Mount Mary University Arches Spring 2019 by Arches at Mount Mary University

Arches Mount Mary University Spring 2019

#ORTHOREXIA

The Link Between Instagram and an Obsession With Eating Healthy p. 8 Go With the Flow

A Mount Mary Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Modern Take on Dance

p. 5

Tragedy to Triumph How Social Media Started a Movement

p. 14

STAFF

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Quinn Clark

ART DIRECTOR Denisse Hernandez

WEB EDITOR Bryanna Sanders

BUSINESS MANAGER Emily Cabaltera EDITORS

ith the end of the spring semester comes graduation. Many of us are now searching for jobs in our fields. Life after graduation can seem intimidating, so Phoua Vang’s story on page 2 could not have come at a better time. Vang highlights how Mount Mary alumna, Britney Roberson, applied the skills she acquired from her liberal arts major in order to succeed in a career after graduation. Social media is a huge part of our lives, and with summer on its way, there will be tons of photoshopped images posted on Instagram of people in their swimsuits, having the time of their lives on a tropical beach. It’s easy to overlook how this may be impacting our mental health. Krystin Kantenwein’s story on page 8 examines how the unrealistic expectations shown on Instagram can possibly cause an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating. Social media’s influence can bring about positive change, as shown in Lauren Johnson’s story on page 14. Without the power of social media platforms, forming the famous March For Our Lives walk on gun violence would not have been as successful. Johnson had the opportunity to speak to the social media coordinator for March For Our Lives, a survivor of the Stoneman Douglas High School school shooting. This march inspired more schools to form walkouts to protest against gun violence, even schools nearby in Wisconsin. Throughout the magazine, you can also enjoy Carolyn Lyon’s story about the benefits of aromatherapy, Julia Watchuta’s inspirational take on how to deal with change and more. I hope you enjoy this issue and enjoy summer!

Quinn Clark Lauren Johnson

Krystin Kantenwein Phoua Vang

WRITERS

Lauren Johnson Jordan Nickels Krystin Kantenwein Aislinn Strusz Brandi Kehl Phoua Vang Carolyn Lyons Julia Wachuta DESIGNERS Justice Bell Brandi Kehl Leslie Chavez Krystin Kantenwein Denisse Hernandez Jessica Rowley PHOTOGRAPHERS Denisse Hernandez Jessica Rowley Krystin Kantenwein Bryanna Sanders Carolyn Lyons Phoua Vang ILLUSTRATORS Leslie Chavez Jessica Rowley Denisse Hernandez FACULTY ADVISERS Linda Barrington Laura Otto Arches is written and edited by the students of Mount Mary University, who are solely responsible for its editorial content. Arches is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press.

Contact Arches at Arches, Mount Mary University 2900 N. Menomonee River Pkwy. Milwaukee, WI 53222 414-930-3027 Email: mmu-arches@mtmary.edu

Editor-in-Chief clarkq@mtmary.edu

Stay updated at www.archesnews.com

COVER LAYOUT BY DENISSE HERNANDEZ

LIKE US! Arches

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Contents Campus 2 5

Putting the Liberal Arts to Work Go With the Flow

Features

8 11 14

#OrthorexiaNervosa Aromatherapy: A Natural Remedy Tragedy to Triumph

Creative Works 18

Creative Works

Perspectives 22 26 28

Is the Safety On? Methylfolate Growing Pains

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CAMPUS

Britney Robersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job as a community organizer involved planning events at the bandshell in Washington Park.

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Putting the Liberal Arts to Work Alumna Finds Success After Graduation Words Phoua Vang | Illustrations & Design Denisse Hernandez | Photo Phoua Vang Britney Roberson, a 2011 Mount Mary University alumna with a major in justice, applied for 10 jobs before she was hired. Her law office work and internship with the U.S. Marshals helped her resume stand out. Even while securing employment shortly after graduation, Roberson admits she struggled. She felt she did not have the help or explanations to help her navigate all of her options or market herself. Roberson had to learn on her own to look for jobs with specific skills and responsibilities instead of job descriptions that required her Bachelor of Arts degree in justice. Roberson’s first job response after graduation in 2011 was to serve as a nonprofit community organizer in several of Milwaukee’s distressed and underserved central city neighborhoods. “I honestly didn’t know what organizing was, but I had to start somewhere,” Roberson said. Community organizers advocate for residents in specific neighborhoods and develop cohesive partnerships with civic organizations, government agencies, businesses, schools and faith-based institutions to create a better quality of life. Roberson first worked in the Washington Park Neighborhood as a community organizer, then shifted her role into justice-related work on social and law enforcement collaboration levels. After excelling in developing community organizing and police relationships, she advanced into an administrative role for Amani Neighborhood’s public safety initiative. After a couple of years, new prospects grew across the city. “I’m now the Choice Neighborhood Coordinator in Milwaukee’s Near West Side area,” Roberson said. Roberson predominantly works with West Highland Boulevard Commons residents near North 27th Street. The Commons is a federally

funded housing project. She leads resident-engaged conversations, organizes community projects and advocates for residents. Julie Tatlock, the chair of the justice department, said the justice program is about more than just criminal justice. “Mount Mary’s justice program prepares students for a variety of future careers ranging from work for nonprofits to preparation for law school,” Tatlock said. “The program is unique in its focus on social justice.” Roberson’s current job requires public speaking, program development and data analysis at federal levels. Eight years into the workforce, Roberson is now more aware of how her liberal arts degree impacts her work prospects. She realizes that to stay

Roberson snuggles an infant during a weekend resident breakfast so the mother could grab breakfast. This humanness balances out the days when she focuses on professional assistance.

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CAMPUS

Supercharged and ready to go, Roberson slides in front of the camera before implementing a neighborhood-wide minor home repair project she is leading for 50 volunteers throughout the Milwaukee area.

competitive, she needs to continue to develop her abilities that will make her marketable for potential employers. A liberal arts education prepares students to problem solve, apply technical skills and communicate effectively. Roberson’s success in the workplace has helped her build a positive reputation among professional partners and employers. “People will request you if you develop a consistent reputation of meeting your goals,” Roberson said. “Being successful hasn’t been about networking for me. It’s been about doing my past jobs well.” For liberal arts students who want to test the waters, whether in nonprofits or in corporate work, advising and career development support is available. Michelle Stromme, a career counselor at Mount Mary, prepares students for career advancement. “We administer an assessment to help students to better understand how their skills, interests and values can translate to vocations,” Stromme said. Learning about an applicant’s skills and interests are important to finding the right roles. Stromme searches for positions alongside students in order to help them develop a resume and cover letter for the best possible application. “We do mock interviews and training on using LinkedIn.com,”

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Stromme said. Stromme insists on starting early with career development and advising. “Ideally, we hope to meet with students several times over the course of their Mount Mary education because professional development is a continuing process of growth and exploration,” Stromme said. Other places to seek advice and direction may include but are not limited to life coaches, mentors, professionals already in the workforce and college professors who are familiar with the path of liberal arts studies. These individuals and services can be the key to helping liberal arts graduates prepare themselves for opportunities and challenges.

