The Observer, Winter 2025 – Issue2

Vol. 129 NO. 2

January 23, 2025

By the students, for the students

TRUMP, TIKTOK AND THE FUTURE OF THE U.S

CWU Star’s path to the NFL PAGE 4

Weather makes transportation difficult across campus

PAGE 8

Korean Culture Club prepares a celebration

College Students Share Their Perspectives

PAGE 10

UPDATE:

Brandon Mattesich Co-Editor-in-chief

I

n less than 24 hours the most downloaded app in the world, TikTok, was subsequently banned and then unbanned just a couple days before Donald Trump began his second term as president of the United States.

The ban, which took effect Jan. 18, was reversed due to a promise by the soon to be sworn in President Trump who told TikTok that “they will face no penalties” for continuing service, despite the Supreme Court’s prior ruling.

One day after the reversal of the ban, Trump took office. With

Graph by Brandon Mattesich

TikTok unbanned and Trump as acting president, CWU students reflect on what the recent news means to them.

Upon TikTok’s return to service, the app issued the following statement, “Thank you for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!” On many social media platforms there is debate about the intended purpose of this message. However, for some CWU TikTok users the message did not necessarily influence them at all.

Luis Cruz, a junior majoring in secondary education and art education, shared his opinion on the message. “I wouldn’t say it changed my mind,” Cruz said.

“I’ve been pretty set on who I intended to vote for.”

According to a poll on the Observer’s Instagram, 63% of CWU students say that they regularly use TikTok, reflecting a use rate that is 4% higher than the national average.

Dr. Mark Meister, professor of communication, said that an important concept for TikTok users to understand if they are to keep using the app is that of media literacy. “One of the things that needs to happen is perhaps users of Tiktok need to become more literate of the credibility of the

content that they find relevant,” Meister said. “Perhaps we need to, as consumers of social media and all electronic communication, be very conscious of judging the credibility, legitimacy and validity of the content we consume.”

TikTok’s rapid twist of events comes in the wake of another major event that happened this past weekend. On Jan. 20 Donald Trump was sworn into office for his second term as president.

During his inauguration Trump clarified the issues he would be immediately tackling as president. The main topic of his speech included energy, deportation, gender and tariffs across the country. “My top priority will be to create a nation that is proud, prosperous and free,” Trump said during his presidential address.

To some CWU students this inauguration marks the beginning of a four year term that they hope will bring the U.S. back to more stable economic times. “I don’t even care about the gender stuff,” one anonymous CWU student said. “To be completely honest, I’m running out of money and I really just want to be able to afford my groceries. If Trump can fix that, that’s all I honestly care about.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

SCOOTER THEFT ACROSS CWU CAMPUS Brandon Mattesich Co-Editor-In-Chief

On Jan. 15, CWU police sent out a campus-wide email detailing the suspects and events surrounding the theft of multiple motorized scooters on campus. CWU Police Chief Jason Berthon-Koch, provided updates in email correspondence with the Observer.

The following is a Q&A: Have there been any updates regarding the scooter theft that we can share with our readers?

At this time, we have two individuals in custody for the thefts, the investigation is continuing looking for other possible property thefts.

What should our people be on the lookout for, how can they protect themselves against situations like this in the future?

Thefts are a crime of opportunity. If you ride a bike, scooter or other mode of transportation and you park it outside while in class, please lock it up. Purchase a good quality lock and use it.

Is this a new issue, or something the university has faced before?

Thefts across campus occur on every campus, just like they do in communities, this is not a new issue. The best way to combat thefts is to take proactive actions like using a good quality lock, locking your car doors, putting everything out of sight in your vehicle, and locking the front door where you live.

For more information about the events, including live coverage and updates as they come in, check out the full story on our website.

Page 02

January 23, 2025

NLINE EXCLUSIVES

BEYOND

OUR COVERAGE LOCAL: “Ellensburg teen rejects plea deal in murder case, trial date set for February 4” (via KimaTV)

“An Ellensburg Man Ordered to Pay Millions in Restitution” (via KimaTV)

NATIONAL: “Trump considers 10% tariff on China from February” (via BBC News)

“New wildfires flare in Southern California as dangerous winds return” (via PBS News)

CHASE FOR LOMBARDI: CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP CHAOS?

INTERNATIONAL: “Thailand Becomes First Country in Southeast Asia to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage” (via The Latin Times)

SOUND BITE VOLUME 19

“Dramatic day ushers in a fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire after 15 months of war” (via BBC News)

LETTER from the EDITORS Hello everyone!

