Saber VOLUME 64 | Spring 2020| Issue 3
THE
Saber THE
Ashley Peterson, Editor-in-Chief Paige Adams, Office Manager Joe Miller, Faculty Adviser Luka Steele, Visual Editor Jade Thornton, Layout Editor Jessica DeMarco-Jacobson, Senior Copy Editor
EDITORS Macy Frazier Nastasia Rozenberg Vivian Duncan REPORTERS Caleb Jackson Chika Nwosu Richard Yancey Rebekah Meloy VISUAL REPORTERS Eddie Sampson Campbell Danley Melissa Areiza
EDITOR'S LETTER Pictured Graduating senior Joshua Newbend sits on his bed with his laptop. Photo by Jade Thornton Contact For comments or inquiries: csusaber@gmail.com For advertising information: csusaberads@gmail. com 4225 University Ave. Columbus, GA 31907 Special Thanks To Ashlyn Shoup, Isaiah Givan, Austin Stallings, Raquel Aponte, Madison Wright, Hannah Reed, Mary Tipton, Tiffany Driskell, Sarah Holden, Joshua Newbend, and Dalton Newbend. Disclaimer Opinions expressed in The Saber are those of the editor or writer of the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of Columbus State University or its affiliates.
@TheCSUSaber @SaberCSU @ColumbusStateSaber
Hello Students,
It is hard to know what to say after everything that has happened over the last few weeks. I want to start by saying that I hope you all are doing well and that I am so sorry for the difficulties so many are having, whether that has to do with finances, health, or anything else. I know college students specifically are in such an odd position right now. As a reminder, the CSU Food Pantry is there for students. Please don’t hesitate to fill out an application if you are in need. On the other hand, if you are able to contribute by donating goods to the Food Pantry, please do! At this time, I would encourage readers to stay informed but also to take time to step away from all the news. Things can be very overwhelming at a time like this, and it is okay to take some time for yourself. Lastly, I just want to thank The Saber staff for being so amazing during this time. They have been so great at adapting to these circumstances. I am so happy to know these amazing people, who truly care about their community and want to help in any way they can. Working on this issue with them has truly been such a joy. Please take care of each other during this time and do your best to follow CDC guidelines. Consider staying home and doing all you can to protect yourselves and others. We can do this, Cougars.
ash ley
letter to the editor ••
G
lobally, COVID-19 has usurped daily lives and routines. In the United States, college students are forcibly told to pack up their textbooks with half a semester of lecture notes and return home, wherever that might be. This situation is unprecedented in the modern university system. The diversity of university communities that once created a stimulating learning environment, now present a logistical and ethical dilemma for many administrations across the country. In an era where internet access for some is everything but a guarantee, we must remain cognizant that many homes are far from an ideal learning environment. Where a university campus, the libraries and study lounges and dining halls, provided an equalizing force between those with and without means to succeed, homes fall short. Home often brings the additional challenges of familial pressure and duties, mental health, economic challenges; all of this notwithstanding the circumstances of a global pandemic. In response to the unique and new realities for students, top universities around the country created new policies and initiatives to promote student success. At Columbus State University, the primary response to ensure student wellness has been the creation of a “Create Care Team.” The primary goal of this team is to reach each individual student and address needs and issues from a bottom up basis. This is an admirable initiative. However, major universities, including Ivy league and state flagship schools, have realized challenges and provided resources to surmount those challenges in a way that CSU has not. Many universities have adopted a Universal Pass/Fail system or opt-in Pass/Fail system. The Universal Pass/ Fail system alleviates the academic pressure of the letter grading scale and allows for discrepancies in home life
that would take an A student to a C+ student. The opt in Pass/Fail system allows students to choose to remain on the letter scale in efforts to improve their grade point average while others may choose to take their classes Pass/ Fail. This allows institutional understanding of complex home lives while simultaneously not cutting short anyone’s goals for the semester. While CSU has implemented a withdrawal without failure policy, this hinders the success of students in a gray area; those who have a drive to succeed and, if given the resources, would do just that. CSU and the University System of Georgia have a responsibility to their students to consider instating a universal pass/fail or opt-in pass/fail system. For most, the university is a launchpad into their future- a future of innovation and societal contribution inspired by the lessons of higher education. It is absurd that the forward momentum of the individuals that will positively impact the city of Columbus, the state of Georgia, and the United States of America might hinge on benevolence of administrators during a global crisis. Administration owes it to students, who work diligently at this university, to follow suit in the aims of equitable grading. For every student with a blemish on their transcript from this semester that someday costs them the opportunity they sought, the administration’s lack of action is solely responsible. Facing down this crisis is precisely the purpose of having administration, to navigate titanic issues on behalf of the students whom they should support. It is the duty of Columbus State and the University System of Georgia to first and foremost ensure the health and safety of their students and our community, but additionally look forward and ensure they create leaders of tomorrow who can push forward into tomorrow, a tomorrow free of a pandemic. Stay safe and healthy Cougars. SARAH HOLDEN
4 | The Saber | SPRING 2020
C O N T E N T S •• VOL. 64 • SPRING 2020 • ISSUE 3 AWARD-WINNING STUDENT NEWS SOURCE AT COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSIT Y
6 | CSU EXPLORES ALTERNATIVES FOR A SPRING COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
14 | GETTING ALONG IN QUARANTINE How to survive being stuck at home with your parents or roommate
By Paige Adams
By Vivian Duncan
8 | JOB LOSS AND TRANSITION FOR STUDENTS
17 | PROVEN PRODUCTIVITY
Students at CSU face job loss and changes in work amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Ways to create a routine to stay productive at home
By Paige Adams
By Nastasia Rozenberg
10 | HOW I'VE COPED WITH EPILEPSY
On The Cover Graduating senior Dalton Newbend sits on the front steps of his home. Photo by Jade Thornton These Stories found within these 24 pages
18 | HOW TO STAY ACTIVE DURING QUARANTINE
A letter from an epileptic
By Rebekah Meloy
By Macy Frazier
12 | DATING DURING A LOCKDOWN
20 | HAVE FUN WITH FRIENDS WITH ONLINE GAMING
How to better handle being separated from your partner
These affordable multiplayer games provide ways to have fun and stay connected with friends while stuck at home.