Roberson currently serves as a coordinator for Choice Neighborhoods, a program that helps revitalize struggling neighborhoods. In 2018, College Court Apartments on Higland Boulevard in Milwaukee’s Near West Side neighborhood was a recipient of grant assistance from the program.

For more information about Advising and Career Development at Mount Mary, visit: https://www.mtmary.edu/ campuslife/academicsupport/ career-development.html or call 414-930-3640.

Words Jordan Nickels | Photo Denisse Hernandez & Bryanna Sanders | Design Justice Bell

Ever since she was 12 years old, Treesa Sellhausen wanted to learn how to hula hoop. However, a lack of courage held her back from pursuing it until she turned 19 and was faced with an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. “I found out that Milwaukee Recreation was having a hoop class, and I thought, you know what, I’m going to do it,” Sellhausen said. “I was instantly hooked.” During her first semester at Mount Mary in the fall of 2017, Sellhausen, a junior majoring in art therapy, met fellow flow artists on campus while carrying her hula hoop. As they bonded over a mutual love of flow (sequences of movements with props), she wondered if it would appeal to other students. A few months later, Sellhausen founded the Mount Mary University Flow Club, MMUFlow, to share her passion with her peers. Flow is commonly defined as a type of object manipulation that incorporates elements of dance, yoga and martial arts. Sellhausen describes the activity as “finding your voice through body movement.” These movements are often synchronized to music. Although they’re compatible with any genre, the flow arts are widely popular in the electronic dance music, or EDM, culture. While hula hoops are the main prop used in MMUFlow, there are several others to choose from, including poi, fans and dragon staff, to name a few. Everyone’s flow is unique and,

Captain Treesa Sellhausen performs her solo during the Spring Dance Recital on April 5 in the Caroline Hall gymnasium.

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FEATURE

Grace Jacinto-Diaz and Clarissa Rolefson practice a routine using silk fans.

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therefore, will each be drawn to a different prop. Clarissa Rolefson, a junior majoring in biology and vice president of MMUFlow, prefers to flow with poi. The prop resembles glow sticks that are tied to cords and are swung in patterns around the body. “I always like to compare poi to nunchucks because you do a lot of the same movements,” Rolefson said. Theresa Abelew, a nontraditional student studying art therapy, is new to Mount Mary, but a veteran in the flow community. Her most recently acquired prop is the dragon staff, a long rod with spokes at either end. A dragon staff is considered a type of contact flow, as the prop is in constant contact with the body. “The center part has a grip to help stick to your skin,” Abelew said. MMUFlow meets every week, and the meetings vary by day. Some are structured, giving members the chance to learn tricks from one another, while others are more laid back, allowing them to flow at their own pace. MMUFlow also collaborates with other clubs on campus. Earlier this semester, some of its members performed in a spring recital alongside the Mount Mary University Dance Association. Although MMUFlow hasn’t yet held its own event, its members are planning one for the next school year. Students interested in joining MMUFlow who don’t already have a flow prop can borrow one

“Flow Club is a community to bring people together in an open and active environment while learning new skills as a form of workout and meditation,” said Captain Treesa Sellhausen, front left. In the back row are Grace Jacinto-Diaz, Elyse Mielach, Theresa Abelew, Monica Sarker and Clarissa Rolefson. In front to the right of Sellhausen are Alison Brown and Elaina Smith.

from another member or even make their own. For instance, a pair of poi can be made by placing a tennis ball in a sock. In addition, numerous resources are available for individuals looking to get started or develop their skills. “There’s so many online videos and tutorials,” Abelew said. “There’s actually a really big flow community in Mil-

waukee, and everyone’s really welcoming and inviting. People are more than willing to share what they know.” Those who partake in flow tend to become more comfortable with their bodies over time. Many find the movements to be relaxing and meditative in nature. With practice, they can even improve coordination and build core muscle strength. The flow arts provide

individuals with an outlet to express themselves and embrace their creativity. “Just try it, it’s not as hard as you think it is,” Rolefson said. MMUFlow currently meets every Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. in the Caroline Hall gymnasium. Both beginning and experienced students are welcome to join and are encouraged to attend one of the weekly meetings if interested.

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FEATURE

#OrthorexiaNervosa IT MIGHT BE TIME FOR A DIGITAL DETOX Words, Photos & Design | Krystin Kantenwein

he sun pours in through the windows of Analysa Howeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apartment as she sits at her kitchen counter answering work emails. Howe is a registered dietician nutritionist in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. She works at a long-term care facility, helping clients manage their health and eating. Howe knows firsthand what it is like to experience an unhealthy relationship with her own body.

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In 2010, Howe experienced “disordered eating,” a term she prefers to “eating disorder,” due to her selfdiagnosis rather than a diagnosis made by a clinician. In 2010, Howe grappled with her body image and became fixated on calorie intake. What started as a basic health and fitness journey quickly turned into a methodical obsession with weight loss. “It was like I had a calculator in my brain,” Howe said. “I was fixated on the numbers. I knew how many calories were in everything I ate, and I couldn’t go past that number in my head.” In 2013, as Howe was recovering from disordered eating, she developed orthorexia nervosa, an obsession with healthy eating, which she attributes to her Instagram use. Although orthorexia is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, the National Eating Disorder Association states that the term orthorexia was first used in 1998. Those who have orthorexia are so fixated on healthy eating that they restrict the amount and variety of foods that they eat, and therefore are more likely to experience malnutrition. Orthorexia also commonly co-occurs with other eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, according to the NEDA. “Once I stopped restricting and started thinking I was getting healthier, that’s when the obsession with healthy eating, or orthorexia, began,” Howe said. “I was seeing the way that these fitness models were eating, and I thought anything different was not healthy or not the right way.” Little research has been done to examine the link between Instagram use and eating disorders. According to Dr. Marmy Clason, associate professor and chair of the communications department at Mount Mary University, Instagram use can be studied from the perspective of why people use Instagram and what effects Instagram has on its users. “As far as young females go, more research has been conducted on the effects,” Clason said. “Young women tend to use social media more than other groups, they internalize images of a thin ideal from media, and they express body image concerns more than other age groups or men. Instagram can be an influence in how they interpret their own and others’ body image.”