Thank you guys for picking up yet another issue of the Observer. We are very excited to showcase our amazing staff’s work as many of them are putting out their first stories with the Observer. As Co-EditorIn-Chiefs, we are super proud of the work everyone has put in this week, and can’t wait for you all to read these fantastic stories.

This week’s news section features stories by two of our newest news writers, and a follow up on TikTok and Trump. Katie’s story about winter time commuting is something we’re super happy we covered in this issue, and we think it’s a great first entry to her writing at the Observer. Kyley also has an important story this week, covering the state’s newly increased minimum wage. To most of us students, that means it directly affects us. Plus it’s a pretty educational read on top of that.

Sports this week has a couple fun features highlighting our amazing student athletes. Leading off with the standout safety Tanner Volk and his path to making it to the pro level in the NFL. We are super happy with the product Kailee was able to get done for her first piece here with the O’ The other one highlights women rugby player Lilly Thomas and her trip to Chula Vista, CA for the USA Rugby’s

Corrections from previous issue

Women’s Pathway Regional Tour. This piece by Hunter is amazing and we love any chance we get to shine a light on our only D1 sport at the university. We are ecstatic to have him back as part of the sports crew.

This week in scene we see a story done on the Lunar New Year for students on campus by Kam who has made their way from the news section to scene section. As for the next scene, Asia completed her first story for the Observer on Double Feature Fridays and is something we hope that students will utilize to have fun with friends and destress if needed.

Design went crazy this week, from the TikTok question mark on the front page to the newly updated diversity spread this issue features a bit of design genius from each of our incredibly talented design team. Getting to throw design ideas out there and then watching them come to life is a privilege that only comes with an experienced team like ours, and so we could not be more thankful for this week’s issue!

(Photo by Z Morris)

Brandon & Jackson

Dr. Matthew Altman, chair and professor of philosophy and comparative religion, was miscredited as chair professor of philosophy

STAFF Co-editors-in-chief Brandon Mattesich Jackson Roberts

Lead Graphic Designer

Copy Desk Lead/Opinion Editor Astor Powell-Pedersen

Social Media Manager/Online Editor Hayley James

News Editor

Brandon Mattesich

Staff Reporters

Faculty Advisor / Editorial Consultant Jennifer Green

Katie Lewis Kyley Glenn

Sports Editor Parker Wood

Staff Reporters Kailee Heath Hudson Moore Hunter Rhea

Scene Editor Patrick Pugh

Staff Reporters

Asia Long Kam Schindewolf-Broyles

Z Morris

Design Staff

Robin MacArthur Julia Snow Lizeth Valdes

Editorial Policy: The Observer is a public forum for student expression, in which student editors make policy and content decisions. The mission of The Observer is two-fold: to serve Central Washington University as a newspaper and to provide training for students who are seeking a career in journalism. The Observer seeks to provide complete, accurate, dependable information to the campus and community; to provide a public forum for the free debate of issues, ideas and problems facing the community at large; and to be the best source of information, education and entertainment news. As a training program, The Observer is the practical application of the theories and principles of journalism. It teaches students to analyze and communicate information that is vital to the decision making of the community at large. It provides a forum for students to learn the ethics, values and skills needed to succeed in their chosen career. If you have questions or concerns, email us at cwuobserver@gmail.com.

Corrections? Tips? Concerns? @CWUObserver

CWU Observer

@CWUObserver

Contact Us!

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Page 03

January 23, 2025

Timeline by Brandon Mattesich

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE However, not every student is looking at the next four years as optimistically as others. “I’m just worried things are going to get more expensive,” Cruz said.

“His first go around wasn’t very good, and I think this might go the exact same way.”

Trump also discussed ideas surrounding gender in his inaugural speech. “This week I will also end the government policy of trying to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life,” Trump said. “As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female.”

Another CWU student who wished to remain anonymous talked about her fears surrounding being a woman during Trump’s second term.

“I don’t really have fear of being a student, I just have a fear of being a female in this country right now. More and more rights are being taken away… that’s what freaks me out.”

Edyn Totten, a senior IT major at CWU, talked about their fears surrounding Trump’s policies on gender. “The vast

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majority of my friend groups and people who I love very dearly are queer, trans, women or multiple of those things,” Totten said. “I’ve already been in the state of mind where it’s like, I’m getting ready to prepare myself and potentially others in the event that something goes wrong. And I’m glad I’ve been doing that.”