By Vivian Duncan
By Jade Thornton
SPRING 2020
| The Saber | 5
GRADUATION
CSU explores alternatives for a spring commencement ceremony
O
n March 18, a CSU Announcements email informed students that the university decided to cancel the “traditional” commencement ceremony for spring 2020 graduates. CSU released this information amid the transition to online learning due to the coronavirus pandemic. The university made this decision with consideration of CDC guidelines as well as the University Systems of Georgia’s decision to close all 26 Georgia institutions, announced via CSU Announcements on March 16. “The cancelation of the face to face ceremony actually shocked me at first,” said graduating senior and English creative writing major, Isaiah Givan, who was not fully prepared for that outcome. Givan further stated that “I went through a stage of brief sadness, even though I knew that the cancellation was a possible outcome, because my graduation wasn’t just for me but also for my family.” Graduating senior marketing major, Austin Stallings, wasn’t originally planning on attending graduation, but decided to follow through this past March. “I was looking at this ceremony as a chance to reflect and be proud of myself for following through with my education and not giving up after all of the trials and tribulations I faced during my experience at CSU,” stated Stallings who will no longer get
6 | The Saber | SPRING 2020
this opportunity in the way he had hoped for. President Markwood’s message that followed the cancelation announcement stated that the university would be looking into alternatives to a “traditional” commencement ceremony, and welcomed student suggestions. However, at that time no link was
“The atmosphere, the energy, the excitement of graduating with your friends and living it up one last time -
all of that isn’t there anymore.” included or platform mentioned as a place for students to make their suggestions. Another message from President Markwood on March 20 offered a sentence of address with Markwood stating, “You will soon receive information on how you can share your ideas on creative alternatives to commencement ceremonies.” Three days later the Cougar Connection bulletin board email included a flyer stating the university
was exploring the idea of a virtual ceremony or possibly postponement of a face-to-face ceremony, and called on students to weigh in on the matter with an email link as well as social media platforms offered as a way to voice their opinions. An update from Markwood on March 24 briefly stated that the university had “received numerous responses from our students for ideas on creative alternatives to traditional commencement ceremonies in May,” relaying that they hoped for another update in the next few days. Seventeen days later, on Apr. 10, a message from president Markwood was sent out to seniors who would be graduating as well as faculty and staff informing of the university’s decision for an alternative. Their plan includes “an online live ‘conferring of degrees’” as well as a “plan to host [an] in person graduation ceremony on August 8, 2020.” Stallings, feels that while CSU is trying to remain connected, they are blasting too many emails to keep up with. “I feel like the graduation emails are getting drowned out with the piles of emails,” stated Stallings. Givan believes the University is working in a timely manner considering the fluidity of the situation, stating that “I honestly don’t see anything else they could do considering things are changing on a daily basis.” The latter of the alternatives is offered pending the UGA approval PAIGE ADAMS
GRADUATION
to reopen the school to students, faculty, and staff by the ceremony’s scheduled date. In the case that this option is not possible, a face-to-face ceremony would remain an option for students, as a joint ceremony would be offered with the fall 2020 graduates. While Givan plans to participate in the alternatives, looking forward to the virtual celebration as well as the postponed ceremony, he does feel “slightly adverse” to an even later postponement in December. “I understand the postponing of the ceremony. If anything, I appreciate it [because] It means the school actually cares about their students and faculty's health,” said Givan. “I think a virtual ceremony is a fool's errand,” stated Stallings who remains uninterested in anything other than an in person ceremony. Stallings plans to hold his own personal celebration postpandemic, despite the University’s plans. While the University has supplied reasonable alternatives, Givan still feels that there will be an air of sadness amongst graduating seniors in May. “The atmosphere, the energy, the excitement of graduating with your friends and living it up one last time — all of that isn’t there anymore.” ASHLEY PETERSON
President Markwood’s most recent message also called on students to weigh in again, this time through a survey that would gauge the level of participation to “tell us if we need more than one ceremony in August (or December),” as stated in President Markwood’s message. In any case, their alternatives offer students the ability to both celebrate while their graduation is still timely, as well as in person. However, unfortunately due to the circumstances these two factors have had to be separated, leaving students’ post graduation plans and celebrations to be changed, postponed, or even canceled. “The pandemic definitely altered my trip planned for after I graduated but I’ve done my best in flipping my perspective on it into a positive one,” said Givan, who hopes to take advantage of his time spare time at home as “an opportunity for an early reset, a chance to alter some bad habits and really make sure my plans are concrete for the future.” While ceremonies and celebrations are put on hold or transitioned online, one thing is certain: the CSU Class of 2020 is ready to graduate and looking forward to a future outside of self isolation. SPRING 2020
| The Saber | 7
EMPLOYMENT
Job Loss and transitions for students Students at CSU face job loss and changes in work amid the COVID-19 pandemic
T