In 2017, Pixie Turner, a registered associate nutritionist, and Carmen Lefevre, an honorary senior research associate and associate consultant at University College London’s Centre for Behaviour Change, published an article, “Instagram Use is Linked to Increased Symptoms of Orthorexia” in the journal “Eating and Weight Disorders – Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity.” Turner and Lefevre studied 680 social media users following “health food accounts” and found that Instagram was associated with a “greater tendency towards orthorexia nervosa, with no other social media channel having this effect.” Turner and Lefevre found that increased use of Instagram was correlated with a higher prevalence of orthorexia symptoms. Unfortunately, because orthorexia nervosa does not have official diagnostic criteria, it’s difficult to determine just how many people are impacted by this form of disordered eating, according to the NEDA. Howe claims that she was one of many who suffered from orthorexia as a result of Instagram use. Howe, who is now fully recovered from both disordered eating and orthorexia, recalls the steps she had to take to reclaim her relationship with food and her body. “I had to go through my Instagram (account) and unfollow accounts that negatively influenced my body image or eating habits,” Howe said. “I had to remind myself every single day that Instagram is not reality. You don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes, and you don’t know how the people behind these accounts are actually eating. It may seem like they have a fit, healthy lifestyle, but you don’t know if they’re eating nothing, or if they’re binging.” According to Turner and Lefevre’s research, when users follow more strangers on Instagram, there is an increased risk for “negative social comparison.” Howe said that the social comparison she experienced was created from accounts that showed “perfect bodies.” Although Howe understands some people simply want to share their journey, she takes issue with the possibility that bloggers or influencers could potentially give out misleading information. “People may be more apt to take

For more information on orthorexia and other eating disorders, visit the National Eating Disorder Association’s website: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

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FEATURE

“Unfortunately, it may be difficult Following any kind of social media for users, especially young women, that is geared around physical bodies to know which accounts to follow.” or eating can be a slippery slope if Erin Mihor, a graduate student you do not have the tools navigate it.” in the English Department at Howe now follows like-minded Mount Mary, was diagnosed dietitians on Instagram who believe with an other specified eating in balance and share posts that disorder (OSFED), which refers encourage healthy-living without to serious food, eating, and body promoting disordered eating or image concerns that don’t fit orthorexia. Howe also calls her diagnostic criteria for more specific previous struggles with disordered diagnoses. Mihor has had a positive eating and orthorexia a “battle of the experience with Instagram, as it mind as much as it is the body.” helps her foster community and Howe explained that her positivity around health, fitness and relationship with food and her body body image. is much healthier now, and offers “For me, it is a good way to stay advice for how to approach food in accountable to myself a way that doesn’t and help inspire others,” cultivate guilt. Mihor said. “I have had to go through “I never label six women that have foods ‘good’ or ‘bad’ my Instagram and become close friends and foods anymore,” health motivators. There said. “It’s unfollow accounts that Howe is something incredibly not a productive loving and validating in negatively influenced way of thinking being able to struggle about food, and it my body image or eating promotes unhealthy publicly and still feel safe.” with habits. I had to remind relationships Mihor, who frequently food. Instead, I ask uses the #fitfam on myself every single day myself questions like, Instagram, said that ‘Would it make me that Instagram is not happier? Would it the hashtag allows her to find support, recipe benefit me?’” reality.” ideas, exercise program Howe reviews and inspiration. recommends seeking Howe prepares a meal in her kitchen, where she discusses Marika Tiggemann, a advice nalysa Howe professional the importance of living a balanced lifestyle. psychology professor at and working with Flinders University who a healthcare team studies eating disorders when experiencing advice from bloggers or influencers and Mia Zaccardo, a research disordered eating or signs and rather than visit a doctor, a dietician, assistant on the study, conducted an symptoms of orthorexia. or a therapist,” Howe said. “That analysis of the #fitspiration in their “Sometimes these ‘perfect’ eating can be very detrimental because article, “Strong is the New Skinny.” habits and bodies (that we see on most influencers are not healthcare Tiggemann and Zaccardo found social media) may invalidate the professionals.” that most images hashtagged with small changes people are making in Turner and Lefevre also warn #fitspiration only showed thin and their lives, may hinder weight loss that taking advice from Instagram toned bodies, which could have a journeys or fitness goals, and may users can potentially lead to dietary detrimental effect on a viewer’s body evoke the feeling that nothing will deficiencies. image. ever be enough,” Howe said. Howe acknowledges that Mihor makes a deliberate effort to Instagram has the potential to only follow accounts that make her motivate people and be a positive feel good about herself. influence for many social media users “I try to be very careful about what who are focused on their health goals. I expose myself to as far as content “It can be a good tool if used and what could be triggering for properly because there are a lot of me,” Mihor said. “It’s taken a lot accounts out there that have good, of therapy to be able to recognize accurate information,” Howe said. OSFED triggers and feelings.

“I

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Aromatherapy: A Natural Remedy

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FEATURE

A Beginner's Guide to Essential Oils Words & Photo Carolyn Lyons | Design Leslie Chavez Hollyn Peterson discovered that aromatherapy relief in a matter of hours. In a fast-paced world, changed her life when she started working at Bath & people seeking an immediate solution to pain and Body Works in June of 2018. Peterson, a freshman at discomfort may not wish to wait several days to find the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, experienced relief. the power of essential oils when they began to raise “I still trust common medicine and seeing doctors," her spirits and benefit her overall well-being. Peterson said, "But if there is a product that will natu“They help me to clear my mind and give me an rally help my body instead of popping a bunch of pills uplifting vibe,” Peterson said. “I put essential oils on with lots of side effects, I like that idea better.” my chest and the bottoms of my feet to help open up Essential oils can offer a wide range of results, so my airways to help me breathe better.” finding the right oil for your specific needs may take The fast-paced academic world can bring stress, time. For example, according to HealthyandNatuanxiety and hazardous physical and emotional ailralWorld.com, Ylang Ylang, roman chamomile and ments. Aromatherapy is growing in popularity and bergamot are used to treat depression. Chamomile, essential oils may alleviate in particular, can have a sedatmany symptoms and promote ing effect which may help with a healthy lifestyle. insomnia. This popular substance hen in doubt, put a little Aromatherapy uses natural can be found in teas, lotions and oils from flowers, bark, stems, hair and skin products. frank on it.” leaves, roots or other parts of There are also physical benefits a plant to enhance psychoto using oils. Oregano oil has logical and physical well-beantibacterial and antifungal propngela Martner ing. The use of essential oils erties. Using this oil may aide and aromatherapy offers a in digestion, get rid of parasites, wide range of benefits. Aromas include mugwort, paclear up acne and treat colds and other viruses. Tea tchouli, peppermint, cinnamon bark and many more. tree oil may also treat fungal infections, as well as cure Peterson uses clove, bud oil, lemon peel oil and dandruff, heal cuts quickly and treat nail infections, rosemary leaf oil. She has found that using these according to HealthyandNaturalWorld.com. products has given her therapeutic relief. Other Each type of oil has a specific fragrance ranging products that reduce stress and anxiety are valerian, from aromas like warm, spicy, fresh and citrus-like. lavender, basil, frankincense and vetiver. These scents Each aroma can promote a different reaction for each help lift your mood and put your mind at ease, acaromatherapy user. Some fragrances aide in sleep, cording to Dr. Axe, author of “Top 7 Essential Oils while others promote alertness and clarity. for Anxiety.” Angela Martner is an essential oil saleswoman. She Some customers return their aromatherapy prodintroduced natural remedies to her family and never ucts and claim they aren’t working. To practice looked back. Like Peterson, Martner finds oils to be aromatherapy, patience and mindfulness is a must if positive and impactful for her and the people closest a person wishes to experience all of the benefits that to her. essential oils may offer. “I got started with essential oils because I felt it was “With a lot of things, it takes a few days for the just one more added benefit for me and my family,” effects to fully start working,” Peterson said. Martner said. “I would like people to be more open Modern medicine offers products that bring quick minded to essential oils. A little bit of oil can go a