Totten talked about an event in CWU’s past that they said serves as a warning for CWU’s future. “I am not sure if everyone is old enough here to remember this,” Totten said. “There was a burning of a pride flag on campus a while back during the COVID era.

And I wouldn’t be surprised to see something like that again.

In the meantime, I just hope that I can do as much as possible to get people to mobilize and group up.”

Trump is now set to serve as president through 2029, and within his first couple days in office has already enacted some of the many executive orders he promised in his campaign speeches. The orders include moving to end birthright citizenship, freezing

CWU Observer

federal hiring, ending remote work policies and declaring two national emergencies. One surrounding migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border and one declaring a national energy emergency; the first in the history of the United States.

While CWU student reactions were mixed following the

TikTok ban and the presidential inauguration, some students expressed frustration when it came to American politics in general.

“I was grossly disappointed with the state of American politics,” Totten said. “And I am still grossly disappointed with the state of American politics.”

The Observer reached out to Raymond Santana, political activist and member of the Exonerated 5 who spoke at CWU last year, for his opinion on how college students can prepare for the next four years. The following is his statement:

“

@CWUObserver

The people have decided their fate for the next four years. All we can do is continue to do the work, no matter how big the obstacles become. Focus on the purpose, no matter who is in office we still have to continue to fight for the people.

THE PEOPLE WILL CONTINUE TO MATTER. ”

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January 23, 2025

TANNER VOLK

Tanner Volk at his last game as a Wildcat.

(Photo courtesy of Andy Guerrero)

FROM COLLEGE STAR TO NFL PROSPECT Kailee Heath & Hudson Moore Staff Reporters

T

anner Volk’s journey from a young football enthusiast to an NFL hopeful has been shaped by his dedication, hard work and the influence of his football family. Growing up with a father who coached football, Volk’s dream of making it to the NFL was instilled in him at an early age.

His path to this goal wasn’t always straightforward, but through years of playing various positions, including receiver and running back in high school, Volk ultimately found his niche as a safety at Central Washington University.

After a stat-filled college career, including overcoming multiple surgeries and stockpiling awards, Volk has now set his sights on declaring for the NFL Draft, with aspirations that go beyond football—he wants to be remembered for his integrity, work ethic and character both on and off the field.

Head Coach Chris Fisk, who recruited Volk, highlights his athleticism as a key factor in the decision.

“We’re looking for players who can make an impact on defense, and Tanner fits that mold perfectly,” Fisk said. “Not only was he athletic, but his football IQ, honed from growing up in a football family, made him a perfect fit for the role.”

Through his years at CWU, Volk learned that football requires much more than just talent. “You don’t really know what hard work is until you get to college,” Volk said. “Football’s not for everybody. It’s about grinding through the workouts, the practices and the cold nights.”

His ability to push through adversity, especially after undergoing multiple surgeries, was another testament to his resilience. “I just work harder,”

Volk said. “That’s how you overcome the toughest moments.”

Throughout his tenure at Central Washington University, Volk had won many accolades including the Cliff Harris award, two-time J.V. Sikes Lone Star Conference (LSC) Defensive Player of the Year, twotime Don Hansen All American, three time All-LSC, two-time Harlon Hill award nominee, D2Football. com Elite 100 twice and many other records.

His success on the field has been fueled by more than just physical talent. “What sets me apart is my instincts and anticipation. I can see things before they happen, and I try to always be around the ball,” Volk said. His speed, agility and football IQ give him a unique edge on the field.

“I don’t think there are many people who can run sideline to sideline as fast as I can.”

As Volk approaches the NFL Draft, he’s focused on more than just football. While he dreams of making it to the NFL, he knows that his character will be just as important as his athletic ability. “Football’s going to come and go, what really matters is the kind of person I am.”

He wants people to remember him not just as a football player but as someone with integrity, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to helping others.

Volk’s journey is a reminder that success in sports isn’t just about physical talent—it’s about perseverance, mental toughness and the kind of person you are off the field. The NFL Draft takes place from April 24-26 as Volk hopes to hear his name called as the first CWU player drafted since 1992.

Tanner Volk at his last CWU home game.