he COVID-19 pandemic has sent the world into a whirlwind with death, illness, and social distancing all looming over people as an imminent threat. This has resulted in closures, not only of universities like that of CSU, but of restaurants, bars, and many other businesses alike, leaving many students without work, or navigating work from home. Originally, the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, released a shelter-inplace order effective Apr. 3 through Apr. 13, and now extended through Apr. 30, further restricting many businesses. However, Governor Kemp announced on Apr. 20 that some businesses would be allowed to reopen on Apr 24 and restaurants on Apr. 27. Many businesses have personally extended their closure or continue to offer only to-go services in efforts to protect their employees and customers with social distancing. Still, many other businesses remain closed or are being run remotely. Some businesses have been able to move their employees to fully working from home, lessening the risk of exposure for many. This allows the worker a safe environment and the ability to maintain a stable income in these times of uncertainty. Raquel Aponte, CSU graduate student working toward a Post-Baccalaureate Spanish Translation and Interpretation Certificate, works for CSU as an PAIGE ADAMS
EMPLOYMENT
"10 people getting together to work in a close environment isn’t the best situation. In my opinion, we’re just waiting on one of us to get sick.” administrative and proctoring coordinator. Her job has been transitioned to working from home as well as her classes. As a mother of two, Aponte has found she has a lot to juggle all from home. “I do stay up very late working and doing school work, but for now I have been able to manage it all,” commented Aponte. Aponte, who lives together with her parents as well, has found their availability helpful in managing her work load, but has experienced increased anxiety about her family’s health. “It is very important for me to make sure that I don't get exposed because my parents are in the ‘high risk’ category, and I don't want to get my children sick,” stated Aponte. Some students' jobs have not offered the possibility of working from home, but have been able to offer supplemental income to their employees as they are no longer working. Senior English creative writing major Madison Wright works as a barista at Starbucks Coffee, a company which has been able to offer their employees the option of staying home while still receiving pay during this time. “I've decided since I have three siblings that are nurses and have come into contact with COVID-19 patients, I believe I should continue to stay home,” Wright stated. Many restaurants have remained open, running on a to-go only basis after being ordered to close and some continue to do so now, despite the permission to reopen. Running business this way helps to lessen the financial loss for the business and their employees, as well as to provide “essential” needs to their customers. LUKA STEELE
Even still, this puts many employees and customers at risk of exposure. Junior theatre major Hannah Reed works at Country’s Barbecue in Columbus as an assistant front-ofhouse manager and has been included as part of a smaller staff that works to provide to-go needs to their customers. Reed stated that while the smaller staff is better for social distancing measures, still having “10 people getting together to work in a close environment isn’t the best situation. In my opinion, we’re just waiting on one of us to get sick.” Reed added that while the staffing had been cut, business remained steady, putting her and other employees working more shifts to keep up with demand. Reed is grateful to still have an income but stated “I feel like I can lose my job at any moment,” and also remains fearful of coming in contact with the virus. “I live with my partner who works in a hospital for mental health, so he is considered essential. I’m scared I’ll get him sick, and then he’ll go to work unknowingly carrying the virus and get staff and patients sick.” Very many others have fallen victim to total job loss and are finding it near impossible to maintain a source of income. “I sell blood plasma, and I cut the grass for my neighbors to compensate for sudden loss in income,” said Mary Tipton, a Junior nursing student at University of West Georgia, who lost her job as a Peer tutor for UWG after the closures deemed necessary by the University Systems of Georgia. Tipton stated that, “I save as much money as possible, but I still have
to pay for things like my phone bill, gas, and school.” Tipton added, “my employer is not offering any support to students who have had a cut in their hours.” Tipton has experienced her workload combined with the isolation of social distancing to be trying, stating that “adjusting to a new school, work, and home schedule is difficult when there is no physical separation between them.” In addition to these transitions and loss of income, students have expressed worry that they are not being considered as part of the Coronavirus Stimulus Package that the federal government has put together as a “rescue package” for the economy during this time. The checks that are being distributed to citizens are based off of this year or the previous year’s taxes. However, many students are filed under their parents as dependents as they are still in college and yet they will not even qualify for the $500 add-on as a dependent under their parents if they are 18 years old or above. Reed expressed, “I also wish we as Americans could rely on our government to demand rent freezes and a UBI at this point,” continuing that “the $1200 that most college students won’t get anyway will only make a dent in the bills that are piling up on Americans that cannot work during this crisis.” Tipton stated, “I'm not aware of any resources available to college students who are claimed as dependents.” Support to the masses may be lacking inclusion of many college students who are struggling at this time. SPRING 2020
| The Saber | 9
HEALTH
How I’ve Coped with Epilepsy A letter from an epileptic
A
s a person with epilepsy, I have come across many others who are not sure of what this condition is. Before I turned 15, I hadn’t paid much attention to people with seizures, so after having my first one at the age of 14, my knowledge of epilepsy and seizures grew. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder, and if a person is epileptic, he or she has seizures. While most people act similarly while they’re having seizures, different types of seizures exist. There are also different stages of epileptics. For instance, I have juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, which means I have seizures, but I can control them more easily if I am on medication. That title was also given to me because juvenile epilepsy ranges from the ages of nine through 21, and I was a teenager when I was diagnosed. While my case isn’t as bad as others with epilepsy, as I have only had four seizures in my lifetime, some people have seizures daily and take several medications. The Epilepsy Foundation’s website said that there could possibly be reasons for people having seizures like a brain injury or family genes, but the most common answer