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long way.” Martner said people tend to gravitate towards frankincense, lavender and peppermint. Martner’s favorite oil is frankincense. She and her family even have a saying, “When in doubt, put a little frank on it,” Martner said. Martner believes that these products are the most popular because they help people relax, stay focused and get a restful sleep. When Martner’s husband got stung by a bee on his ear, he put a drop of lavender oil on the wound and the pain immediately went away. “I think a common misconception about essential oils is they don’t work,” Martner said. “The oils are very complex in their make-up. People have a hard time believing that just a few drops can have a positive effect on a person.” Kenya Romo, a 22-year old psychology major at Carroll University, uses aromatherapy to combat the hustle and bustle of college life. Romo began using natural remedies for her headaches after discovering that she was afraid of swallowing pills. “Essential oils are a part of my daily life,” Romo said. “I specifically like eucalyptus. Every morning I start with that and throughout the day I continue to use it. It’s the typical go-to thing for stress.” According to organicfacts.net, eucalyptus may relieve asthmatic symptoms, improve brain function and relieve muscle and joint pain. The substance can also be used as a room freshener, household cleaner, stain cleaner and a part of your skincare routine. Essential oils offer a broad range of benefits. Using these products alongside other natural remedies may alleviate different ailments and produce better results. “I believe that attacking a problem with only pressure points or essential oils does not bring considerable results,” Romo said. “But attacking a problem with many different natural methods can help mostly or permanently eliminate the problem.”

Essential Oil

Aroma

Anise

Licorice-like, spicy

Atlas Cedar

Sweet, woodsy

Balsam Fir

Pleasant, woodsy

Basil

Warm, spicy

Bergamot

Sweet, fruity

Camphor

Penetrating, medicinal

Cedarwood

Warm, woodsy, balsamic

Chamomile

Intense sweet, delightful

Cinnamon Bark

Warm, spicy

Cinnamon Cassia

Warm, spicy

Citronella

Pungent, musky, citrus-like

Clary Sage

Herbaceous, lavender-like

Clove

Warm, Pungent

Cypress

Sweet balsamic, warm overtones of pine/juniper

Eucalyptus

Strong aromatic, camphoraceous

Eucalyptus Radiata

Strong aromatic, camphoraceous

Frankincense

Mild camphor and citrus

Geranium

Subtly sweet, floral

Ginger

Spicy, warm

Grapefruit

Sweet, citrus

Essential oils not only promote a healthy lifestyle, but they smell good! Each oil has a unique aroma similar to the way each perfume has a different scent. Put a couple of drops in your shampoo, lotion or perfume and enjoy a natural fragrance throughout the day. Source: www.nowfoods.com

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FEATURE

Tragedy to Triumph:

How Social Media Started a Movement Words Lauren Johnson | Photo & Design Jessie Rowley

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Ryan Deitsch was a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Feb. 14, 2018, when a tragic shooting left 17 of his peers and teachers dead. As he waited in a cramped space packed with other terrified teens, he couldn’t stop thinking about his sister who was trapped in the same school as he was. “I was in a closet with about 19 other students for roughly three hours,” Deitsch said. “It was her birthday that day as she was on lockdown in the classroom adjacent to the one I was in. So, physically, all that separated us was a thin piece of drywall. Yet neither of us knew if the other was alive until later that evening when we were having pizza and cake.” Deitsch and his sister were two of the many students who escaped alive that day, but the trauma of that day still lives with them. Deitsch decided that he would not cower in fear and isolation after the terrible situation he survived. He decided enough was enough. He was going to fight back. “March for Our Lives was founded shortly after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School,” Deitsch explained. “A group of students (now known as Never Again MSD) came together on a living room floor after establishing that we had enough. This was not only a tragedy for us. This was a tragedy that continues to happen. It continued to ravage our nation and our schools. We decided that we were going to take a stand against this.” After the shooting, the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School were more than devastated and sad. They were angry, passionate and ready to ignite change nationwide. With the rise of social media, awareness of social and political issues have created a major impact on how fast you can reach an audience and conduct change. “When we saw ourselves on the nightly news, we were absolutely horrified – mortified,” Deitsch said. “From there we decided to take action. We decided to come together and put on the March for Our Lives after we gained traction through social media. We wanted to make sure that all of that traction and attention for the issue was being put towards something that would create actionable items.”

Never Again MSD organized March For Our Lives, a historic march in Washington, D.C., led by students advocating for stronger gun violence prevention measures. The march was organized in 38 days. Deitsch said that social media played a key role in their movement.

“You can reach a very wide

audience in a very short amount of time. You can build a very strong base around individual issues.”

-Ryan Deitsch “You can reach a very wide audience in a very short amount of time,” Deitsch said. “You can build a very strong base around individual issues. Social media spread awareness of any actions we were taking as well as helped further spread the press hits we were doing after announcing the march. The socials also played a very active role in fundraising before we were able to get our own website up.” Deitsch played a large role in planning for the march on the social media end and it paid off. Now he’s taking on his role in social media on a larger scale. “I’m now the acting head of the social media department (for March for Our Lives),” Deitsch said. “I run and manage all of the socials for a narrative that we make sure that we want to keep.” His job is much more than posting an occasional tweet or Instagram post to pique interest. It takes dedication to ensure that the movement remains relevant and doesn’t fade like many other internet trends. “My job typically entails managing social media posts to continue to spread news and information pertaining to the issues of civic participation, youth activism and gun violence,” Deitsch said. “That means having a team work around the clock to stay current and inform our supporters of stories relating to those issues.” Deitsch is well-equipped with the skills needed to run a successful social

media campaign. “We want to make sure that all the issues we’re fighting for stay relevant in the public eye,” Deitsch said. “I do that through my skills as a content creator, as a filmmaker, as a journalist and as somebody who is of the younger generation who is fairly tech savvy just by being born into this world.” Deitsch also claims that social media has leveled out the playing field and helped social and political reform become safer for protestors. “In the past, such as with the Civil Rights movement, if you ever wanted to demonstrate any of your power as a protester, you would very well have to be imprisoned,” Deitsch said. “You would be beaten, you would be bruised, battered and killed sometimes. Now, those things still do occur in the physical world, but we are able to transfer messages without that sort of danger.” Although the movement has been largely successful, Deitsch and his cofounders have faced challenges in their fight for reform. “(Social media) could potentially be used for any form of misinformation,” Deitsch said. “If that is the case, usually in the comments of such things. Usually if an organization is pushing for a reform like climate change for instance, if somebody is a climate change denier, they have equal ability to challenge them on that field. ”