(Photo courtesy of Nevaeh Capetillo)

@CWUObserver

CWU Observer

@CWUObserver

“

VOLK HAD WON MANY ACCOLADES INCLUDING THE CLIFF HARRIS AWARD, AWARD, 2X J.V. SIKES LONE STAR CONFERENCE (LSC) DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, YEAR, 2X DON HANSEN ALL AMERICAN, AMERICAN, 3X ALL-LSC, 2X HARLON HILL AWARD NOMINEE, NOMINEE, 2X D2FOOTBALL.COM ELITE 100 cwuobserver@gmail.com

”

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January 23, 2025

WILDCATS REPRESENT CENTRAL AT USA WOMEN’S RUGBY PATHWAY CAMP

Women’s Rugby win against Boise State University on Nov. 5, 2023 at Tomlinson Stadium in Ellensburg, Wash.

(Photos courtesy of Jacob Thompson / Thompson Sports Media)

Hunter Rhea Staff Reporter

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WU women’s Rugby players Lilly Thomas along with Vai Pulu attended the USA Rugby Sevens Pathway Camp over the course of the holiday break in Chula Vista, California. The five-day camp, hosted by the USA Women’s Sevens invited 19 prospects in the Sevens National Team pipeline. The goal of the camp was to identify prospects for the sevens game.

Thomas, the third year out of Lehi, UT, was one of 19 selected to learn, compete and grow as a player. Being a scrum half, she has the skill set of passing, lineout throws and passing off the deck. “Those were the things I was able to excel at,” Thomas said. “I rep that everyday here at Central.”

The 5 foot 2 inch juniors strengths don’t stop at passing. “Kickoffs and conversion kicks were a big one for me that I’ve been working on,” Thomas said. “Footwork and manipulating defenders to create two vs ones I feel I did very well at the camp.” Creating mismatches in the sevens game makes a big difference when there is more room for passing which keeps the ball moving downfield.

Thomas enjoys the sevens game, earlier in her career at CWU she played wing, moving up she found her skills to improve into more of a playmaker.

@CWUObserver

CWU Observer

“Being able to manipulate and set other people up to score is really a cool skill and it’s cool to be on that side of the ball,” Thomas said.

While attending the camp, Thomas was in awe and excitement to see the women’s national team train and how they hold each other to a high standard. “How you do anything is how you do everything,” Thomas said. She explained how you treat others around you and how you do your schoolwork defines you as a player.

With the training, the guidance and the knowledge Thomas learned at the sevens camp, she hopes to bring the “team first” mentality as the Wildcats move into their season.

In both sevens and 15’s the difference between the two is the number of players allowed on the field. In these two styles of rugby, Thomas has big goals.

“15’s that’s what we’re always working towards, is to win the national championship, and I think that’s something that is really big for us and all the girls,” Lilly said. In Rugby, just like any team sport, chemistry is important. “Connecting and having chemistry as a team is really big,” Thomas said.

“We’ll do the work in the 15’s season and hopefully that sets us up for a good sevens season,” Thomas said. “I also want to hopefully keep playing sevens

@CWUObserver

and developing, finding more opportunities to play in college and also outside.”

Thomas hopes her determination, skills and experience will lead the Wildcats to a successful season. With their first home game against Pacific North West Rugby at Tomlinson Stadium on Feb. 15 at noon, the ladies have the chance to show the competition they want to win it all.

Thomas and Pulu at Chula Vista.

(Photos courtesy of Lilly Thomas)

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THE

DIVER

Sharing perspectives

coming to

Professor Astrid Vidalon and Dr. Astor Powell-Pedersen Copy Desk Editor

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WU employs professors from all around the world. Professor Astrid Vidalon and Dr. Volha Isakava shared their stories with the Observer to share with the community.

Astrid Vidalon Astrid Vidalon is an assistant professor in CWU’s apparel, textiles and merchandising program. Vidalon grew up in Huancayo, Peru, “a city in the Andes Mountains, maybe 10,000 or 11,000 feet above sea level,” Vidalon said.

Vidalon began her career with getting her communications and advertising degree at Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas in Peru, “I love how creative it is in advertising,” Vidalon said. “It’s very fun and creative, but I didn’t really like the end purpose, where you’re using all that creativity to sell products that people don’t really need.”

After graduating, Vidalon began working for the Peruvian branch of Grupo Planeta, the largest Spanish speaking publishing company in the world, “I was overseeing publishing projects, and some of those projects had to do with traditional textiles, traditional handicrafts from Peru,” Vidalon said. “I’ve always loved fashion and traditional textiles from Peru, because it is super diverse. That experience brought me back to my original passion, and I realized I would like to study fashion and work with Peruvian traditional textiles.”