is unknown. I am one of those common people; I do not know why I have seizures. Triggers are important to know when dealing with an epileptic. My first seizure was caused by a large amount of stress combined with the sunlight quickly beaming through the trees like a strobe light while I was on a school bus. Strobe lights are known to attack those of us with epilepsy because our brains have stigmas that are moving too fast and unproportionately. Sleep deprivation and missing medication or not taking the right dosage are other triggers. I’ve had a seizure in the past because of the combination of missing my twice a day dose of Keppra, my epilepsy medication that decreases my seizures, and not getting enough sleep. During my most recent seizure, I woke up early that morning because I was supposed to work that day. I had been out late the night before, so I was pretty sleep deprived. Not to mention, I had forgotten to take my medication when I came home that night. I felt myself starting to jolt. When a person jolts, twitching comes to mind, but more of a strong twitch, causing that person to move the entire body. I called my roommate, Ashlyn Shoup, as soon as I realized what was happening,
and I told her that I might be having a seizure. She rushed to my aid just in time. Right before I blacked out, I remember trying to get her to talk to me as I laid on my bed, just a casual conversation to distract me. The next thing I remember was coming to with her beside me asking me questions that I barely remember today. Seizures don’t allow much memory before, during, and after the process an epileptic person goes through. During the seizure itself, I have never recovered any memory, only tid-bits before and after. There are possibilities of biting one’s tongue or vomiting, but usually biting the tongue is most common. Because a person has no control while he or she is undergoing a seizure, having another person there to care for you is the best route, but that won’t always be the case. I have had instances where I have been completely alone and have banged my head against hard surfaces. I used to have a decent memory, and now, due to a couple
"the most important thing is that you stay calm because otherwise the situation is just going to escalate." 10 | The Saber | SPRING 2020
REBEKAH MELOY
HEALTH
possible concussions, I don’t remember people, dates, and events as easily as I used to. Ashlyn Shoup is a senior at CSU, majoring in kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science and a minor in dance. Having known about my condition and the fact that we would be living together, I thought telling her what to do in the case that I had a seizure would be best for both of us. “My dog has epilepsy, but that is a little different,” Shoup stated when asked if she had ever dealt with seizures before. Other than her dog, I have been the only other being that she has helped with seizures. She mentioned that there were other moments where she would have liked to help another person during a seizure, but didn’t know the proper precautions to take. After helping me and learning the proper way to deal with someone who is having a seizure, she created a process in her head for the next time, “Number one, protect their head, don’t think you’re not going to freak out because you are. But the most important thing is that you stay calm because otherwise the situation is just going to escalate.” While she mentioned that she is not made to work in the medical field because situations like this one would be too intense for her, she feels stronger in the sense that if she needs to be of help, she can. I then asked her if she felt scared or worried about being roommates with an epileptic and she said, “If it had happened and I hadn’t had the conversation with you ahead of time then that would have been different, but the fact that we had talked about it and made sure that if it ever happened and how to handle it, that made me feel not uncomfortable with this situation.” Being epileptic can be difficult and frustrating at times, especially when we know our limitations, yet something can still happen. I believe the importance of the knowledge of what to do when someone is epileptic or just simply having a seizure is critical because this disorder is more wide-spread than people realize. Help friends, family members, and even strangers by simply being aware. Having epilepsy for the past eight years has given me a different perspective on life. When all my friends went to concerts or rode roller coasters, I had to sit out. As a teenager, this disorder was a disaster to my life because I was dramatic when I found out I wouldn’t be living like the rest of the world. However, as I have grown, I no longer see this disorder as disconnection from my life, but rather a new, cautious lifestyle. Having epilepsy has not caused me to miss out on everything, but rather to see the beauty in the different, maybe smaller experiences of life that not everyone else covers. ASHLEY PETERSON
steps to help an Epileptic 1. Try to lay the person down gently on their side 2. Place something soft underneath the head, so they do not get a concussion 3. Remove any objects from their face like glasses as well as anything around the person because his or her arms will flail about 4. Time the seizure, if the time has been longer than five minutes, dial 911 5. DO NOT try to hold them down; it is okay to gently keep them from rolling off a surface 6. DO NOT place anything in the person’s mouth, it will cause damage to the inside of the mouth and tongue 7. Most importantly, try not to panic, that will make the situation worse 8. Wait for them to wake up after they have calmed down and sit with them for a while to make sure another seizure isn’t on the way SPRING 2020
| The Saber | 11
REL ATIONSHPS
Dating During a Lockdown How to better handle being separated from your partner
G
eorgia is officially on lockdown, and while that has not changed everyone’s day-to-day lives, most people are experiencing certain conflicts that they never had to encounter before. One of these is dating during a lockdown. People can find themselves in many different situations during lockdown. Some people who are living with their significant other may suddenly find themselves around them 24/7 for the first time in their relationship. Some couples may not have experienced much change because they were already long distance, communicating over the phone and used to spending time separately. For most relationships, however, this may be the first time that they are being forced to stay apart, and that can certainly be difficult in a loving relationship. For those who find themselves in this boat during the lockdown, the following tips and tricks may help make things a little bit easier for your relationship at this time.