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FEATURE Despite the ups and downs of navigating social media to propel their movement, Deitsch is happy and satisfied with the strides he and March for Our Lives have made using social media as a platform for their message. “My experience has been an absolute rollercoaster,” Deitsch said. “We have seen a lot of change happen across the country, whether it be locally or federally. The biggest takeaway is that there is hope out there. There is actual belief that things can get better. As long as we have that, we can make sure that things will get better.” While the March For Our Lives movement emerged, 1,551 miles away in Kimberly, Wisconsin, Kenny McGrath, a high school senior at the time, was inspired to make a difference in his community after the

Kenny McGrath was the organizer of the Kimberly High School walkout.

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Florida shooting. McGrath organized a walkout at his school on March 14, 2018, protesting gun violence and demanding reform. “This was towards the end of my senior year in high school,” McGrath said. “The (Parkland) shooting happened, and following that there was the social media push for the national school walkout. After hearing about that and not seeing anything done at my school, there was nobody talking about it, I just decided I better organize it myself.” McGrath said that he was inspired by the MSD students and what they were able to accomplish. He claims that he would not have known anything about their movement if it weren’t for social media. “That’s how I first heard about the movement, through social media,” McGrath said. “That’s also where I got resources. I was following some of the people that were involved (in March for Our Lives). They were just putting out a lot of information as to how it would happen.” McGrath followed prominent figures such as Emma Gonzalez, David Hogg and Cameron Kasky from the movement on their social media pages to gather more information on how to conduct his own school walkout and draw inspiration from them. “I got the resources from their personal pages, and there was a March for Our Lives website where they would have a guide as to how to start your own walkout,” McGrath said. McGrath claims the walkout at his school would not have been successful without the use of social media. “That was actually the main way that we spread the word,” McGrath said. “We knew that media would be a good way for it to become a more popular idea. So we actually developed an Instagram story. It was a sheet with the information about it. We wanted to make a statement. Everyone that was involved sent out the poster to everyone that they knew and everyone posted it at the same time. It was a really big thing because, all of the sudden, tons of people from our school all posted it.” With most students at his school connecting and preparing for the walkout on social media, they were able to organize an event that involved a

majority of the student body. “It was supposed to be a little bit dramatic, get people talking about it,” McGrath said. “I think that is the reason ours was pretty successful and why it spread is because it got attention right away and got people talking and interested about it.” Although the walkout was a success, McGrath faced adverse reactions both online and off. Some students felt that the shootings were a reaction to bullying within the school. Instead of a walk-out, they wanted to “walk up” to students who seemed lonely.

“It was supposed to be a little bit

dramatic, get people talking about it.”

-Kenny McGrath “(The response) was mixed for sure,” McGrath said. “There was also some backlash. There were people who thought it was dumb. (They thought) it would be a better idea to just be ‘nice.’” Despite some of a negative reactions that McGrath faced, the response to the walkout was overwhelmingly positive. “A lot of people shared about it as it took place and after it took place,” McGrath said. “The people who really cared wanted to spread the word and thank people for being involved and talk about how important it was after the fact. ” Deitsch leaves this advice to anyone looking to start their own social media movement. “You have to have a strong message,” Deitsch said. “Whatever you’re passionate about, whatever you truly believe in, you have that message stick strong. You have to make sure you aren’t running things through direct hate, because hate does not fuel sustainable change. It can light a fire but the fire could get out of control. Always stick to your principles, know what your values are.”

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Spring 2019 | Arches

Creative works provides a place for students to showcase their work. We accept all types of artwork, photography, poetry and flash fiction. For full submission guidelines, visit archesnews.com. Design | Justice Bell

Untitled Years have gone by like clockwork and you’re still gone. I keep going back to memories in my mind asking where it all went wrong. Was it all those promises you made, now broken. Or the deplorable rants of anger you would take out on your children. I’m still healing, from the scars you’ve marked on me. The invisible ones that only the damaged can see. You call yourself a father and make sure to hashtag it dad's life. But do you even know what that means? It means you don’t pick which children you get to be a father to. Put your sons first and say screw your daughters, like we don’t need you? Even though I’m grown, I still want my dad. So seeing you post first day of school pics of my brothers makes me really mad. Some days, I think I hate you, but then I start to think. Of all the things I’m blessed with and that you will always stink. Let’s see I have a loving mom, who works her butt off to the point where she is sore. A goofy little sister, who I know deserves so much more. Grandparents who took your spot and fill it quite well. They are the ones who get to witness me making a life for myself. Listen no matter what I say can change what has happened. But at least you’ll know the pain I’ve felt since I was six or seven. Now I don’t want a fake “I’m sorry” or any other garbage you might spew. All I want is for you to look at me and know, I did it all without you.

Aryanna Harris Art Therapy Major - Freshman “An art therapy degree would allow me to work with children with disabilities like myself. I also want to make my mom proud because she means everything to me.”

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A Canvas of Love I had never known love until I spoke your name. You infused my soul with being and made my heart beat for the very first time. Our union is in essence what fairytales are made of Pixie dust and forever afters. I skywrite murals of love for you. You are my muse.

A masterpiece is created every time you smile. The world pauses just to witness your beauty. I hear the choir of the Most High when you speak. See love illuminating from your skin. Your kiss is the most delicate confectionary treat. Your feather soft touch caresses my soul as I inhale the thick, nectarous elixir that is you. And I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but see the truth our love is eternal. A canvas on the walls of devotion. A beacon in darkness. Cornfields blazing in the night. We burn all we touch, we are fire. Passion incarnate. Never thought our inferno could be quenched. Disappear to never burn again. The dirty laundry of despair and deceit was evident in our work. Instead of blazing love, it was ice cold hurt. But I digress, the night grows weary. Remembering this story makes me feel so old. The waves of my pain swallowed him whole and spit out the bones. I died a thousand times. The universe multiplied. But echoes of you remain. Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget how with you I seized the day. And burned the night. I gobbled up love. I regurgitated your lies. I screamed. I suffered, But memories of you I can never escape. And I will never be the same.