Vidalon soon met her husband, who was in the country studying Peruvian music, “So he convinced me to come to the states to study English and maybe get a masters degree,” Vidalon said. In 2011 Vidalon and her husband moved to Spokane, and Vidalone later began taking classes at WSU, “I started taking classes, but it was super expensive because I had to pay as an international student. I did that for a little while, but it was too much money. Education here in the states is expensive even for domestic students, but for international students it’s crazy expensive, maybe two or three times,” Vidalon said.

“I think the hardest part of coming here is that in Peru, I was someone. I had archived things professionally, I was a marketing director for this publishing company. But then here in the states. It doesn’t matter. You need to start from the botVidalon in Lambayeque, Peru.

(Photo courtesy of Astrid Vidalon)

tom. That’s what I felt at the time because I didn’t have an education here,” Vidalon said. When she first moved to the United States, it felt as though her education and professional experience from Peru didn’t matter, as she could not get jobs even in fields that she had experience in, “It didn’t matter, so it felt like I needed to do something else like work in Walmart or something like that.”

After getting married to her husband, Vidalon decided she wanted to go into apparel, “At WSU they have a master’s program that is very good and also offered assistantships, so while I had to wait an extra year, I didn’t have to pay for it.

Then I got this job [at CWU] right after school.” Vidalon began her career at CWU in 2016.

“I really miss my country. I think being an immigrant is very hard because most of us move away looking for opportunities.

For example, in work, I love it here, and it’s an opportunity that I wouldn’t have in Peru. Teaching and the benefits you get is something that would be very hard to get in Peru, and I like that stability,” Vidalone said. “But I miss the family part. My culture, Latin culture, is very family oriented and very social. There’s a lot of events and festivities, and I really miss that.” Vidalon still visits Peru regularly, trying to go once a year or at least every other year, “I have kids, and I want them to grow up with that cultural connection to Peru.”

Vidalon in the Peruvian Amazon.

(Photo courtesy of Astrid Vidalon)

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RSITY PAGE

Supporting awareness

o america

Volha Isakava tell their stories Volha Isakava (Вольга Ісакава) Dr. Volha Isakava is a professor and chair of the world languages department. She teaches Russian language and culture as well as globalization and film. Isakava has her bachelors in cultural studies from Saint Petersburg State University as well as her masters and PhD in Slavic languages and literatures from the University of Alberta.

“That [my home country] is actually complicated,” Isakava said. “Because I was born in Crimea, Ukraine. But as you may know, Crimea was annexed by the Russian Federation back in 2014, so my home is kind of one of those limbo places. I consider it Ukraine, but obviously Vladimir Putin would disagree with that assertion. But I call Belarus my home country. That’s where I grew up, and that’s where my roots are.” Isakava spent her childhood in Minsk (Мінск), the capital city of Belarus (Беларусь), and would often spend summers in Crimea.

“I am one of the last Soviet generations, so to speak. I was 15 when the Soviet Union fell apart, so most of my formative years were spent when the Soviet Union was gradually falling apart. These were very exciting times in the sense that there was a lot more freedom of speech and expression and information. A lot more nonconformist subcultures and ways of being came about in the ‘80s. My childhood was very much defined by the Soviet paradigm, right? And then my young adult life was defined by the post Soviet economic hardship,” Isakava said.

Isakava headshot.

(Photo courtesy of Volha Isakava)

Isakava as a child with her grandmother.

(Photo courtesy of Volha Isakava)

“I’m not sure what the highlights of growing up in the ‘90s here were, but being a young adult in the ‘90s Soviet space was punctured by both this incredible openness to all kinds of things that were previously forbidden, but also extraordinary economic hardships,” Isakava said. “A lot of deficit and an inability to procure common goods and food, and the political upheaval. Because when you go through a societal collapse it shows, and I don’t think that is part and parcel of the American experience, to live though societal collapse.”

As a young adult, Isakava moved to Canada, “I moved to the west, to North America, partially because living through a societal collapse and living in an unstable society is really taxing. It’s really stressful because you’re anxious all the time…additionally, I wanted to be an academic, and Belarusian academia at that point was extraordinarily sexist. So I was not going to get ahead. After I watched my female professors stagnate in their careers and not be able to make rank and not being able to get promotions I thought that this is absolutely not for me. So I moved to Canada.”

Moving away from home didn’t come without its culture shocks, “When I moved to Canada, I had this impression that I was coming to this land of so much freedom where everybody can be whatever they want, and I would see all this incredible diversity of people and

opinions and expressions,” Isakava said. “And then I arrived on campus and on my first day, I noticed that all the undergraduate students were wearing the same colors. I realized that western societies also carry a lot of conformity in them. That was my biggest shock.