12 | The Saber | SPRING 2020
1. See this as a self improvement opportunity. Every relationship is comprised of the people who make it up, so working on yourself is an excellent way of working on your relationship. Use this time alone to really meditate on who you are, what your needs and wants are, but most importantly: what you can improve or change for the better. Journal, read some self-help type books, and really analyze your habits, words, and actions. If you find you have some toxic traits as most people do—don’t worry!—decide what actions you can take to correct them. Doing so will result in a much happier and healthier relationship in the long run. Then, when you come back together with your significant other(s), you can be confident that you have a healthy romance. VIVIAN DUNCAN
REL ATIONSHIPS
2. Connect in new ways. With today’s technology, there’s no shortage of communication channels to talk to your loved one while you both are at home. There is always FaceTime, Skype, and now the oh-so-loved Zoom, but don’t forget that you can also use Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, or WhatsApp to video chat! Outside of video chatting, you can still watch Netflix together using a Netflix Party browser Chrome extension, or maybe even get old fashioned and send some snail mail with that fancy stationary that you haven’t used in years!
4. Even so, ensure you are communicating clearly. Being separated physically may be hard on you, and enduring all of the other changes of being on lockdown may also be taking a toll on your psyche. Instead of letting negative thoughts and feelings seep into your system, be sure to communicate with your partner how you are feeling and if there is any way for them to help. On the flip side of that, make sure you are also reaching out to check on them and trying to help their psyche any way that you can. Remember that this is a partnership, and you can lean on each other in hard times. Be careful, it can be easy to just sweep negative feelings under the rug and then let them fester, leading to problems later on. Just communicate clearly and effectively, and make sure your loved one knows that they are loved!
3. Find a balance. Being able to talk to your sweetheart all day everyday is a great advantage of modern technology, but sometimes it can do more harm than good. The truth is, experts say that talking everyday might actually be harmful to your relationship. Keep some of the mystery alive! If you are constantly speaking all day, you may run out of things to talk about, and the conversation won’t be as special or exciting. Consider waiting till the end of the day to do a video chat or phone call so that you can tell each other about your days and have plenty of things to catch up on.
5. Use this as a time to truly get to know them better. Sometimes, it is easy to fall into a routine and just go about everyday mundane life with the person you’re in a relationship with. This in itself has a beautiful value, but once you fall into this, sometimes deep conversations and learning about each other is set to the curbside. Day-to-day life is necessary, but if your conversations are typically reduced to agenda-setting, it could be hard to feel that ‘spark’ of passion, regardless of whether you are together or apart. So use this time to really talk to each other, and instead of sharing daily “wyd” updates, talk about your greatest ambitions, fears, and memories. Also look forward, and talk about all the things you want to do once you are physically back together again!
SPRING 2020
| The Saber | 13
REL ATIONSHIPS
Getting Along in Quarantine How to survive being stuck at home with your parents or roommate
M
any students have found themselves displaced during this era of COVID-19, and that comes with its own set of issues. Many of them are having to return home to their parent’s house, moving back in with their families, or needing to get apartments with roommates. Either way, many students right now are having to deal with living with others again and maybe not being in complete control of their day-to-day life anymore because of being stuck at home nonstop. If you find yourself in a situation like this, some of these tips may help you to better coexist peacefully with those you now have to share your life with 24/7.
parents /family Family is precious to a lot of people, but can sometimes be difficult to be around, and everyone’s home situation is different in this realm. It can especially be tough if you are used to being away at college and not under your parent’s roof anymore. If you find yourself having tension at home around your family, try some of these things to ease it. 14 | The Saber | SPRING 2020
Get to Know Your Parents As you get older, often you can start to find more middle ground with your parents, and they’ll become more like friends than authority figures. Spending time with your parents and communicating with them can transform your relationship. It is hard to understand or appreciate them if you always see them as that authority figure you grew up with, so take this time to have some honest conversations and get to know the real them. Take this chance to learn to see things from their perspective. This often helps to understand why people act the way they do. Maybe your mother isn’t very warm with you because she was never close with her mother, or your dad is hard on you because his dad was hard on him. It may make it easier to see where they are coming from and help you to respect them a bit more. Unfortunately, some people are just toxic though, so if this is the case, see the next tip and be sure you set strong boundaries.