Genita Walker Art Therapy Major - Junior Walker is a poet, a writer, a mixed media artist and a mom. She utilizes her art to entertain, inspire and empower people, especially women. Walker believes that art is the imagination of the soul.

Spring 2019 | Arches

CREATIVE WORKS

“Roosty the Rooster” [Functional Teapot] Medium: 3 Layers Gloss Glaze (Cone 6) on Fired Stoneware Clay Dimensions: 8”L x 4”W x 6”H

ABOUT THE PIECE “The purpose of this project was to create a functioning teapot. I took this project one step further and incorporated the anatomy of chicken/ rooster. I wanted to challenge myself with the texture of the feathers and enhance the facial expressions of the rooster.”

Aisha Ullius

Art Education & Art Therapy - Senior

Aisha Ullius strives to bring the therapeutic component of art into our school systems.

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“Turtle Afghan”

Medium: Crafter’s Secret & Red Heart Yarn Dimensions: 95”L x 60”W

ABOUT THE PIECE “Taking an abstract approach to turtles, this original work acts as a giant decorative throw blanket. A variety of stitches are demonstrated and my own designed mandala crochet patterns.”

Spring 2019 | Arches

IS THE SAFETY

PERSPECTIVES

ON?

Words Aislinn Strusz | Photo & Design Denisse Hernandez & Jessie Rowley

Archesnews.com

I was lying in bed in the early afternoon of Feb. 15 looking through my friends’ stories on Snapchat. I landed on a story from my cousin, Patrick. He posted a video that showed that the high school I went to, West Aurora in Illinois, was in a hard lockdown. I brushed it off thinking it was false alarm, like they always had. Then I tapped on the next Snapchat story. It was a screenshot from the Aurora Police Department that read, “Active Shooter!” My mind immediately went to my cousin, who would’ve been in the school at the time. I raced to Facebook to read the article for myself. I learned Know where publicthat safety theisshooting wasn’t at my old high school – it was about a three-minute drive down the street. I was happy to know that Patrick was safe, and I didn’t have to drive down there that second. I breathed a sigh of relief when I learned Register for that everybody else was safe, including my former teacher Rave alerts and my other friends that went to that school. At 1:24 p.m., 9-1-1 calls began flooding in about gunshots being fired at the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora. Officers arrived just minutes later, but even with Be careful at being night there, innocent lives were still taken. Five them people died that day, and five officers were injured in the gunfire. The gunman died in the line of fire. Henry Pratt Company is only a 7-minute drive from my Lockinyour stuff Iup home Aurora. used to drive past it every day on my way to school. Who would’ve thought that about a year later, five people would die in that building and five officers would be injured? It got me thinking: What would Mount Mary University do if there was ever an active shooter near Avoid or oversharing even on school grounds? on social Asmedia a freshman, I haven’t experienced some things that my peers have. I’ve heard stories from friends about not feeling safe in the parking lot due to low lighting and about how theKnow windows in Notre where the Dame hall don’t close all the way. I’ve fire exits are about random people who don’t belong even heard stories in the school roaming around campus. I don’t think I’m the only one who sits in class and sometimes thinks about hypothetical scenarios, such as if there was a shooter on campus, I’d be the one to save my Knowclass howand to the school by taking them down. Now with a defendshooting yourself near my old school, that hypothetical situation is much closer to home. I believe we need more security at Mount Mary. Sure, we have security cameras everywhere that are monitored by Check public safetyinatwith all times, but I think we need more locked family and friends doors and specific alarms for different events, like breakins. I also think that the faculty and staff at Mount Mary need to participate in active shooter training. To be specific, they need to be in a situation where they can act out what they would do if there was an active shooter on campus. Be careful when I’ve spent almost an entire school year at Mount Mary and drinking I have not been in a single soft or hard lockdown drill. Do the students here even know how to prepare for a shooting on campus if it ever were to happen? Adrianna a junior at Mount Mary who is Check yourNester, car and park in justice a safe place studying with a minor in psychology, said she would not know what to do in the event of a school shooting. “There is no information at Mount Mary to tell us what

10 Ways to Be Safe on Campus

Survey: How College Students Perceive Safety on Campus

28%

23% Percentage who believe their school is “extremely safe”

10:00

Which Safety Measures Do Schools Use?

91%

General Alert Notifications

64%

Safe Walk/Ride Options

31% Percentage of schools that provide a campus safety app

Percentage of students who would call campus safety in an emergency

41%

Lockdown or Evacuation Drills

85%

Regular Patrols by Campus Police

64%

Blue Emergency Phones

31%

School-Provided Safety App

Source: https://www.ravemobilesafety.com/

Spring 2019 | Arches

PERSPECTIVES to do,” Nester said. Her roommate, Hannah Rose, a junior studying occupational therapy, said she has not been trained to know what to do if there were a school shooter. The only thing she has experienced in her three years at Mount Mary are several fire drills. “I don’t even know what to do if there was a tornado,” Rose said. In high school, students typically have several different drills: fire, tornado, even hard and soft lockdowns. At Mount Mary, we’ve only done a couple fire drills and that’s it. It’s important for students to know what they would do in any given situation, but we never talk about it. There are signs next to some doors that tell us what to do, but let’s be honest, how many of us actually read them? In 2018, South Carolina State University conducted a drill for an active shooter scenario. They wanted to see how their students would react in that situation. They also wanted to test their mass communication to students so if there ever was a school shooting, they would be prepared. Along with this, teachers receive active shooter training at least twice a year. That is something that Mount Mary can do. It would really benefit us because we don’t have any active shooter training at school. It’s a sad reality that we have to train for something like this, but gun control is far from being solved, so it has to happen. My parents are constantly asking about my safety. I remind them that I lock my door and I am aware of my surroundings when I’m walking to my car at night. One thing I always tell them is that I have public safety on campus, too. But how accessible are they? One Sunday night, I needed a package from the mailroom. I went to public safety because I knew they could get it for me. When I went, the door was locked. There was a little sign that said “Temporarily Closed.” What would happen if I were to have an emergency? If they had to make a run somewhere, why

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10:00

Wednesday, May 8 Messages

Now

Public Safety Mount Mary is experiencing an emergency situation. Stay where you are and lock your door until further instructions. This is not a test.

wouldn’t someone cover the desk? Like I said, I only needed a package, so it wasn’t the end of the world, but what if it were an emergency for someone else? Although no one was there, there is a number posted on the door that you can call if you have an emergency of any kind. “One of us always has the phone,” said Tony Lemke, public safety officer of 10 years. Public safety also has a roaming officer who drives around the parking lot to make sure everything is okay. In the scenario that there is an active shooter on campus, a Rave Alert (a message that you would get via text and email in case of an emergency) would be sent out that would provide information about where the shooter is on campus and tell students to lock the doors in the rooms they are in and stay put. The authorities would already be on their way. “It would also take over the computer screen,” Lemke said. “Any computer screen that is active at that time.” Ron Hayes, a public safety officer at