And apples. I still don’t know why people wax apples in North America. Yes to peanut butter, no to waxed apples.”

Read the rest of their stories online!

Page 08

January 23, 2025

Cross campus commutes Transportation challenges caused by winter weather

A CWU bus stop with a pile of snow. (Photo by Brandon Mattesich)

Katherine Lewis Staff Reporter

I

n Ellensburg, CWU’s winter quarter can be difficult for both students and staff. In a poll posted on the Observer’s Instagram, CWU students were asked how they get to class in the winter. 49% of students reported buying a parking pass and driving, while 51% reported walking.

In a follow-up question posted to the Instagram 53% of students reported that walking made them feel safest and 47% reported driving.

Professor Ali Unal, assistant professor in the English department, expressed his opinions about commuting in the wintertime. Regarding switching from walking to driving, Unal said, “I decided to get a parking pass because it was going to be chilly … and I teach in the mornings … so I want to save some time to add to my prep.” Unal believes that his personal preference favors time; the weather itself doesn’t affect his commute. “It’s difficult to drive in the weather. In the cold, you have to clean the car or scrape the ice. So, it’s more work, but I put more pressure on time and saving time,” Unal said.

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CWU Observer

Family consumer science major Shelby Beveridge, a third year at CWU, walks to class and her job during the winter time.

Similarly to Unal, Beveridge said that instead of the weather affecting safety it mainly affects her time management. “Last quarter, I would still walk to work when it was just snowing and stuff … and so if I saw it was snowing, I’d give myself a little bit extra time,” Beveridge said. As a student who works on campus, Beveridge sticks to her responsibilities despite the weather. Beveridge bought herself clothes to walk in the snow so it didn’t affect her commute. “I figure it’s a commitment … I gotta get there,” she said.

Law student Madelyn ‘Mikko’ Blais, who graduated spring of 2024, shared a different opinion on commuting to campus.

A leading aspect of her issues with commuting were not the snowy weather, but the lack of heating in Farrall Hall during the winter. “Naturally cold environments make you more tired … I knew that I wouldn’t retain any of the information so I wouldn’t go,” Blais said. “It’s easier to drive

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than walk … I was less likely to go to class if I didn’t have a car. If it was just cold I wouldn’t care but once it started getting icy that’s when I wouldn’t go.” After falling while walking to school one time, she said, “It’s cold and I’m slipping … they don’t salt the sidewalks enough.”

In regards to how CWU could help commuting during the winter, everybody had differing ideas. Unal brought up buses for transporting students and staff from campus housing. Unal said, “It’s safer for students because it’s cold out there so it would be sort of something of a benefit”. Beveridge’s opinion was that while commuting during winter or rain storms there is rarely a place to stand if you can’t get into a building. “I had a few times when I just had to stand out here because I don’t have time to go back … so I’ll just walk around looking for some undercover seat”. Blais’s opinion was that CWU could do better at salting the sidewalks to commute to school, looking at where the minor improvements would help students and staff.

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Page 09

January 23, 2025

NEWS: CWU Students

Respond to the Increase in Minimum Wage

Kyley Glenn Staff Reporter

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ashington was one of 21 states to implement an increase in minimum wage at the start of the new year. The wage went from $16.28 per hour to $16.66 per hour.

Many student workers are receiving minimum wage and are directly impacted by the change.

Balancing student life with financial needs is a struggle for many students, who find that although the minimum wage has been increased, the growing costs associated with student living and inflation are keeping them from being able to set themselves up for a secure financial future. Aiden Blanco, a fourth year business major who works in campus dining, said, “So paying for college is kind of a tough one. Ever since I transferred universities, I’ve been on my own.”

Blanco is part of a student price index project on campus where students that are involved go to different stores in Ellensburg and compare the costs of items.

This is to determine whether students

can or cannot afford the price of living while in school.

Recently, Blanco and his colleagues discovered that inflation has been affecting prices all across Ellensburg. “We have noticed an increase in prices because of inflation,” Blanco said. “I dont think someone could really live by themselves on $16.66 unless they know so much about budgeting.”

However, most students attending CWU are from out of town and have to cover the costs that local students may not. Charlotte McNeely, a first year spanish and psychology major and student employee who works for 88.1 the ‘Burg, is from out of town and pays for her education as well as living expenses with help from her parents. “I have so far chunked into my savings and I am working right now. And my family’s helping me out,” McNeely said.