Take Responsibility for Your Part in Your Family It may be weird to be back at home after being gone for a while, but part of that means that you are now part of the household again, and this time as an older, wiser person. This means that you will have to fall into your responsibilities, doing chores as you once did, doing your part in cooking, cleaning, or whatever else may be done. You may have forgotten for a while what it is like to be part of a family system, but as long as you do your logical part in the workload of running a household, tensions should stay low. Remember, your parents also have gotten used to not having you around! So they will have to readjust too. If they ask too much, maybe something like asking you to clean the kitchen when you have an exam the next day, just take a breath and calmly explain that you have to study. They will probably need the gentle reminder that just because you are home, you still have responsibilities of your own. Learn to negotiate – think about what you need and what the other person needs. Try to meet in the middle, so both people are happy with the outcome. VIVIAN DUNCAN
REL ATIONSHIPS
Take a Break and Set Boundaries Being trapped in the same house together for days or weeks on end will be bound to drive you all a little crazy. Don’t forget that it is okay to take a break every now and then. Normally, you all would be doing your own thing, going to work or school, leaving minimal time together. With the sudden change from that to the extreme opposite, tension and frustration can easily build. So, let your family members know that you want some alone time, and then make sure you get it. Have your room be a safe space or maybe your yard. If it is safe to do so, go to a nearby park or just go for a walk around the neighborhood alone. This will help you to get away for a bit and reset your system. Do what is best for you and whatever keeps you sane. If you don't get along with a certain family member, then try to avoid being with them one-on-one. If possible, you can try to use another family member that you get along with as a buffer when you all have to be around each other. Having a third party will help to take some of the tension out of the air.
LUKA STEELE
When Met with Conflict, be Polite and Count to Ten, but Don’t Tolerate Bullying Again, your parents are having to adjust as much as you are, and they are probably still used to you being a child in their home, under their control. If your dad is lecturing you about some harsh opinions he has, don’t lash out. Use the old trick of counting to ten before you react, giving yourself time to center yourself. If you have something to say, say it as politely as possible -- remember, there’s no escaping an argument if you are stuck in a house together. Remember that when people are stuck in their ways, it's often pointless to try to argue with them, and sometimes it is better to just keep the peace and walk away. With this, though, do not let anyone belittle you or bully you. Gently make your stance and remind your parents that although you may be back under their roof, you are an adult who has a right to your own opinions. Above all, try not to let anything negative they say get to you. It is a little like dealing with an elementary school bully.
SPRING 2020
| The Saber | 15
REL ATIONSHIPS
roommates Most people end up having to live with roommates in college, but even after years of experience, or perhaps if this is your first time, it can be difficult sharing a space with someone else. If you find yourself frustrated having to deal with someone else’s differences in living practices, see if any of these things might help.
Make space for personal space If your roommate is watching Netflix on their laptop while wearing earbuds, they likely don’t want to start up a conversation. Don’t take it personally, and the same goes if they spend all day in their room. Even the most extroverted people need their space sometimes, and it is important to respect that.
Communicate honestly and openly When you live with other people, you will need to be honest and open with each other. If it annoys you when someone leaves their dishes in the sink or laundry on the chair – then speak up! Voicing your thoughts avoids potential conflicts and makes best-roommate-forever status much more attainable. Be sure to address little things as they come up before they turn into bigger problems. It is always easier to address the small stuff early on, than let it build up into something too heated to handle.
Embrace the experience You may not have been very close with your roommate before, and maybe your relationship was more of a business agreement to help pay the bills. But with this unique situation, you are probably going to have to get to know each other pretty well, so make the most of it! Have some fun nights playing games or watching movies, or cook dinner or bake together. This can be a chance to bond! 16 | The Saber | SPRING 2020
Make a roommate agreement If you don’t already have one, make a roommate agreement. Even if things seem great now. Even if you are best friends or have lived together for years. Because as illogical, emotional humans prone to mistakes and misunderstandings, some sort of disagreement is bound to come up eventually. When it does, it is good to have some pre-established house rules to fall back on. Being together in lockdown is only going to make those disagreements more likely, and you don’t want to be stuck establishing boundaries and preferences in the heat of a roommate battle that you cannot escape. It doesn’t have to be long or complicated, but you should sit down together and list some of the standards the two of you would like to abide by, and some sort of plan for when disagreements do arise. Simply listing things that you should or shouldn’t do is great and all, but it is useless if you don’t have a system of resolving a conflict when things go wrong.
Be aware It’s easy to take for granted your own unique way of doing things. Your different lifestyle, however, could potentially be a discomfort or annoyance for your roommate. Because of this, it’s important to remain aware of your differences, and practice compromise. Maybe before, you stayed out all day, so your roommate was able to keep the AC blasting while you were gone, and now that you are stuck at home, you really don’t appreciate the freezing temperatures. Find a new temperature that you both agree on and be willing to sacrifice your own needs and wants too. You will likely have to share the kitchen a lot more now, or maybe even a bathroom, so just remember to be patient and don’t be afraid to give gentle reminders to do their dishes. It is simple actions that go the longest way of preserving the peace.