Mount Mary for eight years, said that although public safety officers don’t undergo any type of training for active shooter situations, they do have a background that helps them. “Most of us are retired cops, so we’re used to dealing with that type of situation,” Hayes said. “But we’d handle it a little bit differently since we aren’t armed.” Hayes admits that they wouldn’t confront the active shooter, since they don’t have weapons. “That would just be kind of foolish,” Hayes said. The man who fired a gun at Henry Pratt Company will always be known for ruining the reputation of my hometown. One shooting goes down and it’s labelled as “unsafe.” Aurora will always be my town and I will say it proudly if anyone asks. The things that happen in it will never make me ashamed. Five lives were lost that day. They went into work that day thinking they would be leaving in their cars, but they left in body bags. As I am putting the final touches on this story, yet another campus has experienced a shooting. We can never be too prepared, and students at North Carolina University have now experienced that. On April 30, there was a shooting on their campus that resulted in two dead and four people injured. The school issued an alert that warned the students to stay in a safe place and put the whole school in a lockdown. All it takes is a few minutes to have a drill to ensure all students have an understanding of what they would do in a situation like this, yet we haven’t done it. We need to have more precautions in order for everyone to be safe. Who’s to say Mount Mary isn’t the next university to make headlines because an active shooter took innocent lives on campus? We need to know what to do if there ever is a situation where our lives could be in danger, not just when there’s a fire on campus. We need more drills to ensure that this can happen. Our safety should never be a question. If you are a Mount Mary student and need to contact public safety, call 414-930-3333. On My Mount Mary, go to campus life and scroll down. On the left side of the page, you will find the public safety numbers and more information on your safety. Not sure if you should call public safety or 9-1-1? If you are in a life or death situation, such as you’re bleeding excessively or there is someone in your room who shouldn’t be, call 9-1-1. If you have a minor injury or need assistance with something such as a broken valve in your dorm, call public safety.

10 Ways to Be Safe on Campus

Know where public safety is

b i

Be careful at night

Lock your stuff up

Avoid oversharing on social media

Know where the fire exits are

Know how to defend yourself

10:00

Check in with family and friends

Be careful when drinking

Check your car and park in a safe place Source: https://www.injurylawyers.com

Spring 2019 | Arches

PERSPECTIVES

mĕth·yl·fō·lāte: a supplement that treats or prevents low folate levels

‘How this vitamin changed my life’ Words & Design Brandi Kehl My panic attacks began weeks after I had a miscarriage in March 2018. For those lucky enough to have never experienced one, a panic attack is like looking down the barrel of a gun and knowing the trigger WILL be pulled at any time. They begin with a rush of sheer terror. A wave of heat travels through my body and I can feel my face reddening. My fingers, hands and temples begin to perspire. I begin breathing quickly, yet find myself frozen, keen to any change in my body’s functions. My heart begins palpitating, and I know I’m having a heart attack. During my first panic attack, I drove to urgent care, a poor choice considering I felt I was going to pass out, and I rushed to the front desk in tears. I slowed my breathing, but I could not calm down. I wanted to calm down. Why couldn’t I calm down? After a thorough checkup, sedation and an EKG, I took an Uber home with the diagnosis of a panic attack. I ended up in an emergency room almost a dozen times that summer, convinced I was dying. I didn’t want to be dying. I wanted to believe the doctors, but they were simply wrong. I was also embarrassed. Why couldn’t I calm myself ? The fear of having a panic attack in public began to consume me. I barely left the

house. After many embarrassing ER visits, I decided to experiment on myself and find out if the doctors were right or wrong. I decided that for the next attack, as I was sure to have one, I would know if it was truly panic because Xanax would work. If it was a heart attack, Xanax wouldn’t stop it. Twenty minutes and a Xanax after an attack, I was fine. No chest pain. No palpitations. No sweating. No panic. No emergency room. The doctors were right. My symptoms were psychosomatic, meaning my brain was causing them, not a sickness.

Overall, I felt like something was wrong and

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my body was trying to warn me.

My doctor had prescribed me several medications for depression and anxiety over that summer, but I seemed to have strong reactions to them. I found it strange, as I have taken antidepressants before and didn’t have such reactions. I tried breathing techniques and meditations. I tried going for walks. They worked a little, because I could now reassure myself that it wasn’t my heart;

however, the attacks still kept coming. I felt like something was wrong and my body was trying to warn me. Frustrated with being unable to find a medication that worked, my psychiatrist suggested I take a DNA test to find out which medications would work with my body. The results came back, and something peculiar was noted on the report. The folic acid levels in my body were extremely high, but the folate levels in my body were depleted. It turned out I have the MTHFR gene mutation. Can you imagine my nickname for this gene? It means that my body cannot convert homocysteine, an amino acid found in foods and prenatal vitamins, into folate for my body to use. Because I had taken so many prenatal vitamins, all that folic acid had built up in my body, and yet I was simultaneously deprived of folate. Folate is a very important B-vitamin. It is used to make DNA and other genetic material. It helps cells to divide. My psychiatrist started me on 15 mg of L-Methylfolate, and after a couple of months, the panic attacks vanished. By the end of the fall semester, I didn’t even need Xanax anymore, and I felt better than I had felt in years. I began reflecting on my lost summer.

Stuck medic to live and th angry mysel also a docto do thi down Not with t helped consta didn’t Perha sympt I was attack were f We this o began Dr. in cell naturo of Wa respec is an e Lynch of Ita 15 pe mutat 20 pe The issues site ab have s cance depre pre-ec syndr Thi mutat or a w these but th betwe Furth I as should the ch

Stuck inside my home, sick from the medications, panicking daily, was no way to live. I was angry that this had happened and that my summer was gone. I was angry at myself for not being able to “will” myself out of having panic attacks. I was also angry at myself for not believing the doctors at first. I felt guilty that I couldn’t do things with my husband, like visit downtown. Not only did L-Methylfolate help with the panic attacks, but it significantly helped with my severe depression and constant ups-and-downs. Perhaps this didn’t start with the miscarriage, after all. Perhaps the miscarriage exasperated my symptoms because of all the folic acid I was consuming. After all, I had panic attacks before. They weren’t as severe and were fairly rare, but they were there. Were all my mental issues a symptom of this one gene mutation? I had to find out. I began researching the MTHFR gene. Dr. Ben Lynch, who has degrees in cell and molecular biology and naturopathic medicine from the University of Washington and Bastyr University respectively, and author of “Dirty Genes,” is an expert on the subject. According to Lynch, 25 percent of Chinese, 25 percent of Italians, 15 percent of Japanese, and 15 percent of Hispanics have this gene mutation. The average person has about a 20 percent chance of having the mutation. The gene mutation can cause several issues, according to SNPedia, a wiki site about human genetics. Studies have shown links between autism, some cancers, coronary artery disease, dementia, depression, migraines, neural tube defects, pre-eclampsia, schizophrenia and down syndrome with the mutation. This does not mean that having the mutation will cause these issues to a person or a woman’s baby, nor does it mean that these issues are solely due to this mutation, but there seems to be a strong correlation between these issues and the mutation. Further studies are needed. I asked Lynch if this is something that should be regularly tested for, considering the chances any one person could have it.

