re trying to learn. They will help you with all. Subjects and even help you with your research papers when you need. Also, try to make small study groups with people in your classes. Your groups can meet on zoom to study for exams or if you can follow the guidelines of social distancing you can meet in person to compare notes.
While studying is important, “me time” is equally as important to doing well this semester. Zoom headaches are a real thing and can prevent you from doing well in your classes so make sure you give yourself breaks away from the computer screen as it’s just as important to doing well this semester as focusing on your work. Give yourself time in the morning to eat and stretch your legs in between your zoom calls. Set aside 2 hours of your day to relax and recharge and let your mind digest the information you are reading and receiving. Your mental health should be top priority in your life and your education as well. If you want to do well in school, you must first take care of your well-being.
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Take advantage of the mental health services provided by CSUB when you are feeling overwhelmed. Finally, remember to give yourself a lot of grace. Virtual instruction is not how we’ve been conditioned to learn or teach, and we are all adjusting to a new temporary normal for the fall 2020 semester. Do not be too harsh on yourself if your performance has decreased, continuing to persevere in your education in the middle of a pandemic is in itself an accomplishment. Remember you are not in this alone, and your performance in your classes do not define who you are. Stay strong and stay positive because, just like any low point in life, this period of uncertainty will, too, pass.
Illustration by Paige Atkison/The Runner
Sports
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The Runner
August 24, 2020
Runner Spotlight: Keneika Jensen By Chris Burdick Podcast Editor Life is full of unexpected surprises and nobody knows that better than CSU Bakersfield senior and defender on women’s soccer team, Keneika Jensen. Jensen was born in east St. Louis, Missouri and lived there until her family moved to Boise, Idaho when she was eight years old. She grew up wanting to be a doctor, usually being the one bandaging up her friends and other children when they got hurt playing games. She didn’t play many sports at a young age because her family could not afford it at the time. Until she was in second grade and was convinced by a friend and her father to participate in their soccer practice for fun. “Her dad was like ‘Just go play they need a prac-
tice player.’ and honestly, I went out there and I honestly kicked butt so that got the ball rolling,” Jensen said. She quickly took up many other sports like volleyball, basketball, track, and cross-country, but found that the challenges that soccer provided made her favor it over the other four sports she took part in. With those challenges came a new goal, to play four years of college soccer at a large university. Leaning towards schools like Gonzaga University, Utah Valley University, and University of Utah until she was convinced by an old goalkeeper coach to come visit CSUB before making a final decision. Jensen quickly formed a positive relationship with the coaching staff but it was her meeting with the team that really sold her on coming to CSUB. “When I had my official
visit and when I met the girls, I was sold. They were amazing. It just felt like home right away,” Jensen said. Her freshman season at CSUB showed lots of promise as she started at the defender position in 16 of a total 19 games and was a key contributor in the team setting a new defensive standard by resetting the schools Division 1 record for shutouts. But the season would not end without its own surprises, as Jensen learned while at the WAC tournament that she was pregnant with, now soon to be threeyear-old, twin boys. “What’s crazy is that I honestly thought that I was never going to play soccer again. I have heard of that happening and people don’t come back from that,” Jensen said. During her pregnancy, Jensen decided to take a year off from CSUB and
go back to Boise for family help and to be with her husband, Makade Jensen. While home Jensen held two jobs, one as a certified nursing assistant and also a babysitter/nanny for a family, while her husband was attending Boise State University studying engineering and working at UPS at night. But the lack of training was becoming stressful for Jensen, and the fear that her goal that she worked so hard for slipping away weighed on her mind. “It was just brutal. I couldn’t play soccer, I was away from the friends that I just made, I’m not even going to school anymore,” Jensen said. After having her sons Jaren and Easton in 2017, Jensen decided to return to CSUB in the 2018 season and in her first year back things looked promising as she was able to make 7 starts in her 17 total games played that year. With her junior season on the horizon, she was looking to make an even bigger impact, but fate had another challenge that it wanted to send her way. During the first day of physical exams in the 2019 preseason, Jensen was experiencing an unusual amount of pain and cramping causing her to underperform. “I was cramping extremely bad and I finished
somewhere in the middle. And then we have two more practices that day and during both practices I was in so much pain,” Jensen said. “And ya know, obviously you can’t show it because you don’t want you coaches thinking you’re being a baby.” After pushing through the following two practices Jensen returned home and the cramps continued. And once she spoke with her husband about it, Jensen went to the hospital for tests and was sent home and told that what she was experiencing was gastritis and nothing to be alarmed about. She had a previously scheduled appointment with her primary physician the next day. After telling her physician what happened the previous day, they decided to do some blood tests to be sure. And It wasn’t long before Jensen got the news about her condition. “On my way home, she called me and was like ‘Hey Keneika, you are going to have a heart attack. Your troponin is super elevated, get to the hospital.’” Upon getting the news, she rushed to the hospital and was admitted immediately, and within two days, Jensen’s condition changed dramatically. “They diagnosed me with pulmonary hypertension, which is a rare disease, or well its pretty rare,” Jensen said. “And basically, after diagnosis you have like 2 years to live.” The next semester continued down this troubling road. Countless doctor’s appointments and an oxygen prescription followed the diagnosis, but Jensen always held out for some
hope that she would be able to train again and rejoin the team for her third season. “What’s crazy is that I got diagnosed with [pulmonary hypertension] and then they would be like ‘Well things are looking better.’ So I was like ‘okay I’ll train again.’ So I would start training and everything would decline really fast,” Jensen said. With her health and family in mind, Jensen decided that she will not return in 2020 for another season of competition, and instead intends to graduate at the end of the Summer with her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. Jensen says that since the diagnosis and decision to step away from training, her condition has improved. Her heart has returned to normal size, the fluid in her lungs has disappeared completely, and so has her initial two years to live timeframe. With her health now in a good place and her graduation on the horizon, Jensen is hopeful of a bright future for her and her family. And although she was unable to play four full years like she hoped, Jensen still managed to leave CSUB with a lifetime of memories. She plans to take a few years off from school after she graduates until her husband completes his master’s degree in engineering at UCLA. Then she will decide which school to attend in order to continue her education in Kinesiology in her pursuit to become a Physician’s Assistant or a Nurse Practitioner with a focus in strength and conditioning.
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