LIFEST YLE
Proven Productivity Ways to create a routine to stay productive at home
H
uman bodies are capable of producing limited amounts of energy to help people get through daily tasks, and as the day carries on, motivation wavers and makes completing these tasks difficult. Creating an energizing morning routine is the first step to setting yourself up for a productive day. According to a study conducted by the Harvard Division of Continuing Education, waking up early, exercising, and reflecting through journaling or other other creative outlets increases energy reserves and helps you stay motivated throughout the day.
3. Get active: YouTube currently offers a variety of different workouts to do with no equipment from home, such as dance classes, yoga classes, high intensity interval training classes, and muscle group-targeted workouts. Starting your day off with a ten minute workout, yoga, or stretching routine can boost energy throughout the day, relieve stress and tension, and improve your health.
1. Begin your day by waking up early: Setting an alarm for the same time each day helps prevent grogginess and possible headaches later in the day. While you do not have to set a particularly early alarm, waking up before 11am and avoiding oversleeping- sleeping over 9 to 10 hours a night- increases energy. Waking up at a consistent time also helps your body recognize a circadian rhythm, naturally creating a sleep routine.
2. Invest in a creative hobby: Morning pages are one of the most popular creative outlets to integrate into a morning routine. Keep a journal by your bed, and after you wake up, allow yourself to write out your thoughts. You can set a five minute timer, or simply write until your mind feels clear. Morning pages help reduce anxiety, find inner creativity, and center your mind to increase focus. NASTASIA ROZENBERG
4. Plan your day: Creating to-do lists and blocking out time slots for different tasks throughout the day can help you stay on track throughout the day, as well as relieve anxiety caused by incomplete work. Planning your day helps ensure that you have enough time to complete your work without feeling overwhelmed.
5. Change out of the clothes you slept in: Changing into a new set of clothes can be changing into a clean pair of pajamas or a comfortable T-shirt, as well as an outfit you would normally wear to class. Embodied cognition, the theory that how you look affects how you feel, has been proven by multiple studies. Wearing the same clothes that you slept in can subconsciously affect your mood in a negative manner, while changing intoclean, comfortable clothing can affect your mood in a positive manner. Being intentional with your day and setting up a consistent morning routine are key ways to increasing productivity. Remember to do what works for you during these changing times. SPRING 2020
| The Saber | 17
FITNESS
How to Stay Active Duri A
lthough numerous aspects of life have changed, health and fitness does not need to fall to the wayside. In fact, maintaining your fitness can help you cope with stress. National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer Tiffany Driskell, a senior at CSU, commented, “I think everyone has a little more anxiety because we don’t know what’s going to be happening, and exercise releases endorphins… Right now we need those endorphins more than ever.” Here are a few tips for how to stay active during quarantine:
create a routine Although numerous aspects of life have changed, scheduling your workout at a specific time every day will help add some stability to your day. CPT Driskell acknowledged that every person has something different that works for them, but “the morning is my favorite time to workout because then I don’t worry about it for the rest of the day… and then you’re feeling great the rest of the day.” You may also want to give yourself something to look forward to after your workout. In The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg came to the conclusion that rewarding yourself after completing a desired behavior reinforces that behavior. You can apply this to your fitness goals by treating yourself after your workout. This treat can be anything from a long shower to a FaceTime call with your best friend. You could reward yourself with a cookie, but depending on the fitness goals you’ve set, eating a cookie after every workout may not be as beneficial.
find a buddy Finding a workout buddy can make the workout not only more fun, but can also encourage you to hold one another accountable. If you already had a gym buddy, you can still video chat with them and workout together. You can also do this with several friends. Ask around your residence as well. You may be able to use your daily workout as a way to bond with a family member or roommate. 18 | The Saber | SPRING 2020
Use Body Weight Exercises For people without access to workout equipment, body weight exercises are a viable way of maintaining and strengthening muscles. This includes any kind of movement that utilizes the weight of your own body, including push-ups, reverse lunges, and squats. Body weight exercises are very versatile and can be done anywhere.
Get Creative with Household Objects If you would like to work with some weight, water or laundry detergent jugs can be used as kettlebells, or try moving some furniture around your house with appropriate deadlifting form. Put something heavy in a bookbag; it has handles, and you can make it as heavy as the combined items you fit in it. Broomsticks may not be heavy, but you can use them to work on form if you do not own a barbell. MACY FRAZIER
FITNESS
ing Quarantine Search for Workouts Online If you prefer to have someone leading a workout, there are several resources online. Several fitness apps, including Nike, are offering free live workouts since several gyms are closed. These live workouts are similar to attending classes at the gym because oftentimes you’ll be able to see the instructor and other class members. CPT Driskell said, “I think live workouts are sometimes better for me because the motivation is right there.” YouTube is also a great way to find new workouts. Look up yoga flows, dance routines, core workout, or any other kind of activity that may interest you.
work on a skill Working on a skill can help you work toward your fitness goals. CPT Driskell has recently been looking up jump rope tricks on YouTube and challenging herself to learn them. “It’s like I’m working out, but it’s also something that I can improve at because it’s a skill.” Through choosing an active skill to work on and setting progressive goals, you can learn something new during the pandemic while releasing post-workout endorphins.