“Personally, yes,” Lynch said. “I want to know where my susceptibilities are and once I know, I want to know how I can support them. Not everyone wants to know.” While I got my DNA test done at my psychiatrist’s office, other DNA tests, such as 23AndMe, also test for this mutation. Lynch said that while supplements can help, there are many other factors to consider. “This has to do with lifestyle, diet, and the environment … it appears that (the) Chinese and Hispanics should be supplementing their diet with l-methylfolate, but the Italians appear to not need it,” Lynch said. This is because Italians and those in the Mediterranean generally have a very healthy diet, which includes a primarily plant-based diet, legumes, nuts and fish. While there are no real differences between prescription and over-the-counter methylfolate, there is a slight difference with the inactive ingredients. Lynch said that some supplements have fewer inactive ingredients than others. I’ve been taking the prescription version of l-methylfolate for four months now. When I asked my best friend, Lucas Long, if he’s noticed a difference in me, he said, “Yes, there was definitely a reduction in panic attacks and anxiety. We can do fun things again!” My husband, Robert Kehl, agreed, “No more panic attacks, reduced from daily panic attacks.” I still have anxiety and I still have depression at times, but they are on a much smaller scale and are much more manageable than they ever were. My symptoms have slowly been getting stronger, so I may have to consider a supplemental medication for anxiety. Nothing, after all, is a perfect cure. However, I haven’t had any panic attacks, and that is a win in my book. If you or someone you know suspects that they might have this gene mutation, get tested. It changed my life. I hope it changes yours, too.

The MTHFR mutation has been linked to the following: • Autism • Some cancers • Coronary artery disease • Dementia • Depression • Migraines • Neural tube defects • Pre-eclampsia • Schizophrenia • Down syndrome Source: SNPedia

What folic acid does 1. Helps make red blood cells 2. Synthesizes and repairs DNA/RNA 3. Aids rapid cell division/ growth 4. Enhances brain health 5. Prevents fetus from developing deformities of brain/spine Source: Medical News Today

Spring 2019 | Arches

PERSPECTIVES

Growing Pains:

A Hopeful Way to View Change Words Julia Wachuta | Design Leslie Chavez If you’re someone like me who despises the way that life is constantly changing from one day to the next, I have upsetting news for you: it’s unavoidable. It’s hard to come to terms with the fact that people will leave, loved ones will pass away and the places you call home will come and go. It hurts to find yourself alone in a place you barely recognize. During the past four and a half years, I’ve had more than my share of change. Two of my grandparents passed away, and the other two moved into an assisted living complex and are struggling with Alzheimer’s and dementia. It felt like I also lost a home. I lost the house where I ate casseroles, fruit salads, pork chops and holiday meals. I lost the house where I wrote short stories and scribbled illustrations with half-functional markers. I lost the house where my grandpa and I generated electricity from grapefruits and made a kazoo out of a comb and wax paper. I lost the yard where I jumped in leaf piles, swung on the swings my grandparents tied to the big tree and played in the playhouse that my grandpa built himself. It’s all so hard to think about without breaking into tears. When my other pair of grandparents passed away, my dad sold the first house I ever knew and permanently moved into what used to be my grandpa’s house. He kept some of the furniture from when my grandma lived there for a short while after my grandpa’s passing. I remember her as I sit on my grandma’s soft brown couch, and as I look around the room at her furniture that is now my bedroom furniture. I somehow feel her presence within the walls, like the ghost of a memory. She lived in that house for years when my dad and uncles

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were still young. I miss the house I grew up in. I miss riding my bike around the basement and sleeping in front of the fireplace in winter. I guess all there is to do now that it’s gone is to try to move on. Transitioning into college life was a struggle for me as well. Homesickness flooded my chest the first night I slept on campus and I ended up sobbing as soon as my head touched the pillow. Mount Mary wasn’t home to me, then. More recently, school has become one of my multiple homes, and I’m going to miss it deeply when I graduate a year from now. I like to sit outside on the benches by the peace pole on campus and look around me. “It won’t be long until you won’t be sitting here anymore,” I tell myself, and my chest feels tight again. Aside from losing physical homes, it’s straining on the heart and mind to lose close relationships. All in the same week in the beginning of this semester, I lost several friendships, including my boyfriend of three years. What do you do when you lose the people that were a part of your daily life? A part of your definition of home? I’m not going to forget the past. It was a part of the stuff that built me. It’s a part of my identity and my life journey. The biggest thing that one can do to fight the negative effects is realize that change is an opportunity to grow. When someone passes away or is going through a tough time, it is a chance to grow your faith. I talk to God or the universe or whatever is out there and find comfort in the hope that things will get better and the feeling that someone is watching out for me and my loved ones. My heart was

overwhelmed with hope as I sat on a bench outside Mount Mary at night a couple weeks ago, earphones in, listening to songs from the Christian radio station K-LOVE and staring at the stars in a clear sky. When I need to exchange one home for another, it is an opportunity to share with others. I tell myself that it is time to share that home with somebody else and that a new place with new memories is about to be shared with me. I hope the families that live in the houses I lost will enjoy them as much as I did. It still makes me sad to picture new people laughing and living in a place that was formerly mine, but I smile when I think about how it connects a group of strangers. When people leave, I understand that their path is different from my own and it is time to find new friends to enjoy life with. I have come to appreciate the people in my life a lot more, now that I have experienced different kinds of loss. I value every minute spent with my friends and try to spend more time with them. The thing about change is that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop it. Sometimes it hurts. It can be the weapon that cuts your last thread of strength. But even the worst of wounds will eventually lessen, and often the worst of situations contain a shred of light. The best thing you can do is accept that change will come, and when it does, get ready to build a home with the cards youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re dealt.

Spring 2019 | Arches

#GrowingPains

#Natural

#MMUAlumna

#Movement

#Aromatherapy

#MarchForOurLives

#ExpressYourself

#DigitalDetox

#IsTheSafetyOn

#Creative Works

#GoWithTheFlow #MTHFR

#CampusLife

#HulaHoopDance

#Liberal Arts

#ORTHOREXIA

#Methylfolate

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