Landon McKenna is an environmental science major. McKenna, a second year student worker at Fred Meyer where the pay is $17.06 per hour, slightly above

minimum wage, said, “Even though I make enough to cover all my needs, I haven’t been able to put money into my savings like I would have hoped but that could be attributed to my spending habits.”

According to the U.S. Department of labor, the Federal minimum wage for 2025 is $7.25. The state of Washington has the highest wage by state laws with California in second at $16.50. Cities like Tukwila, Auburn and Seattle are able to offer wages above the state average.

Graph courtesy of Brandon Mattesich

SCENE: Double the Films, Double the Fun Asia Long Staff Reporter

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WU has a variety of activities for students to spend their time, many of them being recurring events. One of these events is ‘Double Feature Friday’ where they show two films with the first starting at 6 p.m. and the next movie following it up at 9 p.m.

First year theatre design and production major James Dobbs talked about the energy surrounding the event. “I noticed a lot of people were really excited,” Dobbs said. “They ran in small little groups to go.”

Jade Cupples, a volunteer for Friday’s events said, “I think it’s fun because it’s free and it’s on campus, so it’s accessible.

It’s an excuse to get out of the dorm with your friends.”

Brain Valencia, another volunteer at the theatre, expanded on what their col-

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league said, “Who doesn’t love watching a movie? It’s nice because it’s on a Friday night too.”

Valencia shared what ‘Double Feature Friday’ means to him, as a student who found himself stuck on campus for long periods of time. “When I was a freshman, I didn’t really leave a lot to go back home.

So it’s just kind of nice to do something on a Friday night…It’s an excuse to get out of the dorm, have a little fun, hang out with your friends and then have a little snack while you’re at it. Especially because it’s always a different movie.”

Valencia said.

This week’s movies include “Transformers One” airing from 6-8 p.m. and “Venom: The Last Dance” from 9-11 p.m.

CWU Observer

Photo courtesy of Lizeth Valdes

@CWUObserver

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Page 10

January 23, 2025 Paper lantern decoration.

(Photo courtesy of Pexels)

Korean Culture C lu b pr e pa r e s f o r

Lunar New Year Kam Schindewolf-Broyles Staff Reporter

T

he year 2025 started for many people on Jan. 1, but there are some cultures that instead choose to follow the lunar calendar, which follows the moon phases, as opposed to the traditional monthly one. Many countries such as China, Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore, host celebrations that bring in the new year based on these phases. This celebration is known as the Lunar New Year.

The CWU Korean Culture Club (KCC) is currently hard at work preparing to put on their own Lunar New Year celebration here on campus. CWU KCC President, Emily Weishaar said that, “Planning Lunar New Year has definitely been an experience I’ve never had to go through before. The event is going to be pretty big, so it’s literally like being an event planner on top of having a full-time class load on top of a parttime job.”

Vice President Misty Mayorquin, said that the process has been, “Overall a bit stressful but fun. It’s nice to see everything slowly coming together… There is so much that goes into planning that I was not aware of before. It was a learning experience for sure.”

KCC has also made sure to make this event as entertaining as they can. Weishaar said that they “Have some exciting performances lined up for the night. Including K-Pop dance covers, piano performances and singing performances to traditional Korean songs.”

Weishaar and Mayorquin were working hard in the months leading up to this event, scouting out people who may be interested in doing some kind of performance relating back to Korean culture, as well as gathering games for attendees to participate in throughout the night.

“We wanted the environment to be fun and a way for families and students to connect and have a good time. Lunar New Year is a special holiday for many people and we wanted to give a space to celebrate,” Mayorquin said.

This event means a lot to both Weishaar and Mayorquin. While both are not Korean them-

selves, this turned into a passion project for the two. Both Weishaar and Mayorquin are Korean studies minors and through their involvement in this program and with KCC, have made many friends and connections with international students here at CWU. “I’m most excited to give international students and community members a safe place to celebrate the holiday,” Weishaar said. “Ultimately, the event is for them.” The pair is dedicated to making CWU a home to the international students, while also educating other

students about the cultures that these students come from.

Lunar New Year is an event open to all students and community members around Ellensburg. The event will be held on Jan. 30 from 6-8 p.m. in the SURC ballroom with the prices being $5 for students and $7 for others wishing to come participate in the festivities. The event will have food from locally Asian owned businesses with many performances and games for the public to enjoy.