distract yourself Several treadmills and other cardio machines are equipped with a screen so that users can watch a television show or listen to music. This allows you to focus on something other than the discomfort of your workout. CPT Driskell commented, “Distracting yourself while you’re working out is helpful. Podcasts are my best friend.” These distractions can come in several forms. You can watch a YouTube video, listen to music, or even get creative during a movie. Look up a workout that goes along with a movie, or get inventive and create one yourself. For example, if you’re watching Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, do 25 push-ups every time Hagrid says, “I shouldn’t have said that.” LUKA STEELE
Go for a Walk Walking is a very simple yet effective way to stay active. It boosts your heart rate a little, and you get the added benefit of soaking in some vitamin D. Going for a walk can also allow you to have a short, mentally healthy break from those you are quarantined with. You can clear your head and enjoy the beauties of nature while positively impacting your health. Several hiking trails are still open as well, but be careful to maintain social distancing and avoid narrow trails that may cause you to pass too close to someone. SPRING 2020
| The Saber | 19
ENTERTAINMENT
Have Fun With Friends With Online Gaming These affordable multiplayer games provide ways to have fun and stay connected with friends while stuck at home.
D
uring the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, many people across the country are being advised to stay home in order to prevent the spread of the virus. While this prevents us from meeting up in person, online games are an option to have fun together and stay connected with friends while social distancing. The Discord app, available for both PC and mobile devices, can be used to connect friends through voice or video chat to make it easy to play games together. All of the games on this list are under $30.00, as job layoffs and business closures make saving money whenever possible necessary. Here are seven affordable multiplayer games:
stardew valley “Stardew Valley” is a farming simulator where you take the role of someone who decides to leave behind their corporate job to take over their grandfather’s run-down farm. Starting with just a few tools and a dilapidated plot of land covered in rocks and weeds, you can transform the property into a thriving farm by yourself or with up to three other people through the game’s online co-op play. The game offers a myriad of activities, including fishing, mining, and wooing the local townspeople. “Stardew Valley” is available through Steam or GOG. com, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PlayStation Vita for $14.99. It is also available on Android and iOS phones for $7.99.
don't starve together tabletop simulator “Tabletop Simulator” allows you and up to nine other players to play a virtual version of classic games such as dominoes or chess, and it also provides the option to modify games, or even create them from scratch with your own assets. The game’s physics engine makes moving up pieces on the board feel natural and it offers Virtual Reality support for those who want to really immerse themselves in the experience of playing a board game. Fans of tabletop role-playing games can use the RPGKit to create their own boards with tilesets and animated figurines. “Tabletop Simulator” is available on Steam for $19.99. 20 | The Saber | SPRING 2020
“Don’t Starve” is a survival game that drops you into an unfamiliar and unsettling world where you must maintain your health, hunger, and sanity in order to survive. “Don’t Starve Together” is the multiplayer expansion that allows up to six players to work together to forage resources, build defense against monsters, and explore the world to find its secrets. There are many different characters to pick from to play that offer different perks and abilities to help you survive. Purchasing the game for $14.99 on Steam grants you a free copy to gift to a friend. The Console Edition for Playstation 3 and 4, Xbox One, and Wii U is $14.99. The Nintendo Switch version - including extra downloadable content - is $19.99. JADE THORNTON
ENTERTAINMENT
evil apples
jackbox party pack series
“Evil Apples” is a free-to-play mobile game inspired by the popular adult game Cards Against Humanity. Players are presented with a red card asking a question or providing a phrase with a blank space. You can then choose a white card that you feel is the funniest option for answering the question or filling in the blank. Players then vote to decide which player wins the round. “Evil Apples” is available on the App Store and the Google Play Store.
The “Jackbox Party Pack” series allows many players at once to participate in a multitude of party games. One screen is used to host the game, providing an access code for players to join with their personal devices by going to www.jackbox.tv. Only one person needs to own the pack in order for everyone to play, and streaming services such as Twitch or utilizing Discord’s game streaming feature allows you to play with others online by streaming the host screen. More information on the individual party packs - including pricing, availability, and content - can be found on their website at www.jackboxgames.com.
left 4 dead 2 “Left 4 Dead 2” is a survival horror game that has up to four players work together to make their way through a map infested with zombies. In each campaign, you must reach safehouse checkpoints until you are able to escape at the end. The game offers different ways to play with a variety of game modes, and it changes level conditions each time you play a certain map to provide a different challenge. Released in 2009, “Left 4 Dead 2” is still popular today and is available through Steam for $9.99 or on Xbox 360 for $19.99.
apex legends “Apex Legends,” a free-to-play battle royale taking place in the same universe as the Titanfall series, pits twenty teams of three players against each other as they fight to be the last team remaining. You can choose from twelve different characters to play as, each providing a unique personality and playstyle. Teams start in an aircraft above the map; once you are on the ground you can scavenge for supplies and weapons to help eliminate other teams. “Apex Legends” is available for Windows, Playstation 4, and Xbox One. SPRING 2020
| The Saber | 21
comics
22 | The Saber | SPRING 2020
Saber THE
Find us online at
csusaber.com