Lunar New Year flyer.

(By @cwu_kcc on Instagrami)

@CWUObserver

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Page 11

January 23, 2025

Social Social Social Media Media Media Social Media Social Media Social Media Word Search GI SVB VIT GU BS VNTVI ES U BN VN TV UE SQ N N VQEV ULN Q NV Q E QL NQV LQ Q G V IG BV T

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Help Wellington Find Maggie the Magnifying Glass!

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I T’S NEVE R TO O LATE TO DEC ID E TO LE AD. Cadet Summer Training puts you on an accelerated path to leadership as an Army Officer after graduation and can earn you scholarships and a monthly stipend.

Join CWU's Wildcat Battalion Army ROTC. Call 509-963-3518 or email armyrotc@cwu.edu Stop by Lind Hall, Rm. 220 for information

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Page 12

January 23, 2025

WILDCAT WORDS

Gracie Lewis Jr. Climate Behavior and Anthropology

“Not very different, I’m not much of a TikTok user”

What would life look like without TikTok?

Selma Bautista

Jay Barnes

Soph. Psychology

Fr. English Education

“Kind of as it always has.”

“More Productive”

Susan Anderson

Astor Powell-Pedersen

Fr. Prenursing

Soph. Copy Desk Editor

“It would affect me positively, I use it to procrastinate a lot.”

“A lot like Instagram reels.”

WEEKLY EVENTS 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m - NSAM: Stalking- Know It, Name It, Stop It Samuelson 104 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Banned Books presented by Lion Rock and CWU Libraries Brooks Library 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. - ESC Night Market SURC Corridor

Divined by Z Morris Aries (March 21 - April 19): Aries, I’m trying to see into your future but I’m drawing a blank. Hey, that destiny is in your hands! Hope nothing bad happens! Tip of the day: don’t ask me.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20): Taurus, you have NOT been locked in enough. You have to focus on your goals, and buckle your seatbelt for heavens sake. Tip of the day: be safe on the road.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20): I can tell you love money Gemini, and I do too! That’s why we should be venture capitalists together. I guess you can frolic with someone else but…I’d be lonely. Tip of the day: upsell egg prices.

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Double Feature Friday: Transformers One SURC Theatre 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Double Feature Friday: Venom: The Last Dance SURC Theatre

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sep. 22): Virgo, the year started for all of us, but 2024 just ended for you. You got stuck in a time vortex around the New Year, and Observer has figured out how to get you back. Tip of the day: NO MORE SCI FI. Libra (Sep. 23 - Oct. 22): Libra, don’t give up on your dreams! I believe that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Anything. Don’t think too hard though, that’s dangerous. Tip of the day: Please think happy thoughts.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21): Scorpio, you might be a little confused right now. You might question your place in the world, but don’t freak out, I know where you are.

And it’s probably in Ellenburg. Tip of the day: look around.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): Sagittarius, this is your invitation to daydream throughout the day! Especially during important meetings. Who cares what the big boss has to say, just think about anything but that. Tip of the day: stop taking directions.

THURS

24 FRI

25

All Day - Ropeless Rodeo Rec Center Climbing Wall

SAT

26

All Day - Ropeless Rodeo Rec Center Climbing Wall

SUN

Cancer (June 21 - July 22): I can tell you’ve been thirsting for revenge Cancer. I’m hoping you get it! Unless you want revenge against me, I’ll have to get revenge on you. Tip of the day: watch John Wick.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22): Ooooo…Leo you want to cancel your plans so badly and take a nap! It’s super cozy in there and so much better than the dentist…Tip of the day: Zzzz.

23

National Holocaust Remembrance Day

27 MON

3 p.m. to 4 p.m. - LinkedIn for Students: Starting Your Career Journey Online Zoom

3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - All About AI Student Commons 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. - CWU Sustainability Forum SURC 137

28 TUES

29 WED

Events compiled by Brandon Mattesich

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan.19): Cap, I bet you can run really fast. Faster than me, and faster than anyone from your third-grade class. I bet you can run to the Northside Commons faster than the water can run from their pipes! Tip of the day: vroom.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb.18): Aquarius, NOW IS THE TIME! There has never been another time better than this time! Take your chance it’s the only foreseeable opportunity! Tip of the day: shop, there’s a sale.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20): Wake up, your new villain era has started Pices!

Embrace your dark side. Drink your coffee black, take your whiskey neat, and untie everyone’s shoes when you greet them. Tip of the day: invest in velcro.

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